Living In Airports: An Unconventional Home For Some

Living in an airport has been a topic of fascination for many, with some even attempting to do so. While it may seem like an impractical idea, there are those who have made airports their temporary or permanent homes. The reasons for doing so vary, but often include visa issues, asylum-seeking, and even personal preference. The experience of living in an airport can range from a few days to several years, with some individuals finding creative ways to access airport amenities and avoid detection. Additionally, there are residential areas located near airports, which offer varying levels of convenience and challenges for homeowners.

People who have lived in airports

While it may seem like a plot straight out of a movie, there have been several instances of people living in airports for extended periods of time, ranging from weeks to several years. Here are some notable cases of people who have lived in airports:

Mehran Karimi Nasseri

Nicknamed 'Sir Alfred', Mehran Karimi Nasseri is perhaps one of the most well-known individuals to have lived in an airport. Nasseri, an Iranian refugee, lived in the departure lounge of Terminal 1 at Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport from 1988 to 2006, inspiring the movie 'The Terminal'. He arrived at the airport without proper documentation, finding himself trapped. He couldn't board a plane without a passport, and leaving the airport to enter France would result in his arrest for lacking identification. During his time at the airport, Nasseri established a daily routine, shaving and washing each morning, buying breakfast, reading newspapers, and writing in his journal. He even received an honorary knighthood when the British Embassy in Brussels addressed him as "Dear Sir, Alfred" in a letter. Nasseri eventually left the airport in 2006 due to health issues and passed away in November 2022.

Edward Snowden

Edward Snowden, the NSA leaker, spent over a month living in Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow, Russia, in 2013. Snowden's passport was revoked while he was on a flight to Moscow, and he was granted temporary asylum in Russia before receiving Russian citizenship.

Sanjay Shah

Sanjay Shah travelled to England in 2004 on a British overseas citizen passport. However, immigration officials refused him entry as it was clear he intended to immigrate to England, not just stay for a few months as his passport allowed. Shah feared leaving the airport as he had already surrendered his Kenyan citizenship. He lived in the airport for just over a year until British officials granted him full citizenship.

Roman Trofimov

During the COVID-19 pandemic, an Estonian named Roman Trofimov was stranded at Manila International Airport in the Philippines for over 100 days. He arrived when Philippine authorities had stopped issuing entry visas to limit the spread of the virus. Trofimov was finally able to return home thanks to a seat on a repatriation flight secured by Estonian embassy personnel.

Aditya Singh

Aditya Singh spent three months living in Chicago's O'Hare International Airport in 2020-2021, staying in the secure side of the airport, relying on strangers for food, sleeping in the terminals, and using the bathroom facilities. He was discovered when an airport employee asked to see his ID.

Living in an airport may seem like an intriguing idea, but it often stems from unfortunate circumstances, such as visa issues, homelessness, or being stuck in transit. While airports provide basic amenities like food, water, bathrooms, and shelter, they are not ideal places for long-term residence.

Reasons for living in an airport

While it is uncommon to live in an airport, there are several reasons why one might choose to do so. Here are some possible reasons for living in an airport:

• Protesting: Some people may choose to live in an airport as a form of protest. For example, a person at the Narita International Airport in Japan protested after being refused re-entry into China.
• Asylum Seeking: Individuals or families fleeing persecution, civil wars, or political issues may seek asylum by residing in an airport until their claims are processed or a solution is found.
• Visa and Passport Issues: People who have difficulties with their visas or passports may be stranded in an airport until their issues are resolved. This was the case for Mehran Karimi Nasseri, an Iranian refugee who lived in the Charles de Gaulle Airport in France for over 17 years due to issues with his documents.
• Convenience and Travel: For frequent travellers, living near an airport can be advantageous due to the ease of travel it provides. The convenience of quick access to the airport and the potential savings on transportation costs can be appealing.
• Employment: In some cases, individuals may choose to live in an airport due to their employment. Aviation technicians, maintenance personnel, or airport staff may find it convenient to have living quarters within the airport premises.
• Financial Constraints: In rare cases, individuals who are unable to afford housing may resort to living in an airport temporarily. This could be due to homelessness, financial difficulties, or unexpected delays during their travel.

It is important to note that living in an airport is not a feasible long-term solution and often comes with challenges related to security, basic needs, and legal restrictions.

The film 'The Terminal'

The 2004 film The Terminal, directed by Steven Spielberg, is about an Eastern European man, Viktor Navorski (Tom Hanks), who finds himself stranded in New York's John F. Kennedy Airport when he is denied entry to the United States. Viktor's passport is rendered invalid due to a coup d'état in his home country of Krakozhia, and he is unable to return home.

Viktor is instructed to stay in the transit lounge by the Acting Field Commissioner of the airport, Frank Dixon (Stanley Tucci), but Dixon becomes obsessed with making Viktor someone else's problem. Viktor finds a gate under renovation and makes it his home, befriending a janitor, a baggage handler, and an immigration officer. He also begins a relationship with Amelia (Catherine Zeta-Jones), a flight attendant.

Viktor's situation becomes more complicated when he helps a man from a neighbouring country to Krakozhia circumvent a paperwork issue to bring medicine to his dying father. This incident incenses Dixon, who threatens Viktor and tells him he will never be allowed into the United States. However, Viktor becomes a legend among the terminal employees for his actions.

Eventually, Viktor learns that the war in Krakozhia has ended, and he is given a one-day emergency visa to enter the United States. However, Dixon, determined to deport him, threatens to prosecute Viktor's friends at the airport for their illegal activities. Viktor agrees to return home, but his friends intervene, and he is finally able to leave the airport and fulfil his dream.

The Terminal was inspired by the true story of Mehran Karimi Nasseri, who lived in Terminal 1 of Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, France, from 1988 to 2006. Nasseri, an Iranian refugee, was denied entry to England and France and remained in the terminal as a stateless person.

Problems with living in an airport

While it is possible for people to live in an airport, there are several problems with doing so. Here are some of the main issues:

Security

Airports are high-security areas with extensive monitoring. Anyone attempting to live in an airport would likely be noticed by security staff, especially if they are sleeping on chairs or loitering for extended periods. This could lead to questions, suspicion, and potential removal from the airport.

Access to Facilities and Services

Some stores and lounges within airport terminals require a valid boarding pass for entry or to make purchases. Without a valid boarding pass or other necessary documentation, accessing essential facilities and services, such as showers or food, could be challenging.

Check-in and Baggage Records

If a person checked in for a flight or checked baggage, there would be records of their intended travel. Missing the flight or not claiming baggage could raise red flags, and the authorities might be alerted to investigate.

Health Concerns

Living in an airport could pose potential health risks due to air pollution from aircraft exhaust. Ultrafine particles from heated fuel emissions can enter the lungs and bloodstream, affecting individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema. Prolonged exposure to airport pollution may have adverse health consequences.

Noise Pollution

Airports are often associated with high levels of noise pollution from aircraft taking off and landing. This noise can be disruptive and impact the quality of life for those residing nearby or within the airport.

Limited Privacy and Personal Space

Airports are busy, public spaces with a constant flow of travellers and staff. Living in such an environment would provide little privacy or personal space. Finding a quiet and secluded area to rest or store personal belongings could be challenging.

In conclusion, while living in an airport may be possible for a short period, especially for those with infinite financial resources, it is not a sustainable or advisable long-term living arrangement due to the various problems and challenges that would need to be addressed.

Pros and cons of living near an airport

Pros of Living Near an Airport

• Fewer traffic congestions: Airports are usually linked to cities by freeways, which benefits commuters living in surrounding areas by providing signal-free corridors.
• Affordability: Housing societies near airports are often located on the outskirts of cities, where real estate value is lower than in urban centres.
• Profitable returns on investments: Airports attract the retail and commercial sectors, resulting in escalated infrastructure development in surrounding areas, positively impacting real estate worth.
• Quick exit for emergency situations: Living close to the airport can be beneficial in case of a quick exit during an emergency situation, such as a natural disaster.
• Employment opportunities: A recent MIT study shows that half of the Fortune 500 company headquarters are within 10 miles of a major airport. Airports also offer a wide range of job opportunities themselves, from pilots to ground staff.
• Connectivity and travel convenience: Living near an airport provides easy access to multiple transportation options, such as rental cars, public transportation, and ridesharing services. It can also save time and money on airport transfers.
• Amenities: Airports are often surrounded by amenities such as hotels, restaurants, and shopping centres, providing convenient access to these facilities.

Cons of Living Near an Airport

• Noise pollution: Aircraft noise can be a great nuisance, especially when it disrupts sleep patterns, potentially leading to insomnia and other adverse health consequences.
• Air pollution: Exposure to harmful gases emitted by aircraft can cause various breathing problems.
• Health issues: Living near an airport can impact public health, causing headaches, stress, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and even cardiovascular problems.
• Unpleasant odours: Airplane fuel combustion can result in unpleasant odours that can cause headaches and discomfort.
• High cost of living: The convenience of living near an airport can lead to higher costs for housing and goods due to increased demand.
• Traffic congestion: While airports generally have well-organized traffic lanes, the surrounding areas can still experience heavy traffic, especially during peak travel times.
• Property values: While property values near airports have been rising due to investor demand and buyer convenience, noise and other adverse factors may hurt property values over time.

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