Ruth Haines
The world's first airport was built in 1905 in Vancouver, Washington, USA. Known as Pearson Field Airport, it served as a docking station for airships until 1911. College Park Airport (KCGS) in Maryland, established in 1909, is the oldest airport still in operation. The first airport to operate scheduled international commercial services was Hounslow Heath Aerodrome in London, England, which opened in 1919.
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What You'll Learn
The world's first airport was built in 1905
While Pearson Field Airport was constructed in 1905, it is worth noting that the term "airport" itself was not commonly used until 1919. In fact, the first use of the word "airport" was in a newspaper article that year, referring to Atlantic City, New Jersey's Bader Field.
Despite being the first airport built, Pearson Field Airport is not often recognised as the world's first. This is partly because, until 1911, it primarily served airships rather than planes. Additionally, the airport has undergone significant changes over the years, including a renaming to Wold-Chamberlain Field in 1923, which may contribute to its lesser-known status as the inaugural airport.
Constructed just four years after Pearson Field Airport, in 1909, College Park Airport (KCGS) in Maryland is widely considered the oldest operational airport in the world. This airport holds a significant place in aviation history, as it was where Wilbur Wright, the eldest of the Wright brothers, arrived to initiate aviation training for two US Army officers. College Park Airport continues to be a vital gateway airport between Washington, DC, and Prince George's County.
In conclusion, while the world's first airport was technically built in 1905 with Pearson Field Airport, the term "airport" was not yet in common use. College Park Airport, established in 1909, is often recognised as the oldest operational airport, playing a pivotal role in the history of aviation and remaining a vital transportation hub today.
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College Park Airport, Maryland is the oldest operational airport
The College Park Airport (IATA: CGS, ICAO: KCGS, FAA LID: CGS) in Maryland is the oldest operational airport in the world. It was established in August 1909 by the United States Army Signal Corps to serve as a training location for Wilbur Wright, the eldest of the Wright brothers, to instruct two military officers, Lieutenants Frederic Humphreys and Frank Lahm, to fly in the government's first aeroplane.
The airport is located in the city of College Park, Maryland, United States, and currently serves as one of the gateway airports between Washington, D.C., and Prince George's County. It is popularly known as the "cradle of aviation" and has been the site of many significant aviation firsts. The airport was acquired by the Maryland-National Capitol Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) in 1973 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
The College Park Airport is also home to a small museum, which was established in 1981 and now draws 400-500 visitors on a weekend. The museum houses antique and reproduction aircraft associated with the history of the airport, including a replica of the original 1909 College Park Airport hangar, as well as a main hangar with aircraft and exhibits on display. The College Park Aviation Museum offers rotating exhibits, special events, lectures, workshops, and programs for the public, schools, and groups.
Since the 9/11 attacks, the operations of the airport have been severely restricted by the Transportation Security Administration due to its proximity to the national capital. However, civilian pilots are still permitted to use the airport after undergoing a one-time background check procedure.
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Paris-Le Bourget Airport, France is the oldest airport outside the US
The first airport was built in 1905 in Vancouver, Washington, US. Known as Pearson Field airport, it was used as a docking station for airships until 1911 when it witnessed the first airplane flight. However, the title of the first 'real' airport goes to College Park Airport in Maryland, US, which was built in 1909 and is still in operation today.
Outside of the US, Paris-Le Bourget Airport in France is the oldest airport. It began commercial operations in 1919, and until the construction of Orly Airport in 1932, it was the only airport in Paris. Paris-Le Bourget Airport underwent a major extension in 1937 in preparation for the World Fair in Paris and has been dedicated to business air traffic since then.
Paris-Le Bourget Airport was one of the earliest military airfields to add civil facilities for handling passenger traffic. The airport is located in the commune of Le Bourget, about 7km north of Paris. It is touted as the oldest airport in France and has witnessed several historical events in aviation.
The airport has been a part of many firsts in aviation. For instance, the first female to fly as a passenger in the United States was Mrs Ralph Henry Van Deman, who was flown by Wilbur Wright from College Park Airport in 1909. The airport has also witnessed the first controlled helicopter flight, the first night landing, and other notable flying firsts.
College Park Airport has played a significant role in the history of aviation in the United States. It is recognised on the American Register of Historic Places and is a fully functional airport. The airport is also home to the College Park Aviation Museum, which showcases the history of the airport and displays antique and reproduction aircraft.
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Amsterdam Airport, The Netherlands is one of the oldest in Europe
The first airport in the world was built in 1905 in Vancouver, Washington State, USA. Known as Pearson Field Airport, it was used as a docking station for airships until 1911. However, the first 'real' airport—College Park Airport in Maryland—wasn't built until 1909. It is still in operation today.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) in the Netherlands is one of the oldest airports in Europe. It was launched in 1916 as a military aviation base and, in 1920, hosted the first take-off of a civil aircraft. The airport was seriously damaged by bombing during World War II, but it was restored in the post-war period and became the primary airport of the Netherlands in 1949. Schiphol now handles over 50 million passengers annually, serving as the main international airport for the Netherlands and ranking as the fourth busiest airport in Europe by passenger movements. The airport is located 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) southwest of Amsterdam and covers a total area of 6,887 acres (10.761 sq mi; 2,787 ha) of land.
Amsterdam Airport has been recognised for its excellence, voted the Best Airport in Western Europe in 2020. In 2025, it secured a €400 million loan from the European Investment Bank to support its infrastructure and sustainability initiatives. Schiphol is the largest airport in the Netherlands and the third-largest in Europe. It is also the 14th-largest in the world in terms of passengers, handling over 68 million passengers per year. The airport is the home base of four airlines, KLM, Transavia, Martinair and Arkefly, and is one of the major hubs for the SkyTeam airline alliance.
Amsterdam Airport is easily accessible, with a major passenger railway station directly underneath the passenger terminal complex. This offers 24-hour transportation to the four major cities of Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, and Rotterdam, as well as many other destinations in the country. The airport is also served by domestic and international intercity trains, such as Eurostar and EuroCity.
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Airports are major employers and important tourism hubs
The first airport was built in 1905 in Vancouver, Washington State, USA. Known as Pearson Field Airport, it served as a docking station for airships until 1911. However, some sources claim that the first "real" airport was College Park Airport in Maryland, established in 1909 and still operational today.
Airports are major catalysts for tourism growth and key to a country's national and international trade relations. They are also major employers, directly employing over ten million people worldwide and supporting another 55 million jobs in supply chains and tourism. The presence of airports in developing countries, in particular, facilitates trade and tourism, connecting them with the world. Airports have expanded travel options and developed tourist services, becoming an essential part of the industry. They are central to marketing destinations, showcasing unique attractions to airlines and passengers, and enhancing the overall travel experience.
Airports have evolved into hubs offering various amenities beyond air travel, including dining, shopping, and entertainment. Duty-free shopping, for instance, is especially attractive to travellers due to its substantial savings. Airports also serve as cultural ambassadors, showcasing local culture through art, music, and displays, giving travellers a glimpse of what to expect in the region. Through joint marketing ventures, airports and airlines collaborate to simplify the planning and booking process, effectively market their regions, and attract more visitors.
Additionally, airport development benefits tourism by improving accessibility, creating new routes and connections, and attracting more tourists. It promotes airline competition, resulting in more affordable airfares and increased demand. Airports often become hubs for various transportation options, making travel more convenient and stimulating local economies and infrastructure growth.
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Frequently asked questions
The first airport was built in 1905 in Vancouver, Washington, USA. Known as Pearson Field Airport, it was used as a docking station for airships until 1911.
College Park Airport (KCGS) in Maryland, USA, is the oldest airport still in operation. It was established in 1909 when Wilbur Wright arrived to train two US Army officers in aviation.
Hounslow Heath Aerodrome in London, England, was the first airport to operate scheduled international commercial services in August 1919.
