Abandoned European airport being BULLDOZED & turned into new ‘smart city' unveils timeline for first homes
Spanning a whopping 6.2 million square metres, this site even played a role on the Olympic stage.
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The former Athens International Airport site is set to undergo the ambitious Ellinikon urban development, with the first residential units estimated in 2027.
First used as a airport in 1938, the Greek airport saw its last flight in 2001 as operations moved to the new Spata site.
Since then parts of the development were repurposed for the Athens Summer Olympics in 2004.
Sports such as canoe‑slalom, hockey, and softball were hosted on the grounds.
Ambitious development
In 2012, Lamda Development purchased the site and now executives have shared an update on their ambitious plans.
Set to be one of Europe's largest regeneration projects, the Ellinikon urban development will see a new "smart city" constructed on the premises of the former airport.
And despite minor delays of three to four months in some areas due to updates in national building regulations, construction remains largely on track with the city set to welcome residents by 2027.
There are four residential projects underway, one along the coastal front and three within the 'Little Athens' district.
Accordinf to Lamda, these are all progressing ahead of schedule, with the average price for residential units in the Little Athens neighbourhood now exceeding €8,500 (£7,372) per square metre.
There is also strong commercial interest in the retail aspects of the project, with the Elliniko—Vouliagmenis Mall poised to become the largest mall in Greece.
Incredible 'airport of the future' revealed - with no queues or long waits
To date, Lamba has generated €1.2 billion (£1 billion) in revenue from real estate sales at Ellinikon.
The development is rapidly establishing itself as a landmark urban regeneration model, combining luxury living, retail, and green public spaces in a singular coastal destination.
It is set to include a 600 acre metropolitan park, a Hard Rock Cafe & Casino, museums, schools, university campuses, cinemas, office towers, and even beaches.
The development, which is roughly three times the size of Monaco, will be largely powered by renewable energy.
It will even feature a massive green canopy to reduce heat island effect.
History of Ellinikon International Airport
By TOM MALLEY
Ellinikon International Airport once served around 11 million passengers a year - and recorded 13.5 million passengers during its final year of operation.
Located four miles south of central Athens, the airport was initially built in 1938, just before the Second World War, at a time when the area was sparsely populated.
But shortly after it opened, the Third Reich invaded Greece and after 1941, the airport served as a Luftwaffe airbase during the occupation.
In 1945, the Greek authorities had to sign an agreement with the United States Air Force that allowed them to use the airport for flights between Italy and the Middle East.
From October 1, 1945, to 1969, the airport became the Hellinikon Air Base.
A command and control centre, as well as a passenger and cargo terminal, were opened at the airport.
In 1958, the airport changed its name to Athens International Airport when its purpose was changed to civil aviation.
In 1988, however, Greece refused to renew their agreement with the US Air Force, which conducted its last operation at the airport in 1991.
Following its official closure ten years later, abandoned planes, empty hangars, overgrown runways and crumbling infrastructure formed part of the huge eyesore that was once a major international airport.
And while most of the existing structure will be bulldozed, some of the historic hangers will be maintained and converted into cultural spaces.
Project timeline
The development is currently in its first phase, with construction of the park, Riviera Tower, and casino set to be complete by the end of 2026.
Meanwhile, the Little Athens residences, Hard Rock Hotel, and commercial areas will be developed between 2027 and 2030.
And from 2030 onwards, work will focus on the full expansion of cultural, business, and educational hubs.
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Plus, the UK airport set to re-open with potential budget routes after a £500 million revamp.
And the world's best airport has officially been named, boasting a "triple runway".
The most beautiful airports have also been ranked, with a popular European one featuring near the top.
Plans for a mega town near a major UK airport have also been unveiled.
And Southend Airport has reopened after a major crash killed four people.
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