Once a busy gateway for tourists arriving to bask in the sun-soaked beauty of Cyprus, Nicosia International Airport now stands frozen in time. 

The airport became a battleground during the 1974 Turkish invasion. Commercial activity ceased soon after.

The Nicosia International Airport is located within the 111 miles UN-controlled buffer zone that now divides the island into Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish-occupied north.

Today, its dilapidated terminals and crumbling infrastructure tell a story of conflict and displacement

An abandoned Avro Shackleton of the Royal Air Force makes up for one of the many remnants of war at the location. 

While the main terminal remains locked in a state of decay, it now serves as a makeshift headquarters for the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus.

While you cannot walk into this historical landmark as it is largely off-limits, acquiring a permit prior to your arrival from the UN could seal the deal. 

A visitor, Andreas Kastrisios, called it a “real time capsule”, and described his experience on Google: “Terminal building has impressive skylights and looks like it’s still illuminated. The ads are still on the walls.

“The last Cyprus Airways Trident is still parked on the tarmac. Runways, control tower, hangar are still intact yet mother nature has started reclaiming the area.”

Another user, moved by his experience, reviewed: “A place where the hairs on your arms stand up, from what happened here. A place that fell asleep and may never wake up again.”

On the 50th anniversary of the conflict, the airport stands as a haunting reminder of the island’s past. 

It is, however, only a short drive away from vibrant, thriving cities like Limassol and Paphos, fittingly capturing the spirit of Cyprus’ resilience.