Floyd Bennett Field

New York, New York

Architecture

7 Fascinating Abandoned Airports Around the World

Inaugurated in 1931 on the shores of Jamaica Bay in Queens, Floyd Bennett Field was the first municipal airport in New York City.

Named after a pioneering naval aviator, the airport became synonymous with record-breaking feats. In 1931, Russell N. Boardman and John Polando flew a then-record 5,011.8 miles from the airport to Istanbul without refueling. In 1933, Wiley Post landed here after completing the first solo round-the-world flight. Nowadays, the airport is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. The old administrative and passenger terminal building has been restored and serves as a reminder of the golden age of aviation. Among the 1,300 acres of grasslands, salt marshes, and tidal flats that encompass the airfield, popular activities include biking, boating, bird-watching, fishing, and snowshoeing in winter.

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