When planning a trip to Athens, travelers might encounter references to "Ellinikon Airport" in historical records or aviation discussions. Though this former gateway to Greece ceased operations decades ago, its airport codes persist in aviation databases and enthusiast circles. Understanding these identifiers provides valuable insight into Athens' aviation history.
The Current Reality
Athens International Airport (IATA: ATH , ICAO: LGAV ) has served as Greece's primary air hub since 2001. However, Ellinikon Airport's legacy codes remain relevant for historical research and flight record analysis.
Ellinikon Airport's Identification Codes
The decommissioned airport maintains two critical identifiers:
- IATA Code: HEW - The three-letter designation assigned by the International Air Transport Association
- ICAO Code: LGAT - The four-character code used in flight operations and air traffic control
Geographic coordinates (37° 53' 35.88" N, 23° 43' 33.96" E) precisely locate the former airfield's position in southern Athens.
Practical Applications
These historical codes serve multiple purposes:
- Aviation research: Scholars reconstructing Greece's air transport history require these identifiers to access accurate records
- Flight tracking: Older flight manifests and logistics documents may reference the original codes
- Cultural preservation: The codes represent tangible connections to Greece's modernization period
From Aviation Hub to Urban Development
Ellinikon Airport operated as Greece's principal air gateway from 1938 until its closure preceding the 2004 Athens Olympics. The 620-hectare site is undergoing transformation into one of Europe's largest urban redevelopment projects, featuring residential, commercial, and recreational spaces while preserving select historical elements.
Though the control towers and runways have disappeared, the HEW and LGAT codes endure as digital artifacts of Athens' aviation heritage, ensuring the airport's operational history remains accessible to future generations.