The first continuously operating airport in the world is College Park Airport (KCGS), established in 1909.
College Park Airport: The Pioneer of Aviation
While many locations played a role in early aviation history, College Park Airport (KCGS) holds the distinction of being the oldest continually operating airport. Its history is deeply intertwined with the early days of flight, making it a landmark of aviation.
Key Historical Points of College Park Airport
- Establishment: The airport was founded in 1909 after Wilbur Wright arrived to train two military officers on the government's first airplane.
- Continuous Operation: Despite its age, College Park Airport has remained in operation ever since, making it the oldest continually operating airport worldwide.
- Significant Aviation Firsts: The airport has been the site of numerous aviation firsts, underscoring its importance in the development of flight.
The airport's long history and continuous operation set it apart, making it the true pioneer among the world's airports. Today, it stands as a testament to the early days of aviation.
Comparison with other Early Aviation Sites
While several sites claim to be the "first" in aviation, most of these focus on the location of the first flight or other milestones in aviation history. However, these locations were not necessarily formally established and continuously operating airports as we define them today.
It is important to distinguish between areas where pioneering flights took place and the first continuously operational aviation hubs designed and intended for ongoing flight activity.
| Feature | College Park Airport (KCGS) | Other Early Aviation Sites |
|---|---|---|
| Establishment Date | 1909 | Typically pre-1909, varied |
| Continuous Operation | Yes | Often not |
| Intended Use | Ongoing flight operations | Often for specific flight or experiment |
| Significance | Oldest continually operating | Significant for specific aviation event |
