Helsinki Malmi Airport

The closure was the result of a long-standing political decision by the City of Helsinki to redevelop the airport land for residential use. The primary driver was the city's need to address a housing shortage and accommodate its growing population. The plan involves constructing a new urban district, named 'Malmin kenttä' (Malmi Field), projected to house approximately 25,000 residents. Despite significant and prolonged opposition from aviation enthusiasts, historical preservation groups, and a citizens' initiative ('Lex Malmi') that gathered over 50,000 signatures, the city's urban development goals ultimately took precedence over the airport's continued operation.

The former airport site is currently being transformed into a construction zone for the new residential district. The runways have been permanently closed and marked with large white 'X's to prevent landings. The City of Helsinki is proceeding with land remediation, infrastructure development (roads, utilities), and planning for the construction of apartment buildings, parks, and public services. The historic airport terminal and hangar are protected by law and are slated to be preserved and repurposed for community or commercial use within the new district, but the airfield itself is being eliminated.

Helsinki Malmi Airport holds exceptional historical and architectural value. Opened on December 16, 1936, it was the primary international airport for Helsinki and all of Finland until the current Helsinki-Vantaa Airport was opened for the 1952 Summer Olympics. Its terminal building and large hangar are renowned examples of 1930s Functionalist architecture. During World War II, it served as a crucial base for the Finnish Air Force. After 1952, it became the country's main hub for general aviation, handling flight training, private and business flights, and operations for the Finnish Border Guard. At the time of its closure, it was the second-busiest airport in Finland by number of take-offs and landings. Its well-preserved pre-war airport milieu led to its inclusion on the 7 Most Endangered heritage sites list by Europa Nostra in 2016.

There are virtually no prospects for reopening Helsinki Malmi Airport for aviation purposes. The political decision to redevelop the land is final, and the physical transformation of the site is already underway, making a return to aviation unfeasible. The 'Friends of Malmi Airport' association and other advocates fought for years to save the airport, but their efforts, including legal challenges and parliamentary initiatives, were ultimately unsuccessful. The focus of preservation efforts has now shifted entirely to ensuring the survival and meaningful reuse of the historic terminal and hangar buildings within the new urban development.