Shocking Discovery: 300 WWII bombs found at former Athens airport site during massive redevelopment

Around 300 unexploded World War II-era bombs, along with fuel leaks and hazardous materials such as asbestos, have been uncovered during a large-scale soil cleanup at the site of Athens’ former international airport in Elliniko. The area is currently being transformed into The Ellinikon, one of Europe’s biggest urban redevelopment projects.

Cleanup Work Nearing Completion

The multimillion-euro remediation effort, carried out over the past few years, is close to completion. This process is essential before major infrastructure projects, such as stormwater systems, water supply networks, and other utilities, can move forward at the site.

Environmental Damage from Decades of Use

The cleanup plan, approved in 2022 by the Decentralized Administration of Attica, has already led to the recovery of about 270 tons of oily waste, according to Lamda Development. This waste consists of hydrocarbons from aviation fuel, diesel, and gasoline that had seeped into the soil and groundwater over decades of airport operations. The contamination is largely attributed to leaking underground fuel tanks, storage facilities, and long-term chemical handling at the airport.

Discovery of WWII Explosives

One of the most striking findings has been the removal and safe disposal of nearly 300 unexploded World War II bombs by the Greek Army’s explosive ordnance disposal unit (TENX).

These discoveries are tied to the area’s wartime past. Before becoming Athens’ main airport, the land, then known as Hasani, was used for farming and small settlements. Construction of the airport began in 1938, and during the German occupation, it served as a military base and was frequently targeted by Allied bombings due to its strategic significance.

Advanced Remediation Techniques Used

Lamda Development stated that trained teams have handled and transported hazardous materials to licensed facilities, following strict environmental guidelines. The cleanup has involved multiple advanced techniques, including:

• Soil vapor extraction
• Bioventing and in-situ biological treatment
• Groundwater purification using oil recovery systems
• Activated carbon filtration and chemical oxidation

Preparing for a Massive Redevelopment

The remediation is a crucial step in preparing the 620-hectare site for its transformation. Plans for The Ellinikon include residential complexes, hotels, commercial hubs, sports facilities, and a sprawling 200-hectare metropolitan park, marking a major urban renewal project for Athens.