Abandoned World War II planes rotting at an old Arizona desert airport feel like a post-apocalyptic movie
- This abandoned Arizona airport felt like a post-apocalyptic movie
- It’s full of rotting World War II aircraft
- Planes were left with exposed wire and metal on show
Published on Apr 18, 2025 at 5:13 PM (UTC+4)
by Grace Donohoe
Last updated on Apr 18, 2025 at 5:13 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
These abandoned World War II planes that were found rotting in an old Arizona desert airport feel like a scene from a post-apocalyptic movie.
They were found by a YouTuber explorer who was surprised at what was there.
Many aircraft were left gutted out and abandoned
Plus, the hangar tells a story of its own.
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Planes are an integral part of many people’s lives
From travelling across the Atlantic to even crossing the country, airplanes are used by millions.
But what happens when they become abandoned?
After serving their purpose, some aircraft and the buildings used to house them are left rotting and derelict.
This YouTuber took matters into his own hands and decided to explore one desert airport in Arizona.
He visited Gila River Memorial Airport
Youtuber Jessie’s Drone Adventures went on a mission to explore the desert airport and was simply left shocked at the post-apocalyptic feel of the place.
“Gila River Memorial Airport was built in 1942 as Williams Auxiliary Army Airfield #5, one of several satellite airfields for Williams Army Airfield.
“After the war, it was renamed Goodyear Air Force Auxiliary Airfield, with its original triangular configuration modified to accommodate early jet aircraft of the 1950s,” according to Airports Worldwide.
The Arizona airfield then went on to be controlled by civilians, with no hangar space appearing until the 1970s, and it was later abandoned.
Now, in the 21st century, the place acts as an aircraft graveyard with planes still left rotting away.
The place had an eerie feel
Seeing abandoned aircraft is spooky to anyone that’s for sure, but the Youtuber even explained that it ‘feels like a horror move.’
“These have definitely been sitting for a long time,” he continued.
Some of the aircraft found included a Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon, along with a Lockheed Venturer. The planes also had exposed wires and sheets of metal dotted around in cabins that were falling apart at the seams.
They had busted noses and graffiti all over the outside of the once operational shells.
“It’s just caked with dirt, debris, sheet rock, you name it,” said the explorer.
The YouTuber also explored the hangar, which also had its fair share of mysterious atmosphere. Part of the roof had even caved in next to the remains of office equipment.
The desert airport isn’t a place for the faint-hearted to explore, that’s for sure.
Take a look at the abandoned airfield below:
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