The airport known as Antonov Airport 2 – Hostomel (GML) was one of the primary targets of the Russian invasion that began on February 24, 2022. The Armed Forces of Ukraine fought a battle for the airport, but unfortunately almost all of the infrastructure was destroyed in the process.
On July 20, 2022, we were given the opportunity to visit the airport where the damaged aircraft, including the former world’s largest aircraft, the Antonov An-225 (UR-82060). The An-225 is without its nose section and is still standing under a heavily damaged canopy. The last flight of the An-225 was from Bilund, Denmark to Hostomel, Ukraine on 5 February 2021.
In the hangar opposite is an Antonov An-124 (UR-82009). The whole aircraft is badly damaged. There are bullet marks in the fuselage and the rear section shows signs of fire. It was not possible to see inside during the visit. There was still an An-28 (UR-NTE) in the hangar. There is also a damaged Antonov An-22 and an unspecified Boeing 737 and some other smaller aircraft at the airport.
The Antonov Airlines offices and the old hangar are also heavy damaged. There is a large amount of destroyed Russian military equipment on the site, including several tanks and armoured vehicles. Next to the airport there is also a military base or civilian accommodation which has also been almost destroyed.
The Antonov An-225 was mostly under the roof opposite the hangar when it was GML’s home airport
The wreckage of the front part of the An-225, in the background the main hangar
Flaps removed from the aircraft
There were also several small Cessna aircraft under the roof
The hangar doors are badly damaged
Inside the main hangar is An-124 (UR-82009)
A government delegation from the Czech Republic and Austria was at the airport.
Antonov An-124-100M-150 (UR-82009)
The engine that was removed from the An-225
Antonov An-28 (UR-NTE)
Partners Antonov. The poster also features the flags of Russia and Belarus
There are signs of heavy fighting in the hangar building
The building withstood heavy fire
The wreckage of heavy military combat vehicles is all over the airport.
Old hangar and administrative facilities of Antonov Airlines
Civilian and military accommodation
Billboards by the road “Hostomel – City of Heroes”
Created by Rosta on 20 July 2022.
rosta@flyrosta.com
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