A historical postcard from 1971 capturing the apron of Lviv Airport, featuring the old terminal building and an Ilyushin Il-18 passenger aircraft.
What is shown on the postcard
In the foreground on the right, the nose and landing gear of a Soviet Il-18 passenger aircraft with visible marking are shown. In the background stands the airport terminal building, designed in the Stalinist Neoclassical style, featuring a central tower and spire. A large red banner on the facade reads in Ukrainian “ХАЙ ЖИВЕ ЛЕНІНІЗМ!” (Long live Leninism!). A statue on a pedestal, trees, a fence, and people on the airfield are also visible.
Historical note
The construction of this terminal building in Lviv, designed by architect V. Yelizarov, was completed in 1955. It represents a classic example of post-war Soviet monumental architecture, detailed with classical columns, pilasters, and a prominent spire-topped tower that originally housed the control room. During the Soviet era, the airport managed numerous domestic and international flights, and the Il-18 turboprop was one of the key medium-range airliners of the period.
Present day
Today, the historic old terminal (Terminal 1) of Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport is preserved as an architectural monument. For the Euro 2012 football championship, a new modern Terminal A was constructed nearby to handle the main passenger flow, while the old historic building is reserved for VIP services and special charter flights.
Location (map)
Address: 168 Liubinska St, Lviv, Ukraine
Coordinates: 49.816100, 23.957500
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Old terminal of Lviv Airport.
Questions and answers
- Which aircraft is depicted on the postcard? The postcard shows the nose section of a Soviet Ilyushin Il-18 turboprop passenger airliner.
- When was the historic terminal building built? The construction of the historic Lviv airport terminal building was completed in 1955.
- How is the old airport building used today? The old terminal is preserved as an architectural landmark and is primarily used for VIP services and special flights.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Lviv from 1971.
