diff --git a/simgear/package/Install.cxx b/simgear/package/Install.cxx
index 9b71d9f0..df569ddf 100644
--- a/simgear/package/Install.cxx
+++ b/simgear/package/Install.cxx
@@ -166,6 +166,9 @@ protected:
             return;
         }
 
+        // extract_xxxx directory is now empty, so remove it
+        m_extractPath.remove();
+
         m_owner->m_revision = m_owner->package()->revision();
         m_owner->writeRevisionFile();
         m_owner->m_download.reset(); // so isDownloading reports false