Chuxiong Airfield

The primary reason for the closure was urban encroachment and redevelopment. As the city of Chuxiong expanded rapidly, the airport became situated in what is now the city center. Its presence hindered further urban development, posed a significant safety risk to the surrounding populated areas, and was an obstacle to modern city planning. The local government reclaimed the land for a major redevelopment project.

The site of the former Chuxiong Airfield has been completely redeveloped and is now unrecognizable as an airport. It is the location of the Chuxiong Economic and Technological Development Zone (楚雄经济技术开发区). The former runway and apron areas are now occupied by wide boulevards, commercial buildings, government offices (such as the Chuxiong Tobacco Monopoly Bureau), hotels, and residential complexes. The only remaining trace of its aviation past is in local place names, such as 'Hangkong Lu' (航空路), which translates to 'Aviation Road'.

Chuxiong Airfield has significant historical importance. It was originally constructed in 1938 during the Second Sino-Japanese War. During World War II, it served as a military airbase for the Chinese Air Force and the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). It was a component of the logistical network supporting the famous 'Hump' airlift, which ferried supplies from India to China over the Himalayas. After 1949, it was used by the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). In the later decades of its operation (from the 1980s until its closure), it functioned as a dual-use airport, handling limited civil aviation flights, most notably a route to the provincial capital, Kunming, operated by Yunnan Airlines.

There are zero prospects for reopening the original Chuxiong Airfield, as the site has been fully and permanently urbanized. However, a new replacement airport for the city is in the advanced planning stages. This new facility, also to be named Chuxiong Airport, is planned for a different location far from the city center, near Ziwu Town (紫午镇). It is designated as a key regional infrastructure project and is planned to be a modern 4C class airport capable of handling mainline jets like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. While the project has experienced delays, it remains an active part of the provincial government's long-term transportation plans.