Nielson Field

The primary reason for its closure was the strategic post-war urban development of Makati. The Ayala Corporation, which owned the land, began transforming the vast, empty tract into the Philippines' premier central business district. The land became far too valuable for aviation, and a larger, more suitable location was needed for Manila's growing international air traffic. Consequently, all commercial and international flight operations were transferred to the larger Nichols Field (the precursor to the current Ninoy Aquino International Airport - NAIA).

The site of the former airport is now the heart of the Makati Central Business District. The two original runways have been paved over and are now two of the country's most important thoroughfares: Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas. The land between these former runways is the Ayala Triangle Gardens, a prominent urban park. The original passenger terminal and control tower, the Nielson Tower, has been meticulously preserved as a heritage landmark. It has served various purposes over the decades, including housing the Filipinas Heritage Library, and more recently, an upscale restaurant and events space. The ICAO code PH-0209 is an unofficial, historical designation likely used in flight simulator scenery or historical aviation databases; it is not an active, officially recognized code.

Nielson Field was the first and principal international airport of the Philippines and, at the time of its inauguration in July 1937, was considered the biggest and best-equipped in Asia. It served as the base of operations for the newly-formed Philippine Air Lines (PAL) and was a key stop for Pan American World Airways' famous 'China Clipper' trans-pacific service, connecting Manila to the United States. The iconic terminal and control tower, Nielson Tower, is a classic example of Art Deco architecture. During World War II, the field was seized by the invading Japanese Imperial Army and used as a military airbase. It was heavily damaged during the Battle of Manila in 1945 when it was recaptured by American forces. After the war, it was briefly restored and resumed its role as the country's main gateway until its closure in 1948.

None. There are zero prospects for reopening Nielson Field as an airport. The land is now one of the most densely developed and valuable real estate areas in Southeast Asia, occupied by skyscrapers, major roads, and a public park. Reopening is physically, logistically, and economically impossible.