Angeles Northeast Airfield

The primary reason for closure was the cataclysmic eruption of Mount Pinatubo in June 1991. The airfield, along with the entire Clark Air Base complex, was blanketed in heavy, wet volcanic ash, rendering the runway and facilities unusable. This natural disaster, combined with the subsequent strategic decision by the United States to withdraw its forces and hand Clark Air Base over to the Philippines in November 1991, led to the airfield's permanent abandonment. The cost of clearing and repairing a non-essential, recreational airfield was prohibitive.

The site is now located within the redeveloped Clark Freeport Zone. The faint outline of the original asphalt runway is still visible on satellite imagery, but it is in a complete state of decay, with vegetation and new infrastructure crossing it. The land has been repurposed for commercial and industrial development as part of the freeport zone's expansion. New roads, industrial buildings, warehouses, and parts of the Clark Sunvalley Resort complex now occupy the area on and around the former airfield. It is not used for any aviation purposes.

Angeles Northeast Airfield, also known locally as 'Smokey Hill' or 'Smoky Hill,' was an auxiliary airfield for the massive Clark Air Base. Its main purpose was to serve as the home of the Clark Air Base Aero Club. It was a dedicated facility for recreational and general aviation activities for US military personnel, their dependents, and authorized civilians. Operations primarily involved light aircraft (like Cessnas and Pipers) for private flying, flight training, and also served as a base for the base's glider club. It provided a crucial morale and recreation outlet, keeping civil and recreational air traffic separate from the main base's heavy military transport and fighter jet operations.

There are zero plans or prospects for reopening Angeles Northeast Airfield. The land has been fully integrated into the Clark Freeport Zone's master development plan for commercial, industrial, and tourism use. All regional and national aviation development efforts are focused on the massive expansion and modernization of the nearby Clark International Airport (RPLC/CRK) as a major global gateway. Reopening a small, secondary airfield in such close proximity would be impractical, unsafe, and conflict with current land use and the operational airspace of the main international airport.