Mayon Old Heliport

The heliport was never intended for public or commercial operations. Its use is restricted due to its specific, governmental function and its critical location. It is situated directly beside the Mayon Volcano Observatory on the slopes of Mt. Mayon, an active volcano, well within the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ). Public access and regular flights are prohibited for safety and security reasons.

The site is the active Mayon Volcano Observatory, the primary monitoring station for Mt. Mayon operated by PHIVOLCS. The helipad remains operational and is used on an as-needed basis by PHIVOLCS, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and other authorized government agencies for official duties related to the volcano. It is a restricted, non-public government facility.

The heliport's significance is intrinsically linked to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and the Mayon Volcano Observatory. It serves as a vital logistical asset for volcano monitoring and disaster management. Historically, it has been used for:
- **Scientific Operations:** Transporting scientists and sensitive monitoring equipment to and from the observatory.
- **Aerial Surveys:** Launching helicopter flights for visual and thermal inspections of the volcano's crater and lava flows, especially during periods of unrest and eruption.
- **Emergency Response:** Serving as a staging point for the Philippine Air Force and other disaster response agencies for search, rescue, and medical evacuation operations on the volcano's slopes.
- **VIP Transport:** Facilitating access for government officials, volcanologists, and international experts during volcanic crises.
It has been a critical operational base during every major eruption of Mayon Volcano since its construction.

There are no plans or prospects for 'reopening' this heliport to the public or for commercial use. Its function is strictly defined for scientific and governmental emergency purposes. Given its hazardous location within the volcano's permanent danger zone and its limited infrastructure, it is unsuitable for and will not be converted into a public aviation facility.