Gingoog Airfield

The closure was primarily due to economic and logistical factors. The main carrier, Philippine Airlines (PAL), began phasing out its fleet of smaller turboprop aircraft (like the Hawker Siddeley HS 748) that were suitable for Gingoog's short runway. As PAL shifted to larger jet aircraft for which the airfield was inadequate, services were discontinued. Simultaneously, the improvement of the national highway connecting Gingoog to the larger commercial center of Cagayan de Oro (which had a bigger airport) made air travel from Gingoog redundant and economically unviable for both the airline and passengers.

The site has been completely repurposed for civic and recreational use. The original runway is still clearly visible but is no longer maintained for aviation. A significant portion of the former airport grounds is now occupied by the 'Arturo S. Lugod Memorial Sports and Cultural Complex', which features a track and field oval, a grandstand, and other sports facilities. The Gingoog City Hall complex is also built adjacent to the old runway. The remaining paved runway surface is now used for public activities such as driving lessons, local festivals, fun runs, and occasional drag racing events.

Gingoog Airfield was a vital secondary 'feeder' airport that served as the primary air transport link for the city of Gingoog and the eastern part of the Misamis Oriental province. It connected this agricultural and trading hub to the rest of the country, primarily through flights operated by Philippine Airlines. The airport accommodated turboprop aircraft and was crucial for business, government travel, and connecting local residents to major cities like Cebu and Manila (often via Cagayan de Oro) in an era when road travel was significantly slower and less reliable.

There have been numerous discussions and persistent lobbying efforts by local government officials over the last decade to have the airport rehabilitated and reopened. The stated goal is to attract budget airlines, boost local tourism, and stimulate economic investment. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has been engaged in these discussions and has conducted preliminary site inspections in the past. However, significant obstacles remain: the runway is too short for most modern commercial aircraft and would require major extension and reconstruction; the area is now heavily encroached upon by the sports complex, city hall, and other structures, making expansion difficult and costly; and the modern, well-equipped Laguindingan Airport (CGY) is only a few hours' drive away, posing a major challenge to the economic feasibility of a reopened Gingoog Airfield. As of now, there are no concrete, funded plans for its reopening, and the prospects remain uncertain and dependent on future political and economic developments.