Magat River Multipurpose Project Airstrip

Cessation of original purpose. The airstrip was not a public commercial airport but a private-use facility built specifically to support the massive Magat River Multipurpose Project. Its purpose was to facilitate the transport of engineers, government officials, technical experts, critical light cargo, and emergency medical evacuations to and from the remote construction site. Once the dam was operational, the logistical need for a dedicated airstrip diminished, making its maintenance economically unviable.

The site is no longer an active airport. The paved runway remains clearly visible on satellite imagery but has been repurposed. It now functions as an access road within the secure Magat Dam complex, managed by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA). Furthermore, the land on and adjacent to the former airstrip is being utilized for new infrastructure. Notably, a portion of the area is now occupied by the Magat Floating Solar Power Project facilities and other ground-based solar arrays. The area is also used for vehicle parking and open storage for dam-related operations.

The airstrip's significance is intrinsically linked to the construction of the Magat Dam, one of the largest dams in the Philippines and a cornerstone of the nation's power generation and irrigation infrastructure. During the dam's construction from 1975 to 1983, the airstrip was a vital logistical asset. It enabled rapid access to a challenging and relatively isolated location, significantly aiding project management and execution. Operations would have consisted of light general aviation aircraft, such as single and twin-engine piston planes (e.g., Cessna, Piper) and possibly small turboprops, capable of using the short, paved runway. It played a crucial role in the successful and timely completion of this major national infrastructure project.

Extremely low to none. There are no known official plans or discussions regarding the reopening of the Magat Airstrip for aviation purposes. Several factors make reopening highly improbable: the region is adequately served by the larger Cauayan Airport (CYZ) for commercial and general aviation needs; the original purpose of the airstrip no longer exists; and the land has already been repurposed for other critical infrastructure, including renewable energy projects (solar farms) that are integral to the dam's modern operations. The cost to restore, upgrade, and certify the airstrip to current aviation standards would be substantial and without a clear economic justification.