Georgia-Paciffic Airport

The specific reason for the closure is not officially documented, but it is overwhelmingly likely due to economic and logistical reasons. As a private corporate airfield, its existence was tied directly to the needs of the Georgia-Pacific corporation. Common reasons for such closures include: a shift in corporate transportation strategy (favoring commercial flights or using the nearby public Early County Airport - KBIJ), cost-cutting measures that eliminated the expense of maintaining a private runway, or a change in the operational needs of the adjacent manufacturing plant. The closure was not related to a major accident or military conversion.

The airport is permanently closed and has been repurposed by the Georgia-Pacific plant. Satellite imagery confirms the runway and taxiway surfaces remain largely intact but are in a state of disrepair. The entire paved area of the former airfield is now used as an industrial storage yard for the active mill. The runway is covered with massive stacks of logs, finished plywood, and other raw materials and industrial equipment. Faded 'X' markings, indicating a closed runway, may still be visible on parts of the pavement not covered by materials.

The Georgia-Pacific Airport was a private airfield owned and operated by the Georgia-Pacific Corporation. Its sole purpose was to serve the adjacent Georgia-Pacific plywood and lumber mill. The airport featured a single asphalt runway, designated 18/36, with a length of approximately 4,000 feet. Its primary function was to facilitate efficient corporate travel, allowing company executives, engineers, clients, and maintenance personnel to fly directly to the plant, bypassing the need to travel from larger regional airports. This type of private industrial airfield was common for large corporations with facilities in rural areas during the mid-to-late 20th century. It likely handled a variety of corporate aircraft, from twin-engine propeller planes to small business jets capable of operating from a 4,000-foot runway.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the Georgia-Pacific Airport. The site has been fully integrated into the logistical operations of the manufacturing plant as a storage yard. Reopening would require the complete removal of all stored materials, a significant financial investment to resurface and restore the runway to aviation standards, and a renewed strategic need from the corporation, which is highly unlikely. The aviation needs of Blakely and Early County are adequately served by the public Early County Airport (KBIJ), located just a few miles away.