🇨🇺 Leeward Point Field

Leeward Point Field (MUGM/NBW) is a U.S. military airfield located within Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Type of Facility and Operations: Leeward Point Field is an active military airport primarily operated by military authorities, though civil aircraft may have landing privileges or contract rights. It handles military transport and special charter flights commissioned by the U.S. government. The airfield supports base operations with various aircraft and helicopters. Facilities include a control tower, lighting, fuel services, and organizational maintenance capabilities. It is equipped for customs and immigration.

Notable Features and History: The airfield uses IATA code NBW and ICAO code MUGM. Originally constructed with a 6,000-foot runway in 1943, it was extended to 8,000 feet in 1953 to accommodate jet aircraft. It features a single active asphalt runway, 10/28, measuring 8,000 ft (2,438 m) by 200 ft (61 m) and is situated at an elevation of 56 ft (17 m) above mean sea level. Leeward Point Field was the home of Fleet Composite Squadron 10 (VC-10), one of the last active-duty squadrons flying the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, until its disbandment in 1993. In a notable incident, a DC-8 freighter crashed at the field on August 18, 1993, with all three crew members surviving. Naval Airspace Reservation P-1002 restricts unauthorized aircraft from navigating into Guantanamo Bay Naval Airspace.

Current Status: Leeward Point Field remains an active military airfield, functioning as the sole operational airfield on the base. Access to the airport and the naval base is strictly controlled, limited to U.S. military personnel, their families, government employees, and authorized contractors. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) transportation for military, DoD employees, contractors, and their dependents typically occurs via military aircraft from Jacksonville, Florida. As of May 2026, there are no reported operational issues at the airport.