Nielson Field

Nielson Field, located in Makati, Philippines, was a significant military and civilian airfield that served as the headquarters for the Far East Air Force during World War II. Originally inaugurated in 1937 as Nielson Airport, it was the first commercial airport in the Philippines and played a crucial role in connecting Manila with the rest of the country and beyond. The airport was built by Laurie Reuben Nielson, a New Zealand businessman, who envisioned it as a hub for aviation in the region. After the Japanese invasion in 1942, the airport was seized and repurposed by Japanese forces. It was later liberated and renamed Makati Airport. Today, Nielson Field is recognized for its historical significance and was honored with an Honourable Mention in the 2001 UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Awards, making it an interesting site for tourists and researchers alike.