Location
Located in the southern part of Manila.

Construction
Built prior to the war, used by the US Army until December 1941.

American Units Based at Nichols (Defense of Philippines)
24th PG, 20th PS (P-35, P-40) Hamilton Oct 40 - Dec 9 , 41 to Clark
24th PG, 17th PS (P-26, P-35, P-40E) from USA late Oct 40 -
24th PG, 21st PS (P-40E)

Japanese Occupation
Occupied by the Japanese after the fall of Manila. As the threat of American liberation approached, the Japanese anticipated an attack on Manila to come from south and heavily defended the airfield area with anti-aircraft guns, pillboxes, gun positions and bunkers, manned by the 3rd Naval Battalion.

Japanese Units based at Nichols
1021 Kokutai (G4M) stationed at Nichols and Cebu

American Missions Against Nichols Field
April 12, 1942 - February 13, 1945

J2M3 Jack Manufacture Number 3013
Captured largely intact on February 20, 1945

American Use
Liberated by Americans during February 1945. Many wrecked Japanese planes were present at the airfield after liberation. Several intact aircraft were captured, including Navy and Army aircraft.

Used by ATC and NATS.A NATS detachment of six officers operated DC-3 transports from Nichols.

American Units based at Nichols (Liberation)
5th BG, 31st BS (B-24)

Today
The airfield has been used since the war, and today is the Manila International / Nino Aquino Airport.  Also located at the airport is the Vilamor Philippine Military Air Base.

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Last Updated
October 14, 2009