Clark Freeport Zone

Luzon, Philippines

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

The Clark Freeport Zone is located in central Luzon, Philippines, north of Manila. It was formerly Clark Air Base, a major U.S. military installation. Established after the Spanish-American War, it was named Clark Field in 1918. During World War II, it was a primary target for Japanese bombers and later served as a Japanese base. Post-war, it became the largest U.S. air base outside the United States, supporting operations in Korea and Southeast Asia, including during the Vietnam War.

Following negotiations on its continued use, the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo rendered the base unusable. The U.S. government withdrew, and the Philippine government transformed the area into the Clark Freeport Zone, a free port and special economic zone. This conversion has stimulated economic growth in central Luzon by attracting foreign trade and investment, with its runways repurposed for an international airport.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Clark Air Base
…economic zone, known as the Clark Freeport Zone. The industrial and transportation facilities developed there attracted foreign trade and investment, thereby stimulating the economic growth of central Luzon. The base’s runways and other facilities were converted for use as an international airport.
Read More
…economic zone, known as the Clark Freeport Zone. The industrial and transportation facilities developed there attracted foreign trade and investment, thereby stimulating the economic growth of central Luzon. The base’s runways and other facilities were converted for use as an international airport.
Read More