Albrook Airport, located on the east side of the Panama Canal just south of Fort Clayton and north of the township of Balboa, Panama, has a rich history dating back decades. The airfield was once a key military facility, serving as a hub for various US military divisions.

In 1932, the Panama Canal Department began using the airfield, which later became known as Albrook Field. In the following years, it changed hands several times, falling under the command of various US military organizations. From 1941 to 1942, it was operated by the Panama Canal Air Force, followed by the Caribbean Air Force from 1942 to 1946.

The airfield continued to play an important role in US military operations during World War II and the Cold War era. In 1963, it came under the command of the Caribbean Air Command, and later, in 1976, it was transferred to the United States Air Forces Southern Command.

In January 1999, Albrook Airport began offering civilian air service as Albrook 'Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport'. However, its military days were numbered. The Torrijos-Carter Treaties, signed in 1977, specified that all US military facilities in the Panama Canal Zone would be closed and turned over to the Panamanian government by December 31, 1999.

As a result, Albrook Airport was officially closed on September 30, 1997. Although it is no longer an active military facility, its history remains an important part of Panama's aviation heritage. Today, the airport continues to serve as a commercial air hub, connecting Panama City with destinations around the world.

The legacy of Albrook Airport serves as a reminder of the significant role that Panama has played in US military operations throughout the 20th century. From its humble beginnings as a small airfield to its current status as an international airport, Albrook remains an important part of Panama's history and culture.

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