[4] The runways of Nielson Airport were wide and macadamized roads that are now the major thoroughfares known as Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas.

Philippine Airlines, which was then owned by Don Andres Soriano, Sr., operated domestic flights from Manila to Baguio and Paracale, with 9-passenger twin engine planes flown by American pilots.

During World War II, the United States Far East Air Force took control of the airport, leading to the suspension of all commercial flights.

Services resumed between 1945 and 1946 and continued until 1948 when the United States Air Force handed over Nichols Field to the Philippine government.

Despite strong lobbying efforts by the Ayalas and Sorianos, President Manuel Roxas decided to shift all commercial air operations from Nielson to Nichols, where the present-day Ninoy Aquino International Airport is located.

Col. Joseph McMicking, the spouse of Doña Mercedes de Ayala, then the major shareholder in the Ayala Corporation, envisioned a future financial, business, and commercial center, now the Makati Central Business District, surrounded by residential villages on the periphery of the now-vacant Nielson Airport.

As of 2005, Bel-Air was proclaimed the Cleanest and Greenest Barangay, Cluster I in the City of Makati, for the eighth record-breaking consecutive year.

Bel-Air Village's Pasinaya, which means thanksgiving, has been held annually since 1993 as a way of fostering community spirit and promoting camaraderie among its residents.

The yearly celebration usually consists of a variety of events held during the month of April at the Bel-Air Phase 3 Park, featuring various food stalls, bazaars, entertainment, games and perya rides.

For example, the Night of Music concert held on February 16, 2007, at the Bel-Air Multipurpose Court featured the Four Seasons Chamber Orchestra with Maestro Ali Delilah.