Biskra (Mohamed Khider Airport)

Summary

Operating Country 🇩🇿 Algeria
Location 🇩🇿 Algeria
Status Active
UsageDual
Year built1942
Operating OrganizationEGSA Constantine
Units
  • 97th Bombardment Group
  • 301st Bombardment Group
  • 1st Fighter Group
  • 5th Bombardment Wing

Description

Biskra Airport, also identified as Mohamed Khider Airport or Biskra Ouakda Airport, is located in Oumache, Algeria, approximately 200 km south-southwest of Constantine and 12 km north-northeast of the center of Oumache. The facility is situated in the Sahara Desert, south of the Atlas Mountains.

During World War II, the site functioned as Biskra Airfield, a base of operations for the United States Twelfth Air Force during the North African campaign. The airfield hosted the 97th Bombardment Group, which operated B-17 Flying Fortresses from December 1942 to February 1943. The 301st Bombardment Group also operated B-17 Flying Fortresses from the location between December 1942 and January 1943. Fighter operations were conducted by the 1st Fighter Group, which utilized P-38 Lightnings from December 1942 to February 1943. The headquarters of the 5th Bombardment Wing was stationed at the airfield from January to March 1943.

The facility is currently operated by EGSA Constantine as a public airport. Current users include Air Algérie, Tassili Airlines, and Transavia, which operate flights to destinations including Algiers, Lyon, and Paris. Infrastructure at the site includes an asphalt runway and facilities for commercial passenger and cargo services.

Location & Details

Map of Biskra
Coordinates34.8017°N, 5.7417°E
Elevation88 m (289 ft)
IATA codeBSK
ICAO codeDAUB
Runways
  • 13/31 [Asphalt]
Wikipedia and other open sources. Last updated on 19 January 2026