Facility Details
| Operating Country | 🇱🇾 Libya |
| Location | 🇱🇾 Libya |
| Status | Active |
| Usage | Military only |
| Operating Organization | Libyan Air Force |
| Coordinates | 21.6889°N, 21.8306°E |
| Elevation | 525 m (1,722 ft) |
| Runways |
01R/19L · 2,283 m (7,490 ft) · Asphalt01/19 · 3,357 m (11,014 ft) · Asphalt
|
Description
Maaten al-Sarra Air Base is a military installation in southernmost Libya, located near the Ma'tan as-Sarra oasis in the Kufra district. It is one of 13 military airbases in the country.
During the final phase of the Chadian-Libyan conflict, Maaten al-Sarra operated as the primary air base in southern Libya and contained parking facilities for over 100 combat aircraft. In 1987, during the Toyota War, the installation supported Libyan air operations that led to a Chadian defeat at the Battle of Aouzou in August.
To counter the Libyan Air Force, Chadian forces launched a surprise attack on the base on September 5, 1987. The installation, located 60 miles north of the Chadian–Libyan border, was overrun, resulting in 1,700 Libyan fatalities and 300 prisoners. Following the attack, a ceasefire was agreed upon on September 11, 1987, which ended the war.
- AUG 132026 Updated Runway records recorded, with elevation, airport codes and official website
- AUG 132026 Created Maaten al-Sarra Air Base page created (specs, description, operators, static map)