Facility Details
| Operating Country | 🇮🇱 Israel |
| Location | 🇮🇱 Israel |
| Status | Active |
| Usage | Dual |
| Year built | 1981 |
| Operating Organization | Israeli Air Force |
| Coordinates | 29.9403°N, 34.9358°E |
| Elevation | 455 m (1,493 ft) |
| IATA code | VDA |
| ICAO code | LLOV |
| Runways |
03L/21R · 2,600 m (8,530 ft) · Asphalt03R/21L · 3,000 m (9,843 ft) · Asphalt
|
| Website | www.iaa.gov.il/en-US/airports/ovda/Pages/default.aspx |
Description
Ovda Airbase is located in the Uvda region of southern Israel, approximately 40 km north of Eilat. The United States constructed the facility for the Israeli Air Force to replace Etzion Air Force Base, which was transferred to Egypt following the Camp David Accords. The base opened in 1981, and the Israeli Airports Authority initiated civilian operations at the site in 1982.
The Israeli Air Force operates the installation. It functioned as a joint-use military and civilian facility until March 31, 2019, when civilian traffic moved to Ramon Airport. During its civilian operational history, the site served as a destination for international charter flights and wide-body aircraft from Europe. It also functioned as a diversion point for international traffic when Ben Gurion Airport was unavailable, as occurred in July 2014.
Infrastructure at the base includes two terminals formerly used for passenger processing. The facility was built to accommodate wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 747, and its runways supported long-range flights to Europe without the requirement for refueling.
- AUG 132026 Updated Runway records recorded, with elevation, airport codes and official website
- JAN 182026 Created Page created: Ovda Airport