Old Djanet Airport

The primary reason for closure was its replacement by a larger, more modern facility. The old airport had several limitations:
1. **Short Runway:** Its runway was too short to safely accommodate larger, modern jet aircraft like the Boeing 737s used by Air Algérie for domestic and international routes.
2. **Outdated Infrastructure:** The terminal and support facilities were outdated and insufficient for growing passenger and cargo demands, particularly with the rise of tourism to the Tassili n'Ajjer National Park.
3. **Proximity to the City:** The airport was located very close to the town of Djanet, which limited potential for expansion and posed safety concerns.
The new airport (DAAJ) was built further away from the city with a much longer runway (3,000 meters) and modern infrastructure to overcome all these issues.

The site of the old airport has been repurposed and is now used as a military base by the Algerian People's National Army. Satellite imagery of the coordinates (24.442086, 9.513519) clearly shows the old runway, but the surrounding area is now developed with military-style aircraft revetments (protective earthen mounds), barracks, and support buildings. It likely serves as a forward operating base for army units and possibly for helicopter operations. The runway itself appears to be in a state of disuse for regular fixed-wing aviation but could potentially be used for military transport in an emergency.

As the original airfield for Djanet, it was a vital lifeline for this extremely remote Saharan oasis for many decades. It served as the primary connection to the rest of Algeria and the outside world, breaking the region's isolation. Its operations were critical for:
- **Military Logistics:** Due to its strategic location near the borders of Libya and Niger, the airport was crucial for military transport, surveillance, and personnel movement.
- **Government and Administration:** It facilitated administrative control and services from the central government.
- **Supply Chain:** It was used for transporting essential goods, mail, and medical supplies to the local population.
- **Early Tourism:** It was the gateway for the first international tourists and archaeologists visiting the world-renowned rock art of the Tassili n'Ajjer. It typically handled smaller aircraft, such as the Douglas DC-3, Fokker F-27, and smaller jets.

There are no known plans or realistic prospects for reopening the old airport for civilian or commercial aviation. Its role has been completely and permanently superseded by the Djanet Inedbirene Airport (DAAJ), which is fully equipped to handle the region's current and future needs. Given its conversion into a strategic military installation, its return to civilian use is highly improbable.