Skikda Airport

The primary reason for the closure was security. During the civil unrest of the 1990s, the airport was deemed too vulnerable to terrorist attacks. Additionally, the airport had significant operational and technical limitations:
1. **Short Runway:** The runway was too short (approximately 1,300 meters) to safely accommodate modern jet aircraft, limiting it to smaller turboprop planes.
2. **Difficult Terrain:** The airport is surrounded by mountains and is in close proximity to the large Skikda petrochemical complex, making aircraft approaches and departures challenging, especially in adverse weather conditions.
3. **Economic Consolidation:** Air traffic for the region was consolidated at the larger and more modern Mohamed Boudiaf International Airport (CZL) in Constantine, located about 80 km away, which could handle a wider range of aircraft and higher passenger volumes more efficiently.

The airport is completely defunct and abandoned. Recent satellite imagery confirms that the runway, taxiways, and apron are still visible but are in a severe state of disrepair, with faded markings and vegetation growth. The terminal building and other associated structures are derelict. The site is unused for any aviation purposes and has effectively been reclaimed by the surrounding industrial landscape. There is no public access to the former airport grounds.

Known as Philippeville Airport during the French colonial era, the airport was the main air gateway to the vital port city and industrial hub of Skikda. It primarily handled domestic passenger flights, with Air Algérie being the main operator, connecting Skikda to the capital, Algiers, and other major cities. The operations were typically carried out using smaller aircraft, such as Fokker F27 turboprops. Its significance lay in providing essential air connectivity for business, industry, and administration before the expansion of the national highway system made ground travel more efficient.

There are currently no official, funded plans from the Algerian government to reopen Skikda Airport. However, the topic is frequently raised by local politicians, business leaders, and community representatives in the Wilaya of Skikda. Proponents argue that a functional airport is crucial for unlocking the region's economic potential, supporting the massive industrial zone, and developing tourism. Despite these persistent calls, the significant obstacles—including the prohibitive cost of a complete modernization, runway extension, and installation of modern navigation systems, as well as the persistent geographical challenges and the proximity of the Constantine airport—make its reopening highly improbable in the foreseeable future.