Biggs Army Air Field (Fort Bliss) (BIF)

Biggs Army Air Field (Fort Bliss) (KBIF (BIF)) is a United States Army military airbase located adjacent to Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. It is a privately owned Army facility, designated as a military power projection platform.

Type of Facility and Operations: Biggs Army Air Field spans approximately 4,000 acres and features a 13,572-foot (approximately 2.5-mile) concrete/grooved runway, making it capable of accommodating heavy aircraft, including up to Category E aircraft. It operates 24 hours a day, providing full airfield services for power projection and installation support. The airfield primarily supports aviation operations for the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, offering rotary-wing and fixed-wing training, maintenance, and deployment capabilities. It also services aviation assets of all four military services, the Department of Justice, and other government flight operations. Biggs AAF is FAR Part 139 compliant.

Notable Features and History: Originally designated Biggs Field in 1925, the airfield was named after Lieutenant James Berthea "Buster" Biggs, an El Paso native killed in a World War I aircraft crash. Its origins trace back to early 20th-century military aviation activities at Fort Bliss, starting in 1919 with U.S. Army Air Service personnel patrolling the U.S.-Mexico border.

During World War II, Biggs Field significantly expanded as a training base for bomber crews, including B-17, B-24, and B-29 aircraft. From 1947 to 1966, it operated as Biggs Air Force Base, hosting Strategic Air Command units with aircraft such as B-36 Peacemakers, B-52 Stratofortresses, and KC-135 Stratotankers. The facility reverted to Army control in 1973, becoming Biggs Army Airfield.

Historically, Biggs AAF served as a refueling stop for NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. A new 116-foot air traffic control tower was opened at the field on July 14, 2017.

Current Status: Biggs Army Air Field is currently operational and serves as a critical Army power-projection platform, facilitating the rapid deployment of entire brigade combat teams within 96 hours through its airfield and integrated railhead infrastructure. It is home to Joint Task Force North, a multi-service organization supporting federal law enforcement in interdicting transnational threats. The Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) also operates from its headquarters co-located with its training unit at Biggs Army Airfield. The Silas L. Copeland Arrival/Departure Airfield Control Group at Biggs AAF supports military and civilian personnel deploying for overseas assignments. The annual Amigo Airsho, which was held at Biggs Army Airfield from 1982 to 2012, is set to return in October 2024.