🇮🇱 Ovda Airport

Ovda Airport (LLOV/VDA) is a former civilian airport and current military airbase located in the Uvda region of southern Israel, approximately 40 km (25 miles) north of Eilat. It was originally built as a military airbase in 1981 and began joint civilian operations in 1982.

• Type of facility: Military airbase (Israeli Air Force). It was formerly Israel's second international airport, handling international flights, primarily from Europe.
• Location: Southern Israel, about 40-60 km north of Eilat. Coordinates are 29°56′25″N 34°56′9″E.
• Runway Information: The airport has two asphalt runways: 03L/21R (8,530 ft / 2,600 m) and 03R/21L (9,843 ft / 3,000 m).
• Known Uses: Currently, it operates as an Israeli Air Force base. All civilian flights ceased on March 31, 2019, with traffic transferred to the new Ramon Airport. There are plans to establish "Airpark," a large commercial aircraft storage facility at Ovda.
• Historical Significance: Ovda Airbase was constructed by the United States as a replacement for Etzion Air Force Base. It served as the primary international gateway for tourists to Eilat for many years, accommodating large aircraft like the Boeing 747. It also served as a diversion airport for flights to Israel during periods of instability.

*Sources researched: en.wikipedia.org, skybrary.aero, metar-taf.com, centreforaviation.com, acukwik.com*