Niger Air Base 201

Niger Air Base 201 (NE-0001) in Agadez, Niger, is a military installation, not a civilian airport, and therefore does not have public traveler reviews or experiences in the traditional sense. Information regarding the base primarily relates to its construction, military operations, and strategic importance. The U.S. military completed its withdrawal from the base and officially returned it to Nigerien control in August 2024.

What is known about Niger Air Base 201:

• Strategic Military Importance: The base was critically located in central Niger, offering strategic flexibility for regional security efforts and counter-terrorism operations against extremist groups in the Sahel region. It provided a significant advantage over operating from the civilian airport in Niamey for operational security and access.
• Significant Construction Project: Described as the largest U.S. Air Force-led construction project in history, the base was built from scratch in a remote desert environment. The construction involved overcoming substantial environmental and logistical hurdles.
• Primary Operations (Historical): Historically, the base was designed to house armed drones (MQ-9 Reapers) and other aircraft for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. It also featured a runway capable of accommodating larger transport aircraft like the C-17 Globemaster III.
• Facilities: The base includes a 6,200-foot asphalt runway, hangars, living quarters, life support facilities, base roads, utilities, and a perimeter fence.

Challenges and Operational Notes:

• Harsh Environment: Personnel faced extreme heat, constant dust and sandstorms, and the general challenges of working in an austere desert location. Logistics were particularly difficult due to the remote setting and lack of existing infrastructure.
• Construction Delays and Issues: The construction project experienced delays and cost overruns, exceeding its initial budget significantly. Issues were noted regarding incomplete site surveys, material and equipment shortages, and initial concerns about meeting safety, security, and technical requirements.
• Recent Withdrawal and Handover: Following a change in military cooperation agreements, the U.S. completed the withdrawal of its forces from Air Base 201 in August 2024, officially returning control of the base to Niger.

In summary, Niger Air Base 201 was a crucial military asset for regional stability and counter-terrorism efforts, representing a monumental construction undertaking in a challenging environment. While no civilian traveler reviews exist, accounts from those involved in its construction and operation highlight its strategic importance and the significant difficulties encountered in its development and maintenance.