🇧🇭 Sheik Isa Air Base

Shaikh Isa Air Base (ICAO: OBBS), also known as Isa Air Base, is a military airport operated by the Royal Bahraini Air Force. It is located on the shore of the Persian Gulf in southern Bahrain, approximately 18 nautical miles south of Manama.

Notable Features and History:

• The base was built with US assistance to house F-16 fighter jets for Bahrain.
• Bahrain's first F-16s arrived at the base in May 1990.
• During Operation Desert Shield in 1990, the base was used by coalition forces, and US Air Force RED HORSE units and Navy SeaBees constructed additional taxiways and hardstands.
• The base has hosted various US Air Force expeditionary wings and aircraft, including F-15s, F-16s, B-1 bombers, and KC-135s, particularly during operations like SOUTHERN WATCH.
• In August 2020, KBR took over base operations support services at Isa Air Base.

Current Status:

• The airport has a single concrete and asphalt runway, 15/33, measuring 3,800 meters (12,467 feet). There are also two additional runways, 15L/33R and 15R/33L, with varying lengths and surfaces.
• It is designated for IFR/VFR traffic but is primarily for emergency diversion or strictly by prior arrangement (PPO).
• Air traffic control services (Approach Radar and Tower) operate Sunday to Thursday, 04:15 to 10:30, or by prior arrangement.
• The base has a rescue and firefighting service rated at CAT 7.

*Sources researched: aim.mtt.gov.bh, en.wikipedia.org, skyvector.com, globalsecurity.org*