| Serial/Reg’n. | C/No. | Aircraft Type | Prev. Identity | Code/ Callsign | Delivered | Operator/Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 511 | S-889 | MBB Bo 105CBS-MSS | D-HFNU | 1994 | ||
| 512 | S-893 | MBB Bo 105CBS-MSS | D-HMBU | 1994 |
Additional information is welcome
Bahrain
Fleet List
Fleet List
Bahrain Royal Flight
| Serial/Reg’n. | C/No. | Aircraft Type | Prev. Identity | Code/ Callsign | Delivered | Operator/Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A9C-BA | 21824/1595 | Boeing 727-2M7 | N740RW | 1993 | ||
| A9C-BAH(1) | 1353 | Gulfstream IV SP | N353GA | 2000 | to A9C-BRF | |
| A9C-BAH(2) | 6081 | Gulfstream G650 | ||||
| A9C-BB | 393 | Gulfstream III | N17857 | 1983 | to HZ-MWD | |
| A9C-BG | 202 | Gulfsteam II(TT) | N17586 | 1981 | ||
| A9C-BHR | 4156 | Gulfstream G450 | 2009 | |||
| A9C-BRF | 1353 | Gulfstream IV SP | A9C-BAH | – | ||
| A9C-BRN | 5242 | Gulfstream G550 | N842GA | 2010 | ||
| A9C-HA | 49020 | Bell 430 | N11753 | 2001 | ||
| A9C-HAK | 23610 | Boeing 747SP-25 | A6-ZSN | 2007 | ||
| A9C-HH | 046 | Airbus A340-212 | F-WWJC | 1994 | to V8-PJB | |
| A9C-HHH | 21649 | Boeing 747SP-21 | V8-AC1 | 1999 | to A9C-HMH | |
| A9C-HMH | 21649 | Boeing 747SP-21 | A9C-HHH | – | to VQ-BMS | |
| A9C-HMH | 34205 | Boeing 767-4SFER | N526BA | 2009 | ||
| A9C-HMK | 33684 | Boeing 747-4P9 | 2003 | |||
| A9C-HRH | 760794 | Sikoraky S-76C | N794L | 2012 | ||
| A9C-HWR | E2306 | British Aerospace RJ85 | EI-CNK | 2010 | ex-RBAF | |
| A9C-KOB | 920079 | Sikorsky S-92A | N2584D | 2010 |
Additional information is welcome
Bahrain International Airport
Airfield Profile
Ownership
Operator: Civil Aviation Affairs, PO Box 536, Manama
Operator’s Identity Codes:
| Code | Operator |
| Station #13 | USAAF |
Location
| Country | Region | Sub-Region |
| Bahrain | Muharraq Governorate | Muharraq |
Address: Not known.
Nearest Town/City: Manama – airport is 4 miles (7 km) northeast.
| Latitude | Longitude | |
|---|---|---|
| Deg. Min. Sec. | N 26° 16′ 15.0″ | E 050° 38′ 01.0″ |
| Decimal | N 26.270834° | E 50.633610° |
Elevation: 2 m/6 ft
[geo_mashup_map map_content=”global” center_lat=26.270834 center_lng=50.633610 zoom=13 name=”airfields”]
History
Name Changes
| Bahrain Airport | 1932 – 1994 |
| Bahrain International Airport | 1994 – Present |
Narrative Summary
This page covers the public/civilian side of the airfield – the military base known as Muharraq Airfield is described separately.
Bahrain International Airport is located on Muharraq Island, to the north of the capital Manama. The Airport has been a stopping-off point for air travellers since the 1920s, and became a key staging point in the Imperial Air Route between Britain and India. The first recorded Imperial Airways flight occurred in August 1927. By 1936 the service through Bahrain was twice weekly, but in 1937 the route was taken over by flying boats landing at Mina Sulman. In 1950 BOAC resumed commercial landplane services. In 1954 a new Flight Information Region based on Bahrain was established. Soon after this, the first jet aircraft began making stops. The airport has been expanded and updated repeatedly to keep pace wih the massive boom in air traffic since the 1960s, and it is now one of the busiest airports in the Middle East, capable of handling 10 million passengers a year. It was used as the initial base for the fixed wing aircraft operated by the Bahrain Amiri Air Force until Shaikh Isa AB opened.
Key Dates
| August 1927 | First recorded commercial flight | |
| 1942 | Control handed to USAAF | |
| 1945 | RAF takes over control | |
| 1950 | Civil passenger services resume | |
| 1961 | New passenger terminal opened | |
| 1976 | Concorde flights from London begin | |
| 1994 | New terminal building opened |
Runways
| Direction | Length | Width | Surface | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metres (m) | Feet (ft) | Metres (m) | Feet (ft) | ||
| 12L/30R | 3956 | 12979 | 60 | 197 | Paved |
| 12R/30L | 2530 | 8302 | 45 | 148 | Paved |
Residents
The following organisations are, or were, permanently based at this location:
Based Military Units
| Unit | Operator | Arrived | Departed | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Wing | BDF | 1976 | 1987 | Various |
| Helicopter Wing | BAAF | 1987 | 1994 | Various |
Based Civilian Operators
| Operator | Arrived | Departed | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf Air | 1950 | Current | Scheduled pax services |
| Bahrain Air | 2007 | Current | Scheduled pax services |
| Bahrain Amiri Royal Flight | 1981 | 2010 | VIP Transport |
Photo Gallery
To be added.
More Information
Books
‘The Story of Aviation in the Kingdom of Bahrain’ [Order this book from Amazon UK]
Magazines
Feature articles to be added.
Websites
wikipedia: Bahrain International Airport
| Disclaimer: Information is provided on this page for historical purposes only, and not for aerial navigation. |
Sakhir Air Base
Airfield Profile
Ownership
Operator: Royal Bahraini Air Force, Air Operations Centre, PO Box 245, Bahrain.
Operator’s Identity Codes:
| Code | Operator |
| n/a | RBAF |
Location
| Country | Region | Sub-Region |
| Bahrain | Southern Governorate | Sadad |
Address: Not known.
Nearest Town/City: Sadad – airfield is 3 miles (4.8 km) southeast.
| Latitude | Longitude | |
|---|---|---|
| Deg. Min. Sec. | N 26° 02′ 05.00″ | E 050° 31′ 29.00″ |
| Decimal | N 26.03472° | E 50.52472° |
Elevation: 23 m/76 ft
[geo_mashup_map map_content=”global” center_lat=26.03472 center_lng=50.52472 zoom=13 name=”airfields”]
History
Name Changes
| Sakhir Air Base | 2010 – Present |
Narrative Summary
Smaller than the Shaikh Isa Air Base in the south, Sakhir is another newly constructed airfield with the latest facilities. Construction began circa 2006, following the successful inaugural race at the nearby Bahrain International Circuit, home of the first Formula 1 race in the Middle East. The airfield is located just to the east of the racing circuit and has potential to be a major business jet airport in the region. For now, the main user is the Amiri Royal flight, which moved from Bahrain International in early 2010.
Key Dates
| 2006 | Work starts on constructing Sakhir AB | |
| Jan 2010 | Formally opening of the base | |
| 21 Jan 2010 | First Bahrain International Airshow | |
| 2010 | Royal Flight arrives |
Runways
| Direction | Length | Width | Surface | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metres (m) | Feet (ft) | Metres (m) | Feet (ft) | ||
| 17/35 | 3800 | 12467 | 45 | 148 | Paved |
Residents
The following organisations are, or were, permanently based at this location:
Based Military Units
Not applicable.
Based Civilian Operators
| Operator | Arrived | Departed | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bahrain Amiri Royal Flight | 2010 | Current | VIP Transport |
Photo Gallery
To be added.
More Information
Books
‘The Story of Aviation in the Kingdom of Bahrain’ [Order this book from Amazon UK]
Magazines
Feature articles to be added.
Websites
None known.
| Disclaimer: Information is provided on this page for historical purposes only, and not for aerial navigation. |
Riffa Air Base
Airfield Profile
Ownership
Operator: Royal Bahraini Air Force, Air Operations Centre, PO Box 245, Bahrain.
Operator’s Identity Codes:
| Code | Operator |
| n/a | RBAF |
Location
| Country | Region | Sub-Region |
| Bahrain | Southern Governorate | Riffa |
Address: Riffa Air Base, Al Muaskar Highway, East Riffa, Bahrain.
Nearest Town/City: Isa Town – airfield is 2.5 miles (4 km) due south.
| Latitude | Longitude | |
|---|---|---|
| Deg. Min. Sec. | N 26° 06′ 33″ | E 050° 34′ 44″ |
| Decimal | N 26.109167° | E 50.578889° |
Elevation: 35 m/115 ft
[geo_mashup_map map_content=”global” center_lat=26.109167 center_lng=50.578889 zoom=13 name=”airfields”]
History
Name Changes
| Riffa Air Base | 1994 – Present |
Narrative Summary
Riffa (also reported as Rifa’a) Air Base is the home base of the Air Force and Navy’s helicopter units. It is located directly to the south of Isa Town, one of the main cities on Bahrain island. It was originally built in 19??.
Key Dates
| 199? | Airfield construction begins | |
| 1994 | Airfield officially opened |
Runways
| Direction | Length | Width | Surface | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metres (m) | Feet (ft) | Metres (m) | Feet (ft) | ||
| 13/31 | ? | ? | ? | ? | Paved |
Helipads for more than 20 helicopters are also available.
Residents
The following organisations are, or were, permanently based at this location:
Based Military Units
| Unit | Operator | Arrived | Departed | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helicopter Wing | RBAF | 1994 | Current | Various |
| 5 Sqn | RBN | 1994 | Current | Various |
Based Civilian Operators
Not applicable.
Photo Gallery
To be added.
More Information
Books
‘The Story of Aviation in the Kingdom of Bahrain’ [Order this book from Amazon UK]
Magazines
Feature articles to be added.
Websites
None known.
| Disclaimer: Information is provided on this page for historical purposes only, and not for aerial navigation. |
Muharraq Airfield
Airfield Profile
Ownership
Operator: United States Navy
Operator’s Identity Codes:
| Code | Operator |
| ? | USN |
Location
| Country | Region | Sub-Region |
| Bahrain | Muharraq Governorate | Muharraq |
Address: Not known.
Nearest Town/City: Manama – airport is 4 miles (7 km) northeast.
| Latitude | Longitude | |
|---|---|---|
| Deg. Min. Sec. | N 26° 16′ 15.0″ | E 050° 38′ 01.0″ |
| Decimal | N 26.270834° | E 50.633610° |
Elevation: 2 m/6 ft
[geo_mashup_map map_content=”global” center_lat=26.270834 center_lng=50.633610 zoom=13 name=”airfields”]
History
Name Changes
| Bahrain Airport | 1932 – 1943 |
| RAF Bahrain | 1943 – 1963 |
| RAF Muharraq | 1963 – 1971 |
| Muharraq Airfield | 1971 – Present |
Narrative Summary
This page covers the military side of the airfield – the public/civilian area known as Bahrain International Airport is described separately.
Muharraq is the name of the military airfield which is co-located with Bahrain International Airport. The military base is a separate fenced-off compound on the northern side of the main runway, while the airport occupies the southern side. Between 29 September 1958 and 31 October 1971, it was home base to a number of Royal Air Force squadrons, including No.8, 30, 84, 105, 152 and 208 Squadrons. After the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in August 1990, the base was host to deployments of Royal Air Force Tornado, Jaguar, VC10, Tristar, Buccaneer, Victor and Hercules aircraft. Combat operations operations against Iraq were conducted between January and March 1991, after which most of the aircraft returned home. A number of Tornados and Hercules remained for a few more months before heading home. RAF deployments to Muharraq continue is support of ‘Southern Watch’ missions over Iraq. The base is located on Al Muharraq Island, to the north east of Bahrain Island.
Key Dates
| 1932 | Airfield opened for civilian air traffic | |
| 2 April 1943 | RAF Bahrain opened | |
| 1 Dec 1963 | Airfield renamed RAF Muharraq | |
| 15 Dec 1971 | RAF station closed | |
| Aug 1990 | RAF deployment to support liberation of Kuwait | |
| ? | US Navy assumes control |
Runways
| Direction | Length | Width | Surface | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metres (m) | Feet (ft) | Metres (m) | Feet (ft) | ||
| 12L/30R | 3956 | 12979 | 60 | 197 | Paved |
| 12R/30L | 2530 | 8302 | 45 | 148 | Paved |
Residents
The following organisations are, or were, permanently based at this location:
Based Military Units
| Unit | Operator | Arrived | Departed | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 212 Sqn | RAF | Dec 1942 | May 1945 | Maritime Patrol |
| 208 Sqn | RAF | Dec 1961 | Jun 1964 | Maritime Patrol |
| 17 Sqn | RAF | Nov 1990 | May 1991 | Ground Attack |
Based Civilian Operators
Not applicable.
Photo Gallery
To be added.
More Information
Books
‘The Story of Aviation in the Kingdom of Bahrain’ [Order this book from Amazon UK]
‘Action Stations Overseas’ [Order this book from Amazon UK]
Magazines
Feature articles to be added.
Websites
| Disclaimer: Information is provided on this page for historical purposes only, and not for aerial navigation. |
Bahrein Marine Airport
Airfield Profile
Ownership
Operator: Imperial Airways/BOAC, United Kingdom.
Operator’s Identity Codes:
| Code | Operator |
| n/a | Imperial Airways |
Location
| Country | Region | Sub-Region |
| Bahrain | Capital Governorate | Manama |
Address: Al Manamah, Bahrain.
Nearest Town/City: Manama – water runway is 1 mile (1.6 km) east.
| Latitude | Longitude | |
|---|---|---|
| Deg. Min. Sec. | N 26° 14′ 15.7″ | E 050° 36′ 37.1″ |
| Decimal | N 26.2377° | E 50.6103° |
Elevation: 0 m/0 ft
[geo_mashup_map map_content=”global” center_lat=26.2377 center_lng=50.6103 zoom=13 name=”airfields”]
History
Name Changes
| Bahrein Marine Airport | 1937 – 195? |
Narrative Summary
From 1937 onwards Imperial Airways operated flying boats on its passenger routes to Southern Africa, the Middle East and India. Many of these aircraft used Bahrain as a convenient stopping off point on their long journey. The flying boats landed in the stretch of water off the main docks and passengers were then transported by boat to the shore for an overnight stay in one of Bahrain’s hotels. The next morning passengers were checked in at the Bahrain Marine Airport terminal building before being ferried out to the aircraft to resume their journey.
Passenger flights were suspended during World War Two, but in the postwar period BOAC – the successor to Imperial Airways – restarted flying boat operations. These continued using Bahrain until the 1950s, when landplanes made the continuation of water-based operations uneconomic.
Key Dates
| 1937 | First flying boat operations | |
| 195? | Last flying boat departure |
Runways
The runway was a stretch of water between where today the Marina Club is located and Mina Sulman.
Residents
The following organisations are, or were, permanently based at this location:
Based Military Units
Not applicable.
Based Civilian Operators
Not applicable – Imperial Airways/BOAC aircraft were not permanently based here.
Photo Gallery
To be added.
More Information
Books
‘The Story of Aviation in the Kingdom of Bahrain’ [Order this book from Amazon UK]
Magazines
Feature articles to be added.
Websites
Manama Fort Heliport
Airfield Profile
Ownership
Operator: Ministry of the Interior.
Operator’s Identity Codes:
| Code | Operator |
| n/a | BPS |
Location
| Country | Region | Sub-Region |
| Bahrain | Capital Governorate | Manama |
Address: Manama Fort, Al Manamah, Bahrain.
Nearest Town/City: Manama – heliport is in the city centre.
| Latitude | Longitude | |
|---|---|---|
| Deg. Min. Sec. | N 26° 13′ 0″ | E 050° 34′ 60″ |
| Decimal | N 26.2167° | E 50.5833° |
Elevation: 1 m/3 ft
[geo_mashup_map map_content=”global” center_lat=26.2167 center_lng=50.5833 zoom=13 name=”airfields”]
History
Name Changes
| Manama Fort | 1965 – Present |
Narrative Summary
Manama Fort is the home base of Bahrain Public Security’s helicopters. It is located within the capital city of Manama. The helicopter base is not within the fort itself, but across the road on a former parade ground. Date of construction not known.
Key Dates
| 1965 | First helicopters begin operation | |
| 19?? | Hangars constructed |
Runways
Not applicable. Helipads for four helicopters are available.
Residents
The following organisations are, or were, permanently based at this location:
Based Government Units
| Operator | Arrived | Departed | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| BPS Flying Wing | 1965 | Current | Policing |
Based Civilian Operators
Not applicable.
Photo Gallery
To be added.
More Information
Books
‘The Story of Aviation in the Kingdom of Bahrain’ [Order this book from Amazon UK]
Magazines
Feature articles to be added.
Websites
None known.
| Disclaimer: Information is provided on this page for historical purposes only, and not for aerial navigation. |
Shaikh Isa Air Base
Airfield Profile
Ownership
Operator: Royal Bahraini Air Force, Air Operations Centre, PO Box 245, Bahrain.
Operator’s Identity Codes:
| Code | Operator |
| n/a | RBAF |
Location
| Country | Region | Sub-Region |
| Bahrain | Southern Governorate | – |
Address: Not known.
Nearest Town/City: Manama – airfield is 11 miles (18 km) south.
| Latitude | Longitude | |
|---|---|---|
| Deg. Min. Sec. | N 25° 55′ 06.10″ | E 050° 35′ 26.01″ |
| Decimal | N 25.9184° | E 50.5906° |
Elevation: 41 m/136 ft
[geo_mashup_map map_content=”global” center_lat=25.9184 center_lng=50.5906 zoom=13 name=”airfields”]
History
Name Changes
| Shaikh Isa Air Base | 1987 – Present |
Narrative Summary
The massive Shaikh Isa Air Base is located in the south east of Bahrain Island, 18 nm south of Manama. It was built with American assistance from 1987. It is the base for the 1st Fighter Wing of the BAAF. After the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, and during the Gulf War, the base was host to A-6E and F/A-18 units of the US Marine Corps between August 1990 and March 1991. USMC, US Navy and USAF units have continued to deploy to the base at regular intervals up until the present day.
Note: Several references give the location of this base as being on Sitrah (or Sintrah) Island. Sitrah is a small island to the west of Bahrain Island and does NOT host any military air bases.
Key Dates
| 1987 | Work starts on constructing Shaikh Isa AB | |
| 198? | Formally opening of the base | |
| 1990 | US military units arrive |
Runways
| Direction | Length | Width | Surface | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metres (m) | Feet (ft) | Metres (m) | Feet (ft) | ||
| 15/33 | 3800 | 12467 | 45 | 148 | Paved |
Residents
The following organisations are, or were, permanently based at this location:
Based Military Units
| Unit | Operator | Arrived | Departed | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Fighter Wing | RBAF | 1989 | Current | Various |
| VMA(AW)-224 | USMC | 28 Aug 1990 | Mar 1991 | Fighter-Bomber |
| VMFA-235 | USMC | 22 Aug 1990 | Mar 1991 | Fighter-Bomber |
| 69th FS | USAF | ? | ? | Fighter |
Based Civilian Operators
Not applicable.
Photo Gallery
To be added.
More Information
Books
‘The Story of Aviation in the Kingdom of Bahrain’ [Order this book from Amazon UK]
Magazines
Feature articles to be added.
Websites
| Disclaimer: Information is provided on this page for historical purposes only, and not for aerial navigation. |