Contents
Key Facts
| Name: | Muharraq Airfield |
| Alternate Name: | |
| Location: | Muharraq |
| Region: | |
| ICAO Code: | OBBI |
| IATA Code: | none |
| Usage: | Military |
| Category: | Major Air Base |
| Start: | 1943 |
| End: |
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. |