Ghardabiya Airbase is a dual-function airbase for the Libyan Air Force 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) south of the Mediterranean coastal city of Sirte.[4] It also incorporates an airport for civilian use.[5]
Ghardabiya Airbase Sirte Airport | |||||||||||||||
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![]() United States Department of Defense reconnaissance photo of hangars at Ghardabiya | |||||||||||||||
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Summary | |||||||||||||||
Airport type | Military/Public | ||||||||||||||
Serves | Sirte, Libya | ||||||||||||||
Elevation AMSL | 270 ft / 82 m | ||||||||||||||
Coordinates | 31°03′38″N 16°36′42″E | ||||||||||||||
Map | |||||||||||||||
![]() ![]() SRX Location in Libya | |||||||||||||||
Runways | |||||||||||||||
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All runways have 305 metres (1,001 ft) displaced thresholds.
The Sirte non-directional beacon (Ident: SRT) is located 7.8 nautical miles (14.4 km) north of the airport, in the city. The Sirte VOR-DME (Ident: SRT) is located on the field.[6][7]
It is the home base of 1124th Bomber Squadron and 1st Fighter-Bomber Squadron which operate the Su-22 aircraft.[8] The base also operates the Aero L-39 Albatros for counterinsurgency missions.
Due to the First Libyan Civil War of 2011 all flights were suspended; however, since the end of the conflict, Libyan Airlines have resumed service. It is unknown if Air Libya has resumed services as well.
Airlines | Destinations |
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Libyan Airlines | Tripoli–Mitiga |
It was targeted by United States Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bombers equipped with precision-guided munitions (PGMs) during the First Libyan Civil War on 20 and 21 March 2011.[9] The United States Navy also participated in the attack to deny the Libyan Air Force operational capability with the use of Tomahawk cruise missiles.[10][11]
In May 2015, during the Second Libyan Civil War, ISIL militants took control of the airport only weeks after seizing full control of nearby Sirte.[12] On 4 June 2016, Pro-Libyan government fighters stated that they had captured the airbase from ISIL.[13]
In January 2020, Libyan forces loyal to the eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar said they had taken control of the strategic coastal city of Sirte, including al-Ghardabiya airbase.[14]
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Airports in Libya | |
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Unscheduled |
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