Definition
Lod Airbase is a military airfield situated adjacent to Ben Gurion International Airport, near the city of Lod in central Israel. It serves as a joint civil‑military aviation facility, providing operational support to the Israeli Air Force (IAF) while sharing runway and air‑traffic infrastructure with the civilian airport.
Overview
The airfield originated during the British Mandate of Palestine, when it was constructed as a Royal Air Force (RAF) station known as RAF Lydda. After the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, the facility was taken over by the Israeli government and incorporated into the IAF’s network of bases. Over time, the civilian portion was expanded and renamed Ben Gurion International Airport, the country’s primary international gateway, while the military component retained the designation “Lod Airbase.”
The base is used for a variety of IAF activities, including transport operations, training flights, and as a logistical hub for aircraft servicing and crew preparation. Its proximity to the civilian airport enables shared use of the main runway (approximately 3,800 m in length) and navigation facilities, while maintaining separate security zones and operational procedures for military and commercial traffic.
Etymology / Origin
The name “Lod” derives from the ancient city of Lod, known historically in Hebrew as “לוד” (Lod) and in Arabic as “اللُّد” (al‑Ludd). The term “airbase” follows the standard English military nomenclature for a permanent airfield used for the deployment and support of aircraft.
Characteristics
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Approximately 3 km southeast of the central area of Lod, within the Ben Gurion Airport complex. |
| Runway | Shares the main runway of Ben Gurion Airport (runway 12/30), length about 3,800 m, asphalt surface. |
| Facilities | Separate military apron, hangars, fuel depots, and command/control facilities; civilian terminal and passenger facilities are isolated from the military zone. |
| Primary Functions | – Transport and logistical flights for the IAF. – Training sorties for pilots and crew. – Aircraft maintenance and refuelling support. |
| Units | Specific IAF units permanently stationed at Lod Airbase are not publicly detailed; accurate information is not confirmed. |
| Security | Controlled access with dedicated security checkpoints; coordination with civil aviation authorities for air‑traffic management. |
Related Topics
- Ben Gurion International Airport – The civilian counterpart sharing runway and air‑traffic services.
- Israeli Air Force – The military organization operating from Lod Airbase.
- RAF Lydda – The British Royal Air Force station that preceded the modern airbase.
- Joint Civil‑Military Airports – Airports worldwide that combine commercial and military operations.
Note: While the existence of a military airfield adjacent to Ben Gurion Airport is well documented, detailed public information about the specific units, operational tempo, and internal infrastructure of Lod Airbase is limited. Accurate information is not confirmed for certain aspects.