Operations Control CenterSakhir Air Base
LFS's 24/7 ops desk can coordinate flight support requests for Sakhir Air Base (OBKH) in Zallaq, Bahrain. From flight planning and CAA permits to contract fuel, ground handling, crew hotac and concierge, every service is delivered through a single point of contact and consolidated on a single invoice.
Sakhir Air Base is identified by ICAO location indicator OBKH.
It serves the municipality of Zallaq, Bahrain.
The aerodrome reference point is 26.0345°, 50.5245°.
Our dataset lists 1 runway, the longest 10,499 ft (3,200 m).
The nearest larger airport is Sheik Isa Air Base, about 8 NM away.
Operational context
Sakhir Air Base (OBKH) serves Zallaq, Bahrain. Its longest runway measures 10,499 ft (3,200 m) — indicative planning data only; runway strength, surface, equipment and access must be confirmed with the airport.
For crew, LFS coordinates ground transport, vetted hotac and visa support in Zallaq. For passengers, VIP terminal access, concierge and security screening can be arranged on short notice. All services are delivered through a single LFS account manager and consolidated on a single invoice.
- ▸OFP & route optimization
- ▸Weather & NOTAM brief
- ▸ETOPS / EDTO planning
- ▸Fuel & payload calculations
- ▸Overflight clearances
- ▸Landing permits
- ▸Slot coordination
- ▸Diplomatic & charter approvals
- ▸Negotiated into-plane pricing
- ▸Single consolidated invoice
- ▸Fuel quality assurance
- ▸24/7 release coordination
- ▸Marshalling, GPU, stairs
- ▸Lavatory & potable water
- ▸Baggage & security
- ▸VIP terminal access
- ▸Hotac & ground transport
- ▸Visas & immigration support
- ▸Catering coordination
- ▸Concierge & meet-and-greet
- ▸Live trip dashboard
- ▸Document delivery
- ▸eAPIS / GENDEC filing
- ▸On-the-ground supervision
Sakhir Air Base at a glance
The Bahrain AIP lists OBKH as Sakhir Airbase, about 12 NM southwest of Manama, with a field elevation of 76 ft. The aerodrome operator is the Royal Bahrain Air Force Air Operations Centre and the AIP remarks are short and clear: military airbase, traffic otherwise strictly PPR (prior permission required).
The AIP edition we reviewed lists the aerodrome operator, ARO, MET and ATS hours as Sunday to Thursday, 0415–1030 UTC, with customs and immigration available on request. Check the current AIP and NOTAMs for your date — military aerodrome hours and availability can change, and special events are normally covered by separate arrangements.
Why operators look at OBKH
Sakhir Air Base is best known as the venue of the Bahrain International Airshow. The organisers have announced that the 8th edition, originally scheduled for 18–20 November 2026, has been rescheduled to 15–17 November 2028. Exhibitors with static or flying-display aircraft, and the operators flying delegations to the show, are the main civil-adjacent users of the base.
Outside airshow periods, enquiries usually relate to state or military flights coordinated with the Bahraini authorities. For ordinary business aviation, VIP or charter flights to Bahrain, Bahrain International Airport (OBBI) at Muharraq is the civil airport to plan for — see our Bahrain private jet ground handling page.
Getting permission: PPR and clearances
Prior permission (PPR)
Non-military traffic at OBKH requires prior permission from the Royal Bahrain Air Force. A PPR is not a formality: it is tied to the aircraft, the date and the purpose of the visit. Event-related flights are usually channelled through the organiser's procedures, while state flights normally go through diplomatic channels.
Bahrain landing or diplomatic clearance
Depending on aircraft status, the flight may also need a Bahrain landing permit from the civil aviation authority or a diplomatic clearance. Our landing permits and diplomatic clearance guides explain the information usually requested.
Overflights on the way in
Bahrain is reached through neighbouring airspace, most often Saudi Arabian. Plan overflight permits for every state on the routing, including the Saudi Arabia overflight permit where applicable, and align their validity with the PPR window.
Ground support at a military aerodrome
Do not assume a commercial FBO or handler is resident at OBKH. Ramp services, fuel, security escorts, passenger movements and access for vehicles are arranged with the base and, during events, with the organiser's logistics team. What is provided depends on the permission granted.
- Fuel: confirm availability, grade and payment method in writing, or plan to tanker from an airport where uplift is confirmed. Our fuel team can help with tankering decisions.
- Passengers and crew: plan immigration, transport and accreditation with the event or the host authority well in advance.
- Positioning: many operators drop passengers at OBBI and position the aircraft only where the permission allows.
- Crew hotels: Manama and the Sakhir area are close by; crew logistics covers hotel and transport arrangements.
OBBI — the civil alternative and alternate
Bahrain International (OBBI) is the island's civil international airport and the natural alternate for OBKH. LFS is based in Bahrain and the Bahrain flight support page explains how we coordinate permits, handling, fuel and crew logistics there. For airshow-week flights, having OBBI handling and parking confirmed as a fall-back is sensible, because a military aerodrome's acceptance can be withdrawn at short notice for operational reasons.
Ground handling at OBBI is provided by the airport's licensed handling provider; see our Bahrain Airport Services partner page for how LFS coordinates with the handler without being the handler itself.
What LFS coordinates for an OBKH flight
LFS can prepare and track PPR, permit and clearance content, file flight plans, coordinate OBBI handling as the primary or alternate, arrange fuel where it is available, and book crew hotels and transport. We cannot grant permission to use Sakhir Air Base and we do not operate services on it; every arrangement is subject to the Royal Bahrain Air Force and the relevant Bahraini authorities.
Details to include with an OBKH request
- Aircraft type, registration, MTOW and operator or state.
- Purpose — airshow static/flying display, delegation, state visit or other.
- Arrival and departure dates and times in UTC, plus origin and onward routing.
- Crew and passenger numbers and any protocol or security requirements.
- Fuel, parking duration and whether OBBI should be held as the operating airport.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sakhir Air Base open to private jets?
Sakhir (OBKH) is a Royal Bahrain Air Force airbase and other traffic is strictly PPR. Private and charter flights to Bahrain normally use Bahrain International Airport (OBBI).
When is the next Bahrain International Airshow?
The organisers have rescheduled the 8th edition from 18–20 November 2026 to 15–17 November 2028. Check the official airshow website for current information.
What are OBKH operating hours?
The AIP edition we reviewed lists ATS as Sunday to Thursday 0415–1030 UTC and customs on request. Always confirm against current AIP, NOTAMs and the permission issued for your flight.
Can LFS get my aircraft approved for Sakhir?
No one other than the Bahraini authorities can approve access. LFS prepares and tracks the request, coordinates the civil elements and keeps an OBBI alternate ready.
Which airport is the alternate for OBKH?
Bahrain International (OBBI). Confirm handling and parking there in advance, especially during busy event periods.
Official and reference sources
Reviewed 19 October 2026. Current AIP, NOTAMs, authority requirements and written provider confirmations govern each flight.
Send your flight details
Share your route, aircraft, UTC schedule and the services you need. The LFS desk will review the request and confirm documentation, availability and terms. Permits and access remain subject to approval by the relevant authority.
Request service at OBKH