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Ovda Airport (VDA/LLOV) is a former civilian and Israeli Air Force base in the Negev desert, about 60 km north of Eilat. It once handled many international charter flights to Eilat, but civilian operations moved to Ramon Airport (ETM) in 2019. Today it is primarily a military airfield, with no scheduled passenger service.
💡 Local Tip
Because Ovda is an active military base, do not photograph security areas or expect normal terminal amenities; if you are there for a special flight or event, bring water, sun protection, and a warm layer for cold desert nights.
🚖 Getting There
Ovda sits along Route 40 about 60 km north of Eilat, so a car or prearranged shuttle takes roughly 45–60 minutes. There is no regular civilian public transport from the former passenger terminal, so arrange taxis or transfers in advance. For current commercial flights to Eilat, use Ramon Airport (ETM), which has scheduled buses, taxis, and rental cars.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ovda Airport still open for passenger flights?
A: No. Civilian flights moved to Ramon Airport (ETM) in 2019, and Ovda is now primarily an Israeli Air Force base.
Q: What are Ovda Airport's codes?
A: Its IATA code is VDA and its ICAO code is LLOV.
Q: How far is Ovda from Eilat?
A: It is about 60 km (37 miles) north of Eilat, roughly a 45–60 minute drive via Route 40.
Q: Can travelers use Ovda as an alternative to Ramon Airport?
A: Generally no; Ramon Airport (ETM) is Eilat's civilian airport. Any access to Ovda is usually restricted to military, charter, or special-event operations.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 30, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash