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Sde Dov / Tel Aviv
32°06'N 34°46'E

The inland airport and military airbase of Sde Dov is located a few kilometers from the center of Tel Aviv on the west coast. Situated approximately 20 km/ 13 miles from Ben Gurion Airport, this airfield was originally built as a private airstrip next to the Tel Aviv power station in the 1930's. This L-shaped facility consists of a single runway 1,741 meters long, with the military and civil aprons forming the base of the L.

The Sde Dov base was built during the events of 1936-1936 at the initiative of the mayor of Tel Aviv at the time, the late Israel Rokah, who feared that the rioters' attacks would deprive the developing region of the airport it needed. The base is named after the late Dov Hoz, One of the pioneers of the second aliyah and the founders of the "Hagana" organization. The first flight route established in 1938 north of Yarkon was used as a starting point for the Tel Aviv - Haifa - Beirut line.

Sde Dov (also known as Sde Tov) was the first airbase used by the newly formed Cheyl Ha'Avir during the War of Independence in 1948. The military section -- called "Tel Aviv Airbase" -- is perhaps the most accessible of all IDF/AF bases.

Sde Dov is the home base of Arkia Airlines as well as being used by El Al. Arkia is one of Israel's older ventures, set up in 1950 by the state airline, El Al, and the Histadrut Labor Federation to provide an air link between Eilat and the center of the country. Over the years it became the sole domestic carrier providing scheduled and charter flights throughout Israel. In 1980, El Al and the Histadrut sold their shares in Arkia to Kanaf Arkia, a subsidiary of Knafaim. Arkia flies over one million passengers a year on domestic and international routes. It operates about 30 airplanes, including 11 Dash 7, 3 Boeing 737 and 6 Boeing 757 aircraft. Arkia AM Aircraft Maintenance services an extensive number of aircraft types belonging to Arkia's fleet, other commercial airlines and operators, the Israeli Air Force and private general aviation fleets. Arkia AM Aircraft Maintenance is located in Tel-Aviv at Dov Airport. The facility includes both hangar (18,000 sq. Meters) space and ramp area.

Imagery of the Sde Dov Airfield
Click on the small image to view a larger version
August 6 1970