Al Asad Air Base

Al Asad Air Base is a military facility. Civilian access may be restricted or require Prior Permission (PPR). Pilots should consult the IQ AIP for current access procedures and restrictions.

Overview

Al Asad Air Base is a medium-sized airport located near Hīt, Iraq, positioned at coordinates 33.785599, 42.441200 with an elevation of 618 feet above mean sea level. The base serves as a significant military aviation facility with substantial runway infrastructure supporting multiple aircraft operations. Its strategic location in western Iraq provides critical regional aviation capabilities.

Flying Conditions

The airport features three extensive runways: two asphalt surfaces at 13,124 and 13,123 feet, and one graded earth runway at 10,125 feet. Given the geographic position in Iraq's western region, pilots should anticipate potentially challenging desert environmental conditions with significant temperature variations and potential dust/sand interaction. The elevation of 618 feet MSL indicates a relatively moderate terrain profile for aircraft operations.

Notable Features

Al Asad Air Base's runway configuration offers exceptional operational flexibility with three distinct runways oriented in similar 09/27 and 08/26 alignments. The longest runways measuring over 13,000 feet can accommodate large military and potential commercial aircraft. The mix of asphalt and graded earth surfaces suggests diverse operational capabilities for different aircraft types and mission requirements.

Approach Considerations

Runway selections at 09/27 and 08/26 suggest prevailing wind patterns potentially influencing approach strategies. The substantial runway lengths provide significant margins for various aircraft performance envelopes, allowing more conservative approach and landing parameters. Pilots should anticipate potential environmental challenges typical to desert aviation environments when planning arrivals and departures.