Sfax

Airfield

Connections

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Detailed History

World War II[edit]

During World War II, the airport was known as Sfax Airfield and was used by the United States Army Air Forces Ninth Air Force during the North African Campaign. Known units assigned were:

12th Bombardment Group, 15 April – 2 June 1943, B-25 Mitchell

340th Bombardment Group, 15 April – 2 June 1943, B-25 Mitchell

Later years[edit]

The airport has undergone several extensions and improvements. The most important development and remodeling of the terminal took place in 1988 when the runway was extended. In 1989 a cargo terminal was added and in 1996 new facilities were built: warehouse, taxiways and the airport apron was reconstructed. Additionally the runway was improved and a new control tower was built.

With a capacity of 200,000 passengers per year, the current terminal covers 2,000 m2 (½ acre). A new terminal building covers 8000 m2 (2 acres), consisting of three buildings. Construction started on 8 November 2005, and it was inaugurated on 22 December 2007. With a total cost of six million dinars, it has a capacity of 500,000 passengers. A total budget of 25 million dinars was also devoted to the airport to give it a total facelift (control tower, runway and parking).

From 2011 the airport was the main hub and headquarters for Syphax Airlines up until 2015.

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 340th Bomb Group 489th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 13009901
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant (3rd Grade)
  • Role/Job: Aerial Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 340th Bomb Group 489th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 12047214
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant (3rd Grade)
  • Role/Job: Aircraft Mechanic
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 340th Bomb Group Headquarters (340th Bomb Group)
  • Highest Rank: Major
  • Role/Job: Pilot/Group Operations Officer/Group Tactical Inspector
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 97th Combat Bomb Wing Headquarters (97th Combat Bomb Wing) 12th Bomb Group
  • Service Numbers: O-29600
  • Highest Rank: Brigadier General
  • Role/Job: Pilot, Commanding Officer
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 340th Bomb Group 489th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: T-186309
  • Highest Rank: Flight Officer
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-25 Mitchell
  • Nicknames: Little Bea Hind
  • Unit: 340th Bomb Group 486th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-25 Mitchell
  • Nicknames: Bottoms Up
  • Unit: 340th Bomb Group 488th Bomb Squadron

Revisions

Date
Contributor466thHistorian
Changes
Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sfax–Thyna_International_Airport