Israel – Ovda Airport (Uvda) – photo and description. Do not fly to the Israeli airport Uvda - this is hard trash and a waste of money Vda airport in which city
Ovda International Airport (Eilat Ovda Airport) is located approximately 60 kilometers north of Eilat.
Coordinates: 29°56′N; 34°56′E
Code: VDA
Official website of Ovda Airport: www.iaa.gov.il/Rashat/en-US/Airports/Ovda
Ovda airport scoreboard online
Below is the Ovda airport schedule. On the display you will see a schedule of departures and arrivals according to local time, points of departure and destination, flight numbers and airline names.
In addition, you can get information about flight schedules and prices for flights either on the page about tickets to Eilat, or using the search form (to do this you will have to enter the required information in the required fields):
How to get from Ovda Airport to Eilat
It goes from Ovda to Eilat several times a day regular bus No. 392 (flies from Baer Sheva; stops at the airport). A taxi ride to Eilat will cost approximately US$50.
In the diagram below you can see a map of the airport's surroundings. To zoom in on the image, double-click with the left mouse button, and to remove it, click with the right mouse button.
JavaScript must be enabled in order for you to use Google Maps.
However, it seems JavaScript is either disabled or not supported by your browser.
To view Google Maps, enable JavaScript by changing your browser options, and then try again.
There is a menu at the top right of the image. By default, the "Maps" item opens. The “Satellite” item will allow you to see photos of the airport’s surroundings taken from space.
Every year, with the opening of the tourist season in Israel, local international airports begin to operate at full capacity. One of these airports is the small but efficient Ovda Airport. This air hub is constantly connected by regular flights with domestic carriers, as well as with Russian, German and English airlines. With the beginning of the tourist flow, seasonal and charter flights open here.
A little history
In 1980, the Ovda airbase was built as a military air hub. This happened after Israel returned to Egypt Sinai peninsula. As a result, the State of Israel was in dire need of its own airfield, to replace the lost military air complex, according to the Camp David Agreement.
Over time, it was decided to use Ovda airport for civilian purposes. This was due to the proximity of the air complex to famous resort Eilat. In addition, the existing Eilat airport could not cope with passenger traffic in summer time and still does not have the required runway.
Location
Ovda Airport is located on a small plateau surrounded by low mountains. The distance from Eilat to the airport is 59 kilometers. Tourists fly here, not only going to the resorts of Eilat, but also those who want to spend their holidays on the shores of the Dead Sea. The distance from Ein Bokek (Dead Sea) to the airport is 169 kilometers.
Thanks to good bus connections, those keen to visit Tel Aviv and Jerusalem also arrive here. Intercity buses from Ovda to a specific destination they run every day.
Infrastructure
Ovda Airport has retained the features of military specialization. There are no architectural delights here. The airport building itself has a rectangular shape. The arrival and departure halls are combined, so Ovda Airport has one display for everyone. Including charter flights.
But with his strict appearance Ovda Airport (Israel) performs all the necessary international cargo and passenger tasks, and the waiting room is quite spacious and well equipped.
There are no ATMs here, but there are two currency exchange points. But the exchange rate here is significantly different from what they can offer in the city. There are souvenir shops and cafes on the airport grounds.
How to get there
More recently, many tourists found it difficult to get from the airport to Eilat or the Dead Sea resorts. But since 2015, commercial shuttles have been running from Ovda and public buses. At Ovda airport, bus schedules and aircraft arrivals are agreed upon in advance. This makes the arrival of tourists more comfortable famous resorts Israel.
From the airport you can get to Eilat by public transport. Bus No. 282 is specially adapted for flights and waits for passengers 45 minutes after the plane lands. The ticket price is 6.5 dollars, and the round-trip ticket costs 10.9 dollars. If the flight is delayed for any reason, then the bus departs later.
You can also get to Eilat by commercial shuttle, the ticket costs $8. In this case, it is convenient that the shuttle takes people directly to the hotel they have booked. The same company's shuttles take people to Taba in Egypt and Aqaba in Jordan for $25. In addition, other shuttles can take people from Ovda to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv for $35.
For those flying with children or large luggage, it is more convenient to use the transfer. A taxi in this case will cost up to $140. But if you are traveling with your whole family or a group of up to 4 people, then using a transfer will be the best and most profitable option.
The path from Ovda airport to the Dead Sea resorts is somewhat difficult. Because in this case there are no direct bus services. Those who go on vacation to the Dead Sea resorts must first take a bus to Eilat. And already in Eilat, transfer to bus number 444. On it you can go to Neve Zohar or Ein Bokek for 10.9 dollars. For a more comfortable trip, you can use a taxi.
Many are expecting the opening of a new civil airport in the Eilat area, which is being built 35 kilometers from the city. Then Ovda Airport will cease serving civilian flights and, possibly, will again become a military air hub.
Has three international airports. Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Haifa Airport and the airport located near the resort town of Eilat - Ovda in Israel have international status.
In addition to international airports, Israel has a number of local airports. And although the country, by our standards, is quite small, the sky above Israel is densely woven with threads local airlines transporting passengers from one end of the country to the other. Sde Dov Airport, located just north of Tel Aviv, Rosh Pina Airport near Tiberias, Atarot - which has its runways near Jerusalem, Kiryat Shmon on the border with Lebanon, Sdom Airport near Dead Sea And local airport Mitzpe Ramon, which is located near Beer Sheva.
It must be said that passengers who fly to Israel's Ben-Gurion International Airport on local airlines pass through the terminal, which is located quite far from the international flight terminal. The distance from the domestic terminal to the international terminal is four kilometers. All public transport that travels throughout all cities of the country departs from international terminal. The distance from the domestic flights terminal to the international flights terminal should not be intimidating, because there are shuttle buses between them. free buses, which will deliver the passenger to the desired point. These buses do not have a schedule, but this is not required, since the bus drives directly to the plane upon its arrival at the airport. The time between buses can range from 10 minutes to 30 minutes.
The second international airport in Israel is Ovda (Ovda). Ovda Airport on the map of Israel is located in the southern part of the country, in the desert 60 kilometers from the resort city of Eilat. Ovda Airport in Israel mainly accepts charter flights.
Ovda in Israel is a former military airport, the airport that is closest to Dead Sea. The airport in Israel Ovda has international status, but it is very small. This can also be seen in the photo. The airport has one waiting room, which can only be entered after passing through security. Several chairs for sitting and a toilet are available and up to the control. In the lounge itself at Ovda Airport in Israel there is a cafe and a buffet, as well as Duty Free, where you can buy various souvenirs, small items, etc.
It must be said that Ovda Airport in Israel serves not only civilian flights; Israeli Air Force planes also land here. In general, Ovda Airport is a reserve airport for international Ben Gurion.
Ovda Airport in Israel has been converted from military base to a civilian airport is not because of a good life. The thing is that Eilat airport cannot accept large airliners, since the airport is located in the very center of the resort city, right next to the hotels where tourists relax and the local population lives.
For many years, the Israeli government has been talking about somehow solving the problem and removing the airport from Eilat. After all, this is dangerous for city residents. But the problem has not yet been solved. Relocating an airport requires a huge amount of money, and there are no such funds for this purpose yet.
The geographical location of Ovda Airport in Israel is a plateau surrounded by a chain of low mountains. The airport has two names - Ovda and Uvda. Ovda is most likely the Russian pronunciation of the name of the airport. After all, in Hebrew, vowels are not written, but rather implied.
As already mentioned, in Israel Ovda is a military airport, and therefore the airport infrastructure is poorly developed. The airport building has a rectangular, simple shape and has absolutely no architectural delights. It is not large and performs purely functional tasks. There is only one entrance to the airport, it is located from the open parking lot. Discussions about the reconstruction and repair of Ovda airport have been going on for a very long time, but they remain just that.
At the end of the 20th century, the Israeli government had an interesting idea - to build a completely new, modern transnational airport on the border of two cities in two countries - Israeli Eilat and Jordanian Ak-Kaba. This airport would have to serve two countries.
But the implementation of this idea was prevented by turbulent political troubles, and therefore this idea remained unrealized. As before, large airliners land at Uvda Airport, and small planes land at the airfield of Eilat Airport in the very center of Israel.
How is the waiting room at Uvda in Israel? The main part of the Uvda airport building is the hall. It is the same for Arrival and Departure. Its advantage is that it is quite spacious, and, importantly, not poorly equipped. In the smaller part of the building there is a hall where the passenger enters after passing control. There are a row of comfortable chairs, coffee machines, and counters where you can order freshly squeezed juice. Here in the hall there is a small rest room, made in the Bedouin style. At Ovda airport you can refresh yourself while waiting for the plane. There is a small cafe here. From the second, larger hall, passengers board, and passengers walk along the runway to the plane.
As at any international airport, you need to arrive in Ovda in advance, preferably three hours before the plane’s departure, so that the inspection and verification of documents by the relevant services can proceed calmly and without haste.
You can get to Ovda Airport in Israel from Eilat by bus or taxi. The journey to the airport by bus will take no more than an hour through lifeless, but nevertheless picturesque landscapes: you can see the famous Red Canyon and dry river beds. From the bus on the way to the airport, border patrols are clearly visible.
From Eilat to Ovda Airport there is regular bus 392, which departs from Central Station Eilat and moves along the route Eilat - Beer Sheva. This bus makes five trips a day. An alternative to the bus is a taxi or transfer, which can be booked in advance.
The airport in Israel Ovda receives mainly large planes, such as Boeing 747. The airport is an hour's drive from Eilat. In that resort town there are buses that stop at everyone large hotels cities.
Ovda Airport: how to get to the airport, official website, telephone numbers, flights, taxi to the airport, service and services of Eilat Airport.
On March 18, 2019, Ovda Airport closed and was replaced by the international airport named after. Ilana and Asaf Ramonov.
Ovda International Airport (sometimes Ovda) is the second most popular and largest airport in Israel. The airport is located 60 km from Eilat, the southern city countries and part-time popular resort. The airport was originally built for the needs of the military, but later acquired civilian functions. Uvda successfully accommodates heavy aircraft that cannot land at Eilat airport due to the runway being too short.
The airport took its name from the operation that became the last during Israel's War of Independence. During Operation Uvda they were liberated southern territories and the Eilat area.
Ovda Airport is named after the military operation of the same name that ended the Israeli War of Independence and brought freedom to the south of the country.
By 2017, Ovda Airport may return to serving only military aircraft. The basis for the cancellation of his civil functions will be the completion of the construction of a new international airport Eilat.
Ovda Airport Terminal
Ovda Airport has one passenger terminal serving both domestic and international flights, mainly charter flights.
Services
The airport has retained the features of military specialization, which are most clearly manifested in a very narrow range of services. There are no ATMs in Ovda, so you should take care of cash in advance. There are two currency exchange points, the rate there is noticeably different from the city one. The airport lounge is small but comfortable, where you can relax and have a small snack. In Ovda you can buy souvenirs and various little things for the trip, there is Duty Free.
Tax free
Eilat is a duty-free trade zone, so prices for goods are shown without VAT. But if purchases were made in other areas of Israel, then you can apply for tax free by going to the counter marked VAT Refund.
How to get to the airport
The lack of charters from Russia to Turkey and Egypt in 2016 contributed to the growing popularity of Israel among fans beach holiday. Eilat Airport in Israel no longer met modern requirements, could not cope with the increased load, and was closed. While a new air terminal is being built in Timna, air traffic in resort area Ovda (IATA – VDA) answers the promised land, 60 km from the center of Eilat. We will tell you how to get from the airport to the city in this article.
Ovda is a small military airport in the Negev, which has been accepting civilian flights, including international ones, since the eighties of the last century. Now all civil flights in the south of the country are served by it, and the opening of a new modern air terminal in Timna is planned for the winter season 2017/18.
The airport serves more than 128 thousand people a year
In 2016, passenger traffic in Ovda international flights increased by 112% compared to the previous year and amounted to more than 128 thousand people. This is relatively small for a civilian airport. For example, it annually receives about 15 million passengers. But for Ovda, the current passenger flow is still a burden.
Important point: Due to the tense situation in the world, security checks at Ovda airport can take a significant amount of time; the recommended arrival time is 3.5 hours before departure.
Airport security can be time-consuming
Hotels nearby
Ovda was built for the needs military aviation, so tourists waiting for a delayed flight and those staying here before connecting are out of luck. You can eat at the airport, but there is nowhere to stay overnight nearby. The nearest apartments are located near the Timna Valley, halfway to Eilat.
Guest House Elifaz Desert Experience Holiday- the closest to the airport, although it is located 17 km from it. The place is colorful and travelers mostly like it. The hotel offers travelers air-conditioned rooms with TV, free Wi-Fi and a “very good breakfast.”
Elifaz Desert Experience Holiday Guesthouse is located 17 km from the airport
The next most remote hotel is Pina MaBidbar in the city of Be’er Ora – 40 km south of Ovda.
Cheap flights to Eilat
The flight from Moscow to Israel lasts about four hours. It is important to take care in advance about how to get from the airport to Eilat, since Ovda is located at a considerable distance from tourist center, and the airport amenities are not conducive to a long stay. To avoid overpayments, it is better to search for air tickets to the Resort using the low price calendar:
Airport map
Ovda's only terminal cannot boast of modern equipment, so it is difficult to while away your leisure time here. A common waiting room, a relaxation area, restrooms, a cafe and a modest Duty Free - everything that the airport closest to Eilat is rich in. There are two currency exchange offices at the airport, but their course is not the most pleasant. Change a small amount here to buy public transport tickets. Save the rest for the city exchange offices.
Airport on the map
Transport from the airport
Transport from the airport, as well as accommodation nearby, does not offer much variety. Therefore, it is better to plan the route to the final destination of the trip in advance.
Buses
You can get from the airport in Eilat to the hotel in an hour by public transport. Bus number 282 departs to the city from Ovda 45 minutes after each flight lands. Local carrier Egged provided tourists with the opportunity to quickly and non-stop get to the resort seven days a week, even on Saturday.
The route runs along highway 12, goes to the bus station, and also passes by the hotels of the southern and northern beaches. His Ending station– Taba on the border with Egypt.
Bus number 282 leaves for Eilat 45 minutes after each flight lands.
The one-way fare is 25 shekels (about 6 US dollars in 2017), round trip – 42.5. Payment is made on the bus or at the Eilat ticket office if you are heading to Ovda. You can also book a ticket online on the carrier’s official website and print it out at Eilatomat, but this is difficult to do without knowing Hebrew.
Another route that connects Ovda and Eilat is bus number 392, connecting the city and the airport with five routes a day, excluding Saturdays. The stop is located at a distance from the airport, on Highway 12. Due to the launch of route 282, this flight has ceased to be popular.
Important: When arriving in Israel for the holidays, find out in advance about changes in the work schedule public transport.
shuttle
Shuttles are commercial minibuses that are suitable for those on vacation big company. They will take you to the desired hotel and will make stops as required. The cost of one ticket to Eilat is $8.
Airport shuttles can be ordered and paid in advance online
Using the same service you can get from Eilat airport to Egyptian Taba or Jordanian Aqaba. Tickets, of course, will cost a little more.
Taxi from Ovda airport to Eilat
The peculiarities of both Israel in general and Ovda Airport in particular leave their mark on trip planning. Security measures at Israeli airports are such that there may be nuances with public transport. Delays at passport control and customs are quite common. There can be a lot of reasons - from Arab appearance or visa to suspicious behavior. But the delay is a delay, and public transport will not wait.
Considering local peculiarities, you should take care of a taxi to the airport in advance
The taxi fare at the terminal is also small - the air terminal is tiny, and nearest civilization far. Therefore, when planning a trip with large luggage or children, it makes sense to weigh the risks and, if necessary, order a car to the airport in advance - via the Internet. Moreover, there is no additional charge for idle cars in case of delay during inspection.
The service independently monitors the arrivals board, and the driver will meet you at the exit from the baggage claim area with a nameplate in hand. The pleasure is, of course, more expensive than public transport, but it more than pays for itself in the absence of risks.
By the way, a complete calculation of the cost of the trip is made online; there is no need to pay extra on the spot, and therefore such features as traveling in circles and cheating the meter are excluded.
Car rental at the airport and Eilat
Since Ovda is not considered a significant airport by large car rental chains, their presence here is very limited. The nearest representative offices with a wide range of cars are located directly in Eilat.
When selecting a car rental supplier in Israel, you need to take into account that the east is a delicate matter. To avoid hidden fees and not pay exorbitant prices for a car, it is better to select a car through a large international car rental price comparison service (for example, the British Rentalcars).
autos
The online system tracks price changes at the largest car rental companies, allowing you to find and book the most advantageous offer in seconds. You can find out the current conditions for renting a car in Eilat on this page.
From Ovda Airport to Tel Aviv
Ovda Airport is not the best a starting point for those traveling to Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. In this case, it is much easier and more profitable to look for tickets directly to.
If suddenly you landed in Ovda, but you need to go to Tel Aviv, then there are 3 solutions:
- Take bus 392 to Beersheba. There is the nearest railway station, from which trains depart regularly to Tel Aviv.
- Book a transfer on the Shuttle, which was described above
- Book a taxi online in time for your arrival.
Have a good trip
Photos by: Israel, Eilat Airport, frog-travelers.ru, Photo albums - OZYV.Ru, ljfun - LiveJournal, holyland.ru, gorodamira.info.