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Belgian Air Component base with historic search and rescue legacy.
Opened
1917
Location
Koksijde, Belgium
Koksijde Air Base (ICAO: EBFN) is a Belgian military airfield located near the town of Koksijde on the North Sea coast in West Flanders, Belgium. It serves as a primary installation of the Belgian Air Component and has been notably associated with search and rescue operations over the North Sea for decades.
The base gained particular recognition as the home of the Belgian Air Component's Search and Rescue (SAR) squadron, which historically operated Westland Sea King helicopters. In 2023, the SAR mission transitioned to NH90 helicopters as the aging Sea Kings were retired after long service. The base also hosts an aviation museum, the Air Space Museum (Luchtvaartmuseum Koksijde), which preserves significant Belgian and international aviation heritage.
Koksijde Air Base is not open to commercial passenger traffic and has no civilian airline operations. Its strategic coastal location makes it well-suited for maritime patrol and rescue missions over the English Channel and southern North Sea.
Notable facts
- ›Originally established during World War I, with roots dating to 1917.
- ›Home to the Belgian Air Component's Search and Rescue squadron, historically operating Westland Sea King helicopters.
- ›The Sea King helicopters were retired around 2023 and replaced by NH90 helicopters for SAR duties.
- ›The base hosts the Air Space Museum (Luchtvaartmuseum Koksijde), a significant aviation heritage museum.
- ›Located on the Belgian North Sea coast, making it strategically positioned for maritime SAR operations.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
