Major U.S. and coalition air power hub in Qatar.
Opened
1996
Location
Ar Rayyan, Qatar
Al Udeid Air Base is a large military air base located near Ar Rayyan, approximately 20 miles southwest of Doha, Qatar. It serves as the headquarters of the United States Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT) and hosts the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC), making it one of the most strategically significant American military installations in the Middle East.
The base is jointly operated by the Qatar Emiri Air Force and the United States Air Force, and has hosted tens of thousands of U.S. and coalition personnel. It has played a central role in operations across Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and broader regional missions. The base features one of the longest runways in the Middle East and extensive infrastructure to support large-scale air operations.
Al Udeid is a military installation and is not open to civilian commercial traffic. Its IATA code XJD is used primarily for cargo and military logistics purposes rather than scheduled passenger service.
Notable facts
- ›Hosts the U.S. Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT) headquarters.
- ›Houses the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) directing air operations across the Middle East.
- ›Features one of the longest runways in the Middle East, approximately 12,500 feet.
- ›Joint base operated by Qatar Emiri Air Force and the United States Air Force.
- ›Has supported operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria among other regional missions.
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 Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
