Leger

Leger Airport, officially bearing the name of the national liberation war hero Boudghene Ben Ali Lotfi, serves as the main aerial gateway to the mysterious world of the Sahara Desert in western Algeria. It is not merely a functional transport hub, but a true starting point for those seeking to witness the ancient oases and majestic dunes of the Saoura region. Despite the rugged desert landscape surrounding it, the airport welcomes travellers with a cozy atmosphere and a readiness to ensure a peaceful start to a great adventure.

Airport Features and Advantages

The main advantage of Leger Airport is its compactness and ease of navigation. There are practically no queues here, unlike large capital hubs, allowing passengers to complete all pre-flight formalities in a matter of minutes. The infrastructure, whilst basic, fully meets the needs of regional tourism and business travel.

The airport boasts a strategic location for tourists: it is situated just 5 kilometres from the city of Bechar and is the nearest aviation hub for visiting the famous Taghit oasis, known as the "Pearl of the Sahara". Thanks to good transport accessibility, travellers can reach the city centre or begin their journey into the desert almost immediately after landing.

In recent years, the airport has undergone stages of modernisation. The runway has been reconstructed to accommodate various types of aircraft, including the Boeing 737, which has improved the reliability of air connections. Despite its regional status, the airport is capable of handling international flights, particularly charters and flights for Hajj pilgrims, highlighting its important role in the region's transport system.

• Official Airport Website: Currently, Leger Airport does not have its own official website. Management is carried out by the regional airport service, EGSA Oran.
• Information Desk Phone: +213 49 21 77 77. Please note that calls may require knowledge of French or Arabic.
• Airport Address: Aéroport de Béchar - Boudghene Ben Ali Lotfi, BP 142, 08000, Bechar, Algeria.
• Email: An official email address for general enquiries is not published. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
• Airport Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social networks.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact the representative of the airline you flew with directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For directory information and support at the airport, please use the main information desk phone number.

Bechar Boudghene Ben Ali Lotfi Airport (CBH), also known as Leger Airport, is located just a few kilometres northwest of the city of Bechar, making the journey there quick and convenient. There are several ways to get from the city centre to the airport.

The simplest and most popular method is by taxi. A trip from the city centre will take just 10–15 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The cost of the ride in Algeria is relatively low, but it is recommended to agree on the price with the driver in advance or ensure they have switched on the meter. Taxis can be found at designated stands in the city or ordered through your hotel. This is a particularly convenient option if you are travelling with luggage.

For a more budget-friendly journey, you can consider public transport. Although buses may operate in the city with routes passing near the airport, there may not be a direct connection to the terminal. This option is more suitable for travellers without large luggage and with plenty of time. It is best to check route and schedule information on-site with locals or at the bus station.

Car rental is an excellent choice for those planning not only a trip to the airport but also independent exploration of the Sahara surroundings. In the city of Bechar, you can find offices of both local and international rental companies. By booking a car online in advance, you can pick it up at a location convenient for you, drive comfortably to the airport, and then leave it in the car park.

Parking is generally available within the grounds of Leger Airport, where you can leave a vehicle for both short and long periods. Given the small size of the airport, finding a free space is usually not difficult. This is a convenient solution if you are arriving in your own or a rented vehicle.

Overall, for most tourists, the optimal choice would be a taxi due to the ideal combination of speed, convenience, and reasonable price. If you are looking for adventure and wish to save money, you can try using local buses, but be prepared for potential inconveniences and the need to clarify details on the spot.

When planning your route, it is also worth noting that there are other airports in the region. For example, a few hours' drive away are Moulay Ali Cherif Airport in Errachidia or Mechria Airport. Larger international hubs, such as Angads Airport in Oujda and Fes-Saiss Airport in Fes, offer more flights but are located significantly further away.

Leger Airport (CBH), serving the city of Bechar, is a compact and functional aviation hub. Its key feature is a simple and clear structure, consisting of just one passenger terminal. This building serves both domestic flights within Algeria and rare international charters, sparing travellers the need to search for the right building or use shuttles.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The building is logically divided into main zones located in close proximity to one another. Upon entry, passengers find themselves in the main hall where the check-in counters are located. Immediately following this is the security screening area, leading to a small but comfortable departure lounge. The arrival area is situated in another part of the building and is equipped with a luggage claim belt. Walking between zones takes just a few minutes, making navigation extremely simple.

Thanks to the small size of the airport and moderate passenger flow, check-in and security control here are significantly faster than in major aviation hubs. Typically, all pre-flight formalities take a minimum amount of time. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard — 1.5–2 hours before departure, to check in luggage and go through all procedures without rushing.

The main recommendation for navigation is simply to follow the standard signs. It is practically impossible to get lost in the single terminal. The entire path from the entrance to the boarding gate is linear and clear. If you have any questions, the airport staff are always ready to help. The main advantage of Leger Airport is its simplicity and lack of hustle, allowing you to begin or end your journey in a calm environment.

The history of Leger Airport (CBH), officially known as Boudghene Ben Ali Lotfi Airport, is closely tied to the history of the city of Bechar and the entire region. It was founded in the first half of the 20th century, during the period when Algeria was part of France. Initially, it was an important military airfield, playing a strategic role in controlling the vast territories of the Sahara. Its location made it a key point for air operations and logistics in the southern part of the country.

After Algeria gained independence, a new chapter began in the airport's history. It was transferred to civil authority management and renamed in honour of Boudghene Ben Ali Lotfi, a significant figure in the country's history. This moment marked the transition from a strictly military facility to an important transport hub serving the civilian population. Gradually, the airport began to receive regular domestic flights, connecting the remote Saoura region with the capital and other major cities of Algeria.

Throughout its history, the airport has been modernised repeatedly to meet growing demands and modern aviation standards. Works were carried out to expand and strengthen the runway, allowing for larger aircraft such as the Boeing 737 to be accommodated. The passenger terminal was also updated to improve traveller comfort. These improvements have turned Leger into a fully-fledged aerial gateway for the region, contributing to its economic and tourism development.

An interesting fact from the airport's history lies in its dual purpose. Although today it is primarily a civilian facility, it retains military significance, continuing the traditions established at its founding. For tourists, however, Leger Airport is the starting point for exploring the unique beauty of the Sahara Desert, ancient ksars (fortified villages), and discovering the distinctive culture of southern Algeria.

Leger Airport (CBH), serving the city of Bechar in western Algeria, provides passengers with all necessary basic services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find a small café or snack bar where you can have a bite to eat, drink coffee, or enjoy refreshments before departure. There are also kiosks offering newspapers, souvenirs, and travel essentials.

A general hall is equipped for waiting for flights. For passengers preferring enhanced comfort, a VIP lounge may be available; it is recommended to check access conditions in advance. To stay connected, travellers can use stations for charging electronic devices. It is best to check the availability and terms of use for the Wi-Fi network upon arrival at the airport.

Basic financial services are usually available within the airport building. Typically, there is an ATM for cash withdrawals, and a currency exchange point may also be operating. In case of need, a medical point is provided in the terminal, ready to administer first aid.

The airport is equipped to receive passengers with special needs. Assistance is provided during boarding and disembarking, and the infrastructure includes ramps and specially equipped toilets. It is recommended to notify the airline in advance regarding the need for assistance. For travellers with small children, a mother and baby room may be available.

There are no hotels on the airport grounds, but various accommodation options can be found in the city of Bechar, which is located nearby. Specialised conference halls or business centres are absent at the airport, as it is primarily oriented towards serving passenger flights. For business meetings, it is better to use the infrastructure of hotels in the city.

Bechar Leger Airport (CBH) is a small regional air terminal serving domestic flights. Consequently, the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited and designed primarily for the basic needs of passengers waiting for their flight. Do not expect a wide variety of restaurants or a food court here as found in major international hubs.

Typically, all available options for a snack are concentrated in the general departure hall, in the so-called landside area, before passing security control. Most often, this is a small café or kiosk where you can purchase drinks, pastries, and light snacks. The assortment usually includes coffee, tea, bottled water, fizzy drinks, sandwiches, croissants, and packaged snacks (crisps, nuts, biscuits). Sometimes you can also find some local pastries.

Travellers with specific dietary needs (vegetarians, vegans, people with gluten intolerance, or those adhering to strict halal nutrition requirements) are strongly recommended to bring food with them. Finding specialised dishes at Bechar airport is practically impossible. For a full lunch or dinner, it is better to choose one of the establishments in the city itself before travelling to the airport, as there you will be able to experience the authentic cuisine of Algeria.

The opening hours of the café at the airport are usually tied to the flight schedule. They open a few hours before departure and close shortly after the last plane takes off. Prices are generally slightly higher than in the city, which is standard practice for airports. Thus, Leger Airport is suitable for a quick snack and buying drinks for the journey, but not for a substantial meal.

To ensure your journey through Leger Airport in the city of Bechar goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible, take advantage of our tips. These simple recommendations will help save time, stress, and money.

Arrival Time at the Airport. Even though Bechar Airport is not as large as capital hubs, it is better not to risk it. We recommend arriving 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight and 2.5–3 hours before an international one. This time will be sufficient to check in, drop off luggage, and pass security control without rushing.

Check-in and Security. If possible, use online check-in for your flight — this will save you time at the airport. Screening procedures here are standard, but queues are usually shorter than at major airports. Pack all liquids in your hand luggage in containers up to 100 ml and place them in a transparent bag.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane. Want to take unforgettable photos? Choose a window seat. Upon take-off and landing in Bechar, stunning views of the desert landscapes of the Sahara may open up to you. If freedom of movement is more important to you, your ideal seat is by the aisle.

Hand Luggage. Always keep your most valuable items with you: documents, money, bank cards, gadgets, and necessary medication. Do not check them into luggage. Before flying, check the airline's website for current hand luggage allowance rules, as they may vary.

Transfers and Customs. When travelling to Algeria or out of the country, you will have to pass customs control. Familiarise yourself with the rules for importing and exporting currency and certain goods in advance to avoid delays. If you have a connecting flight, clarify whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at the intermediate airport.

Saving Time and Money. To save money, book flight tickets in advance and consider travelling with hand luggage only. Prices for food and drinks at airports are often inflated, so you can take a small snack (non-liquid) and an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled after security screening.

Flight Delays. Unfortunately, no one is immune to delays. In such a situation, remain calm and contact a representative of your airline. Depending on the duration of the wait, you may be offered drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. A charged power bank, an interesting book, or a downloaded film will help pass the time.