Before 1939

The airfield opened in 1919 when the territory was part of French Algeria. The 36th African Aviation Regiment was composed of three African Aviation Groups (GAA); the 3rd GAA was based at Sétif airfield, with the 544 and 549 squadrons.^[3]

Before 1962

The base became Air Base 144 Sétif-Aïn Arnat. On October 1, 1947, the 3rd Artillery Aviation Group (GAOA 3) installed its aircraft.^[4] On April 29, 1955, the Helicopter Group n°2 (GH 2) stationed its aircraft. On August 2, 1959, the helicopter base n°101 was created.^[5] The base was dissolved in 1962.

Since 1962

After Algeria's independence, the airport was named "8 May 1945" in reference to the killings of Setif, Guelma and Kherrata that took place on that date.

The airport of Setif was a military airport from independence until 1993, when work began on the construction of the terminal building, and the airport was given a national vocation.^[6]

Between 2005 and 2007 the terminal was expanded from 2,900 m2 to 6,590 m2, allowing the terminal to increase its capacity to 250,000 passengers/year.^[6]

The runway and parking lot were rebuilt in 2016, and a taxiway was also built at the same time, which resulted in the airport being closed for 10 months.^[7]

Another extension and modernization of the terminal building was carried out between 2019 and 2021, doubling the airport's capacity from 250,000 passengers per year to more than 450,000 passengers per year.^[8]

Runways

The airport has an asphalt concrete runway with a length of 3,000 m

Terminal

The airport has been renovated and modernized in general with the replacement of baggage carousels as well as the installation of duty free and 8 new stores as well as 4 airline offices and a bank branch.^[8][9]

The terminal also has 10 check-in counters, 8 PAF filters at the level of departures, and at international arrivals, the airport has 11 boxes, one of which is dedicated to disabled persons.^[8][9]

The terminal building has increased from a capacity of 250,000 passengers/year to 450,000 passengers/year and has an area of approximately 1,500 m2 to 6,000 m2. The terminal is now divided into two parts, domestic on one side and international on the other.^[8][9]

There is also a pavilion of honor next to the terminal, allowing the reception of political leaders from all over the country during their airport trips.

• Terminal of the airport.
• Interior of the airport.
• Global view of the airport.