A nozzle plate construction for underjet coke ovens for distributing and metering combustion-supporting air supplied upwardly to regenerators through a sole flue extending parallel to the chamber axis. The sole flue is closed at the top by plate elements having apertures therein. In accordance with the invention, the various plate elements are in the form of troughs having plane base plates each formed with one longitudinal gap therein. Associated with each longitudinal gap is a metering element so mounted at its ends so as to be adjustable in its distance from the plane of the base plate. In this manner, the air flowing upwardly into the regenerator sections can be accurately controlled and uniformly distributed. At the same time, the nozzle plate construction of the invention is light in weight while being very stable and easy to assemble.