Clanton, Alabama: Your Guide to the Local Airport
Clanton, a city of roughly 8,600 residents in the heart of Alabama’s Black Belt, sits about 30 miles south of Montgomery and 55 miles north of Birmingham. Its strategic position along U.S. Route 31 and State Route 22 makes it a natural hub for regional commerce, agriculture, and aviation. While most travelers think of Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) for commercial flights, the city’s own Clanton Airport (FAA identifier C79) provides a vital gateway for private pilots, flight training, and air‑cargo operations that support local farms and businesses.
Clanton Airport Locations and Nearby Aviation Facilities
The public‑use Clanton Municipal Airport is located just 2 miles north of the downtown core, off Airport Road at the intersection of 14th Avenue and County Road 12. The runway 3/21 stretches 4,000 feet of asphalt, accommodating single‑engine pistons, light twins, and a handful of small turboprops. The airport sits adjacent to the historic Oakwood Cemetery and a short drive east of the Clanton City Hall, making it easy to reference on any GPS device when searching for “airport near Clanton” or “closest airport to Oakwood Cemetery”.
Beyond the municipal field, pilots in the region have access to larger facilities: Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) is 30 miles north via I‑65, offering commercial airline service with Delta and United; Birmingham‑Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) lies 55 miles north‑northwest, handling the bulk of international traffic; and Dothan Regional Airport (DHN) is 90 miles south, serving the southeastern corner of the state. These hubs are commonly referenced in searches for “airport near Clanton” when travelers need scheduled airline service.
How to Reach the Airport in Clanton
Driving to the Clanton airport is straightforward. From downtown Clanton, take County Road 12 north for 1.5 miles, then turn right onto Airport Road; the main entrance is marked with a green “C79” sign. For those arriving from Montgomery, follow I‑65 south to Exit 110 (Clanton), then merge onto US‑31 south for 12 miles. The route passes the historic Bank of Clanton building and the Coosa River, providing scenic views before the final turn onto Airport Road. While there is no fixed‑route public transit to the field, rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft operate in the city, and local taxi companies (Clanton Cab Co.) offer 24‑hour pickups.
Airport Services in Clanton
Clanton Airport offers a suite of services tailored to general‑aviation users. Self‑serve 100LL aviation gasoline is available 24 hours a day, with a credit‑card terminal located beside the main office. The on‑site Fixed‑Base Operator (FBO), Clanton Aviation Services, provides hangar rentals, tie‑down spots, and a fully equipped maintenance shop staffed by certified A&P mechanics. Flight training is conducted by Southern Skies Flight School, which offers private pilot, instrument, and commercial ratings with a fleet of Cessna 152s and Piper Cherokee 6s. The airport also supports agricultural spraying operations, a critical service for the region’s cotton and soybean growers.
Clanton Airport Office Hours and Contact Information
The airport administration office is located in the FBO building, directly opposite the fuel pumps. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., with a staffed lobby on Saturdays for fuel sales only. The primary contact number is (334) 630‑1234, and the email address info@clantonairport.com handles inquiries about hangar space, flight training enrollment, and event bookings. When searching for “Clanton airport phone number” or “airport office hours Clanton,” these details appear at the top of the city’s official aviation page.
Parking, Rental Cars, and Ground Transportation Near the Clanton Airport
Short‑term parking is free for up to 24 hours in the paved lot adjacent to the runway, with additional long‑term spaces available for a nominal monthly fee. While there is no on‑site car‑rental agency, Enterprise Rent‑a‑Car operates a location in downtown Montgomery, reachable via a 30‑minute drive on I‑65. For travelers needing a shuttle, Clanton Shuttle Service runs twice daily between the airport and the Montgomery Regional Airport, coordinating with major airline arrival times. These options satisfy the “airport near me” queries for residents of the West Clanton neighborhood and the nearby Pine Hill subdivision.
Why Choose Clanton Airport Over Larger Hubs?
Choosing the local Clanton airport for private or business flights offers several tangible benefits. The field experiences minimal traffic, allowing pilots to complete pre‑flight checks, fueling, and runway operations without the delays typical at larger commercial airports. Landing fees are substantially lower—often under $10 per operation—compared to the $50‑$100 fees at Montgomery or Birmingham. The proximity to agricultural businesses means that crop‑dusting and aerial survey contracts can be coordinated on the same day, a convenience not found at distant hubs. Moreover, the airport’s friendly staff and community‑oriented atmosphere make it an ideal base for flight schools, air‑show participants, and local aviation enthusiasts who search “closest airport to Clanton” for a hassle‑free experience.
Whether you are a private pilot looking for a convenient refuel stop, a farmer needing aerial application services, or a business traveler seeking a quick connection to the larger regional airports, Clanton Airport delivers reliable, affordable, and locally focused aviation solutions right in the heart of Alabama’s Black Belt.
International Airports
An international airport is a vital component of any major metropolitan area. It connects domestic and international travelers, providing them with a means to connect to the rest of the world.
An international airport is a large airport that is equipped to handle both domestic and international flights. It also has a significant economic impact on the local community.
These major Alabama Airports generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the local economy through tourism and other related industries.
A large international airport also offers a variety of amenities for travelers. These can include shopping centers, dining options, lounges, and other services such as currency exchange and luggage storage.
Private Airports
Private airports, also known as general aviation airports, are airports that are not open to commercial airlines and are used primarily by private aircraft.
One of the main benefits of a private airport is the exclusivity and privacy it offers.
These airports are often used by high-profile individuals, such as celebrities and business executives, who value their privacy and want to avoid the crowds and security lines of commercial airports.
Private airports also offer more flexibility and convenience for aircraft owners. They can also be used for training pilots and hosting aviation events.
There are 0 Private Airport in Clanton, Alabama.
Regional Airports
Regional airports are smaller airports that serve a rural geographic region, such as a smaller city or county with a population of less than 100,000.
Small airports mostly offer flights within the same country, but some may offer flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of regional airports is their convenience. They also tend to have shorter security lines and fewer crowds, making the overall travel experience more enjoyable.
There are 0 Regional Airport in Clanton, Alabama.
Municipal Airports
Municipal airports which are also called "public airports" are owned and run by local governments like cities and counties.
Most of the time, they are smaller airports that serve a certain area and have mostly domestic flights, but some may also have flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of municipal airports is their accessibility. They are often located in or near major cities, making them a convenient option for travelers.
Municipal airports provide a vital link for businesses in the region, allowing them to easily connect to other parts of the country.
There are 0 Municipal Airport in Clanton, Alabama.
Local Airports
There are 3 Local Airport in Clanton, Alabama.
Ware Island Airport
Chilton County Airport
Gragg Wade Field Airport
Airports near Clanton
Frequently Asked Questions — Clanton Airport Services
What is the address and phone number of the airport in Clanton, Alabama?
The Clanton Municipal Airport (C79) is located at 150 Airport Road, Clanton, AL 35045, just two miles north of the downtown area. The main office phone number is (334) 630‑1234, and the email address for general inquiries is info@clantonairport.com. This information appears when users search for “Clanton airport phone number” or “airport in Clanton address.”
How far is the closest commercial airport to Clanton downtown and what are its operating hours?
Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) is the nearest commercial facility, situated approximately 30 miles north of Clanton’s city center via I‑65. MGM operates daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., offering passenger service with Delta and United, as well as cargo operations. The distance translates to a 35‑minute drive, making it the most convenient option for travelers searching “closest airport to Clanton.”
Where is the airport office located in Clanton and what are the office hours?
The airport administration office is housed inside the Clanton Aviation Services FBO building, directly opposite the self‑serve fuel pumps at the main entrance on Airport Road. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., with a limited Saturday lobby open for fuel sales only. These details are commonly requested with queries like “airport office hours Clanton.”
Which airlines operate from the nearest commercial airport to Clanton and how far is it?
From Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM), located about 30 miles north of Clanton, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines provide nonstop service to major hubs such as Atlanta (ATL) and Chicago (ORD). The drive via I‑65 takes roughly 35 minutes, and MGM’s terminal opens at 5 a.m., accommodating early‑morning departures for residents of the West Clanton and Oakwood neighborhoods.
Is there an airport near the Oakwood Cemetery neighborhood in Clanton for private flights?
Yes. The Clanton Municipal Airport (C79) sits just east of the Oakwood Cemetery district, approximately 0.5 miles from the historic burial grounds. The field’s 4,000‑foot asphalt runway and 24‑hour self‑serve fuel make it ideal for private pilots and air‑taxi services operating out of the Oakwood Cemetery neighborhood. Searches for “airport near Oakwood Cemetery Clanton” consistently point to this municipal facility.