Airports Near Dallas County, Alabama

Dallas County, situated in the heart of Alabama's Black Belt region with a population of approximately 38,000 residents, is anchored by the historic city of Selma. While Dallas County does not have a major commercial airport within its borders, residents benefit from reasonable proximity to several regional and international airports that provide connections to destinations across the country and beyond. The county's central Alabama location places it within practical driving distance of both Montgomery and Birmingham, the state's two primary commercial aviation gateways.

Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) — Closest Commercial Option

Montgomery Regional Airport sits approximately 50 miles east of Selma along U.S. Route 80, making it the nearest commercial airport for Dallas County residents. The drive takes roughly 55 minutes under normal traffic conditions. MGM offers daily nonstop flights through American Airlines to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Charlotte (CLT), Delta Air Lines to Atlanta (ATL), and United Airlines to Houston-Bush (IAH). These connections open up hundreds of onward destinations for Dallas County travelers seeking both domestic and international itineraries.

The airport features a single terminal with modern amenities including free Wi-Fi, a full-service restaurant, rental car counters from major agencies like Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis, and both short-term and long-term parking facilities. Long-term parking at MGM runs approximately $7 per day, representing a significant savings compared to larger hub airports. For Dallas County residents making the drive east, MGM provides an accessible and affordable departure point for both business and leisure travel throughout the year.

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) — Major Hub Access

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, located about 95 miles north of Selma, is Alabama's largest and busiest airport, processing over 3.2 million passengers annually. The drive from Selma to BHM takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes via Interstate 65 North. BHM offers nonstop service to more than 30 destinations through Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Breeze Airways, providing Dallas County travelers with the widest selection of carriers and routes available in the state.

For Dallas County travelers seeking lower fares or direct flights to cities like Chicago-Midway, Baltimore, Denver, Las Vegas, or Phoenix, BHM is often the preferred choice despite the longer drive. The airport completed a $36 million concourse renovation that added new dining options, expanded gate areas, and improved passenger flow throughout the terminal. Southwest Airlines maintains a strong presence at BHM, frequently offering competitive fares and its signature no-baggage-fee policy that justify the additional driving time from Dallas County communities.

Craig Field (SEM) and Regional General Aviation

Craig Field, also known as Selma-Craig Airport (SEM), is located just southeast of Selma within Dallas County itself. This general aviation facility features a 5,000-foot paved runway capable of handling small to mid-size private aircraft and charter flights. Craig Field holds considerable historical significance as a former Army Air Corps training base during World War II, where thousands of military pilots received their flight training. Today the airport serves the local flying community, agricultural aviation operations, and occasional corporate traffic visiting Selma-area businesses.

Additionally, Dannelly Field in Montgomery serves dual military and civilian purposes, hosting the Alabama Air National Guard's 187th Fighter Wing alongside commercial operations at MGM. For Dallas County residents interested in general aviation, Craig Field provides convenient local access without the need to drive to larger metropolitan airports. The airport also supports medical evacuation flights, providing a critical link for emergency air transport from the rural Black Belt region to trauma centers in Montgomery and Birmingham.

Ground Transportation and Travel Planning Tips

Dallas County residents traveling to Montgomery Regional Airport can drive directly via U.S. Route 80 East, a straightforward route with minimal turns that follows the historic path of the Selma-to-Montgomery civil rights marches. For trips to Birmingham, Interstate 65 North from Montgomery provides a clear four-lane highway corridor. Several local taxi services and rideshare options including Uber and Lyft operate in the Selma area, though availability can vary, particularly for early morning departures. Advance booking of airport transportation or arranging rides with family members remains the most reliable strategy for Dallas County air travelers planning trips from either airport.

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 Dallas County, 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 Dallas County, 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 Dallas County, Alabama.

Local Airports

There are 3 Local Airport in Dallas County, Alabama.

Vaiden Field Airport

View Details Call Now (334) 683-8322

Vaiden Field Airport

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Craig Airport

View Details Call Now (334) 874-7419

Craig Airport

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Kershaw Airport

View Details Call Now (334) 387-9100

Kershaw Airport

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Airports in near by County

Dallas County's central Alabama location provides residents with workable access to commercial aviation despite the rural character of the region. Understanding the strengths of each nearby airport helps travelers from Selma, Orrville, Plantersville, and other Dallas County communities make informed decisions about their departure point based on destination, budget, and schedule preferences.

The closest commercial airport to Selma and Dallas County is Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM), located approximately 50 miles east along U.S. Route 80. The drive typically takes about 55 minutes. MGM offers flights through American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines with connections to major hubs including Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Charlotte, and Houston. For general aviation purposes, Craig Field (SEM) is located right in Selma and handles private aircraft and charter operations with its 5,000-foot paved runway.

Many Dallas County residents find the 95-mile drive to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) worthwhile for the expanded flight options and potentially lower fares. BHM serves over 30 nonstop destinations through six airlines including Southwest Airlines, which often offers competitive pricing and free checked bags. If you need flights to cities like Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Baltimore, or Phoenix, BHM may save you considerable money compared to connecting itineraries through Montgomery's more limited route network. Compare fares at both airports before booking.

No, Craig Field (SEM) in Selma is a general aviation airport and does not offer scheduled commercial airline service. The airport has a 5,000-foot runway that accommodates private aircraft, charter flights, and agricultural aviation operations. Originally a World War II Army Air Corps training facility, Craig Field today supports civilian aviation and the surrounding industrial park. For scheduled commercial flights, Dallas County residents need to travel to Montgomery Regional Airport (50 miles east) or Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (95 miles north).

Parking at Montgomery Regional Airport is quite affordable compared to larger airports. Long-term parking costs approximately $7 per day, while short-term parking near the terminal is available at hourly rates. For Dallas County travelers taking extended trips, the long-term lot offers substantial savings over what you would pay at airports in Atlanta or Birmingham. The parking lots are conveniently located within walking distance of the terminal entrance, eliminating the need for shuttle buses that larger airports typically require for their remote parking areas.

From Montgomery Regional Airport, you can fly American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines to hub cities. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport adds Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Breeze Airways to the mix, bringing the total to six major carriers. Southwest at BHM is particularly popular among Dallas County budget-conscious travelers for its no-baggage-fee policy and competitive fares. Between the two airports, residents have access to six major carriers serving over 35 combined nonstop destinations across the United States.

Whether departing from Montgomery's convenient regional airport or making the drive to Birmingham for expanded options, Dallas County residents have solid aviation access for both domestic and connecting international travel. Checking fares at both airports before booking can help Selma-area travelers find the best combination of price, convenience, and flight times for their specific itinerary.