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.
Airport facilities in a county are typically governed by regional airport authorities or county commissions that oversee operations, safety standards, and capital improvements. There are 3 Airports locations in Dallas County, Alabama.
County residents can use this directory to identify which airports serve their area, whether they need commercial airline service, general aviation access, or cargo shipping connections. Contact the airport administration office directly for permitting, noise complaints, or facility inquiries.
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.
Kershaw Airport
Vaiden Field Airport
Craig Airport
Residents of Dallas County can contact their local airport authority for information about noise abatement programs, land use around airport property, and community engagement meetings. For flight bookings and airline services, visit the airport's official website directly.
You may also find Airports locations in neighboring counties including Dallas, Autauga.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How early should I arrive at the airport?
Most of the time, you should get to the airport at least two hours before your domestic flight and at least three hours before your international flight. This will allow you enough time to check in, pass through security, and make your way to your gate.
2. What should I do if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your flight is delayed or canceled, you should contact your airline as soon as possible. They will usually tell you what your options are, which could include getting a refund or rebooking on a later flight.
3. What is clear at the airport?
Clear is a TSA pre-check program that speeds up the security screening process for low-risk travelers who have already been approved.
Members of the Clear program are able to use dedicated security lanes where they do not have to remove items such as shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets. This process allows for a faster and more convenient screening experience for Clear members.
To become a member of Clear, an individual must provide their biographic information and fingerprints for a background check, and then pay an annual fee.
4. Are masks required in airports?
The TSA will no longer require airport employees or patrons to wear a face covering or face mask inside the airport terminal or on airport-operated ground transportation.
5. Can you bring food through airport security?
Yes, you can bring food through airport security.
Solid foods like sandwiches, fruits, and granola bars, are allowed in your carry-on and checked baggage.
Some liquid and gel-like foods, such as yogurt, jelly, and hummus, are also permitted in your carry-on bag as long as they are in containers that hold 3.4 ounces or less.
6. How much is airport parking?
The cost of airport parking can vary greatly depending on the airport, the length of time you will be parked, and the type of parking spot you choose.
On average, hourly parking rates can range from $1-$4 per hour, while daily rates can range from $8-$30 per day. Long-term parking rates can range from $8-$20 per day.
7. Can I leave the airport during a layover?
Yes, If your layover is long enough, you may be able to leave the airport and explore the destination city. It's also a good idea to check with your airline to see if they offer any tours or other options for passengers with long layovers.
8. Can I sleep in an airport?
Yes, you can sleep in an airport, however, the amenities and comfort levels of sleeping in an airport can vary greatly depending on the airport you are in.
Some airports also offer amenities like sleeping pods, capsule hotels and lounges for passengers who want to rest or sleep before their flight. Some airlines also offer resting rooms or lounges for their premium customers.