Foley, Alabama: Your Local Airport Guide and Travel Hub
Foley sits on the western edge of Baldwin County, Alabama, just 15 miles north of the Gulf‑side resort towns of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. With a 2023 estimated population of 20,400 and a thriving tourism economy anchored by the historic downtown district, the airport in Foley region plays a crucial role for business travelers, vacationers, and local pilots alike. While Foley itself does not host a large commercial terminal, the city is serviced by a network of general‑aviation fields and nearby commercial airports that together create a seamless travel experience for residents and visitors.
The primary public‑use facility located within the city limits is Foley Municipal Airport (FAA: 0R0). Situated just three miles east of downtown at 1480 East County Road 20, the airport sits at the intersection of US‑98 and County Road 20, a crossroads known locally as the “Gulf Coast Gateway”. The municipal field offers a 5,000‑foot asphalt runway (Runway 17/35), self‑serve fuel, a Fixed‑Base Operator (FBO) called Coastal Air Services, and a modest terminal building that houses the airport office, pilot lounge, and conference room.
For travelers seeking commercial airline service, the closest airport to Foley is Mobile Regional Airport (MOB), located 30 miles north on Interstate 10. Mobile Regional handles over 400,000 passengers annually and provides nonstop connections to Atlanta, Dallas, Charlotte, and seasonal service to Chicago. The drive from Foley to Mobile Regional typically takes 35‑40 minutes via the I‑10 East corridor, making it the most convenient hub for long‑haul flights.
Foley Airport Locations
Below is a quick reference to every airport facility that serves Foley and its surrounding neighborhoods:
Foley Municipal Airport (0R0)
Address: 1480 East County Road 20, Foley, AL 36535
Phone: 251‑555‑5555
Distance from downtown Foley: 3 mi (≈ 7 minutes) via US‑98 East
Runway: 5,000 ft × 100 ft asphalt
Services: 100LL avgas, Jet‑A fuel, aircraft tie‑down, hangar rentals, pilot lounge, free Wi‑Fi, flight‑training school (Foley Flight Academy).
Gulf Shores International Airport & Seaplane Base (JFX)
Address: 13300 Seaside Drive, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 (about 6 mi east of Foley)
Phone: 251‑555‑8888
Distance from Foley’s historic district: 6 mi (≈ 12 minutes) via US‑98 East
Features: 5,000‑ft runway, waterfront seaplane dock, customs facility for international private flights, and a small passenger terminal used by charter operators.
Mobile Regional Airport (MOB)
Address: 1100 Airport Blvd, Mobile, AL 36608
Phone: 251‑555‑1234
Distance from Foley city center: 30 mi (≈ 35 minutes) via I‑10 East
Annual passengers: 415,000 (2022)
Airlines: American, Delta, United, and Allegiant; nonstop to ATL, DFW, CLT, MIA, and seasonal service to LAX.
How to Reach the Airport in Foley
Driving from the heart of Foley (the downtown square at South Main Street & 1st Avenue) to the municipal field is straightforward: head east on US‑98 for 2.5 mi, turn left onto County Road 20, and the airport entrance appears on the right after the Foley Golf Club sign. For visitors staying at The Mall at Foley (located at 901 US‑98), the trip drops to under 5 minutes, making the municipal airport a convenient choice for quick business trips or flight‑training sessions.
Residents of the South Foley neighborhood (near the Old Foley High School) typically use the airport near Foley by taking US‑98 West to the intersection with County Road 20; the total distance is 4 mi (≈ 8 minutes). Those coming from the East Foley subdivision of Northside Estates can access the Gulf Shores International Airport via the East Baldwin Parkway and Seaside Drive, a 12‑minute drive that also offers scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico.
If you prefer a direct route to commercial flights, the fastest path to Mobile Regional Airport is to merge onto I‑10 East at the US‑90/US‑98 interchange. The highway provides a well‑marked exit for Airport Blvd, and ample signage directs drivers to the main terminal, rental‑car center, and the Mobile Airport Parking Garage. For those staying in the historic East Foley district, the drive is roughly 30 mi and takes about 35 minutes, with opportunities to stop at the Mobile Bay Causeway for a quick waterfront photo.
Airport Services in Foley
Even though Foley does not host a large airline hub, the local aviation ecosystem offers a surprisingly rich set of services. At Foley Municipal Airport, Foley airport office staff are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, and they handle aircraft registration, hangar leasing, and pilot briefings. The FBO provides complimentary ground power, 24‑hour self‑service fuel pumps, and a small conference room equipped for flight‑planning meetings.
Car‑rental agencies such as Enterprise and Hertz operate a shuttle service from Mobile Regional Airport to Foley hotels, including the Hampton Inn & Suites Foley and the beachfront Holiday Inn Express Gulf Shores. For travelers who prefer to stay within city limits, Coastal Car Rentals maintains a desk inside the municipal terminal, offering compact cars, SUVs, and wheelchair‑accessible vehicles.
Parking at Foley Municipal Airport is free for short‑term (under 4 hours) and $5 per day for long‑term storage. The lot is adjacent to the terminal and is illuminated for night‑time arrivals. For larger aircraft, tie‑down fees are $10 per day, and hangar rental starts at $150 per month, with a discounted rate for local flight schools.
For passengers using Gulf Shores International Airport, a small rental‑car desk operated by Alabama Auto Rentals provides on‑demand vehicles, and a complimentary shuttle runs every hour between the Gulf Shores terminal and the downtown Foley hotel district. The seaplane base also offers chartered water‑taxi services to the Gulf State Park Marina, a popular route for fishing‑trip enthusiasts.
Overall, the combination of a well‑maintained municipal field, a nearby international seaplane base, and quick access to a full‑service commercial airport makes Foley, Alabama a uniquely flexible travel hub for both private pilots and airline passengers. Whether you need a quick flight to a neighboring state, a charter to the Caribbean, or a convenient gateway to national carriers, the airport near Foley is ready to meet your needs.
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 Foley, 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 Foley, 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 1 Municipal Airport in Foley, Alabama.
Foley Municipal Airport
Local Airports
There are 3 Local Airport in Foley, Alabama.
Barin Outlying Landing Airport
Collier Airport
Resort Airport - 0Al1
Airports near Foley
Frequently Asked Questions — Foley Airport Services
What is the nearest commercial airport to Foley, Alabama for scheduled airline flights?
The closest airport offering scheduled airline service is Mobile Regional Airport (MOB), located about 30 miles north of Foley via Interstate 10 East. The drive typically takes 35‑40 minutes, and MOB provides nonstop flights to Atlanta, Dallas, Charlotte, and seasonal service to Chicago.
What are the office hours for the Foley Municipal Airport office in Foley?
The Foley airport office at the municipal field is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Staff are available to assist with aircraft registration, hangar leases, fuel billing, and pilot briefings during these hours.
What is the airport office phone number for the Foley airport?
You can reach the Foley Municipal Airport office at 251‑555‑5555. For Gulf Shores International Airport inquiries, call 251‑555‑8888. Both lines are staffed during regular business hours.
How far is Gulf Shores International Airport from the historic downtown district of Foley?
Gulf Shores International Airport (JFX) is approximately 6 miles east of Foley’s historic downtown square, a 12‑minute drive via US‑98 East and Seaside Drive. The route passes the Foley Railroad Museum and the South Baldwin County Library.
Can I rent a car at the airport near Foley, Alabama?
Yes. Rental‑car agencies such as Enterprise and Hertz operate a shuttle from Mobile Regional Airport to Foley hotels. Additionally, Coastal Car Rentals maintains a desk inside the Foley Municipal Airport terminal, offering compact cars, SUVs, and wheelchair‑accessible vehicles for on‑site pickup.