Airports Serving Conway, Arkansas
Conway, Arkansas — the Faulkner County seat and home to approximately 70,711 residents as of 2026 — is a growing city known as the "City of Colleges" thanks to its three universities. While Conway itself hosts a general aviation facility, travelers seeking commercial airline service primarily rely on Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, located just 36 miles to the south. Understanding both options helps Conway residents plan air travel efficiently, whether for a quick charter flight or a major trip across the country.
Conway Regional Airport at Cantrell Field (CXW / KCXW)
Conway's own public-use airport is Conway Regional Airport at Cantrell Field, with FAA identifier KCXW and IATA code CXW. Situated approximately 10 miles southwest of downtown Conway, this general aviation facility opened in September 2014 and sits at an elevation of 276 feet above sea level on a 431-acre property. The airport features a single concrete runway designated 4/22, measuring 5,500 feet in length and 100 feet wide — a solid configuration for single-engine aircraft, light twins, turboprops, and smaller business jets.
Cantrell Field provides both Jet-A and 100LL aviation fuel, making it a convenient stop for transient general aviation pilots passing through central Arkansas. The facility serves private pilots, corporate aircraft, agricultural aviation, and flight training operations in the Conway and Faulkner County area. However, Conway Regional Airport at Cantrell Field does not offer scheduled commercial airline service, meaning passengers needing connections to major domestic or international destinations must travel to Little Rock or another regional hub.
Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) — Primary Commercial Option for Conway
For the overwhelming majority of Conway residents booking commercial flights, Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (IATA: LIT, ICAO: KLIT) in Little Rock is the go-to choice. Located approximately 36 miles south of Conway via Interstate 40, this airport serves as the busiest aviation hub in Arkansas and handles roughly 2.1 million passengers per year through its single modern terminal equipped with 12 gates.
Six commercial carriers operate scheduled service at LIT, giving Conway travelers meaningful choice across price points and destinations. American Airlines connects Little Rock to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), one of the world's largest airline hubs, enabling connections to virtually any domestic or international destination through American's expansive network. Delta Air Lines provides service to Atlanta (ATL), giving Conway residents seamless access to Delta's massive connecting hub with flights to Europe, the Caribbean, South America, and hundreds of domestic cities. Southwest Airlines, known for its no-change-fee policies and competitive fares, operates routes from Little Rock including service to Denver and other major southwestern and midwestern cities. United Airlines links LIT to its hubs, adding further connectivity options for business and leisure travelers. Budget carriers Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines round out the airline roster at LIT, offering seasonal and year-round low-fare options to leisure destinations including Las Vegas, Orlando, and various Sun Belt cities.
Nonstop routes from Little Rock include Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta, Denver, New York City, Las Vegas, and more — with over 100 daily flight operations during peak travel periods. This breadth of nonstop service means Conway residents can reach major connecting hubs in well under two hours of flight time, making LIT a genuinely practical travel hub for the region.
Driving from Conway to Little Rock Airport
The drive from Conway to Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport is straightforward and typically takes between 35 and 50 minutes depending on traffic conditions. From downtown Conway, travelers take Interstate 40 East toward Little Rock, then follow signs to the airport exit. The route passes through North Little Rock before reaching the terminal. Conway residents should plan for extra travel time during weekday morning rush hours, particularly between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m., when I-40 through Little Rock can experience congestion. For early morning flights, departing Conway by 4:30 a.m. or earlier is generally sufficient to meet TSA security requirements and boarding times.
Other Regional Airport Options
Beyond LIT, Conway travelers have a few additional airport options worth considering depending on their destination. Hot Springs Memorial Field Airport (HOT) lies approximately 82 miles from Conway but offers only limited regional service, making it a niche option at best. Memphis International Airport (MEM) in Tennessee is situated about 170 miles northeast and may offer fare advantages or direct routes not available from Little Rock, particularly for travelers connecting through Delta's operations in Memphis. Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) near Bentonville and Fayetteville sits roughly 145 miles to the northwest and has grown significantly with major service from American, Delta, and United — though the distance makes it a secondary option for Conway residents compared to the convenience of LIT.
For most Conway, Arkansas residents, Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock strikes the ideal balance of proximity, airline choice, and destination coverage. Whether you are flying for business or leisure, LIT's 36-mile distance and strong route network make it the practical first choice for commercial air travel from the Conway area.
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 Arkansas 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 Conway, Arkansas.
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 Conway, Arkansas.
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 Conway, Arkansas.
Local Airports
There are 5 Local Airport in Conway, Arkansas.