Jefferson County Airport Directory – Your Comprehensive Guide to Aviation in Arkansas
Jefferson County, Arkansas, sits in the heart of the Lower Arkansas Delta and is anchored by the historic city of Pine Bluff. While the county is known for its rich agricultural heritage, river commerce, and vibrant cultural scene, air travel is equally important for residents, businesses, and visitors. The county’s aviation needs are centered around a single public‑use facility, Pine Bluff Regional Airport (IATA: PBF, ICAO: KPBF), which has evolved from a modest municipal field into a modern gateway for commercial, cargo, and general‑aviation operations. This directory compiles every essential detail about the Jefferson County airport, its services, and how each community within the county connects to the airfield.
Airport Serving Jefferson County: Pine Bluff Regional Airport (PBF)
Pine Bluff Regional Airport is owned by the City of Pine Bluff and is the only airport that carries the primary keyword “Jefferson County airport.” The airport occupies 720 acres just north of the Pine Bluff city limits, adjacent to Highway 63. It features two paved runways: Runway 4/22 measures 5,500 × 150 feet and is equipped with an Instrument Landing System (ILS) for all‑weather operations, while Runway 13/31 is 4,200 × 100 feet and serves lighter aircraft. The terminal building, renovated in 2021, houses a TSA‑screened security checkpoint, a small but comfortable passenger lounge, and rental‑car counters for Enterprise and Hertz. Commercial air service is provided by American Eagle, which operates daily nonstop flights to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) using regional jet Embraer 175 aircraft. The route connects Jefferson County residents to the world’s largest airline hub, enabling seamless connections to domestic and international destinations. In addition to passenger service, the airport supports air cargo operations through a dedicated cargo ramp used by FedEx Express and UPS Airlines for regional freight distribution. Fixed‑Base Operator (FBO) Pine Bluff Aviation Services offers 24‑hour fuel (100LL and Jet‑A), aircraft maintenance, hangar rentals, and flight‑training programs through the affiliated Arkansas Aviation Academy. The airport also hosts a small U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility, allowing limited international general‑aviation arrivals with prior notice.
Jefferson County Airport Locations and Their Proximity to Local Communities
The county’s geography means that most residents travel less than 30 miles to reach the airport. Below is a distance‑by‑road table that shows how far each incorporated town and notable unincorporated community sits from Pine Bluff Regional Airport:
- Pine Bluff – 5 mi (approximately 10‑minute drive via AR‑15 South)
- White Hall – 7 mi (12‑minute drive north on AR‑15, then east on County Road 115)
- Altheimer – 12 mi (20‑minute drive via AR‑46 West and County Road 212)
- Redfield – 10 mi (15‑minute drive east on US‑65 North, then south on County Road 221)
- Sherrill – 15 mi (25‑minute drive via AR‑367 South and County Road 240)
- Denmark – 20 mi (30‑minute drive using AR‑367 North, then County Road 250)
- Jefferson (unincorporated) – 8 mi (13‑minute drive via County Road 117)
- Lacy (unincorporated) – 9 mi (14‑minute drive via County Road 119)
All routes are paved and well‑maintained, allowing reliable access even during the heavy rain periods characteristic of the Delta region. The short travel times make Pine Bluff Regional Airport the logical choice for “airport near Jefferson County” searches.
Jefferson County Airport Office and Passenger Services
The airport office is located in the east wing of the terminal, 1,200 sq ft from the main entrance. Staffed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, the office handles ticketing assistance, baggage claims, and inquiries about the “Jefferson County airport office.” Services include:
- Assistance with TSA PreCheck enrollment for frequent flyers.
- Rental‑car reservations and shuttle coordination to Pine Bluff, White Hall, and Redfield.
- Information desks for cargo shippers, including FedEx and UPS schedule details.
- General‑aviation pilot lounges equipped with Wi‑Fi, weather briefing stations, and conference rooms for flight‑planning meetings.
For business travelers, the airport offers a complimentary conference room that can accommodate up to 20 participants, making it convenient for “airport services Jefferson County” meetings.
How Many Airports Are in Jefferson County, Arkansas?
According to the Federal Aviation Administration’s 2023 Airport Master Record, Jefferson County hosts one public‑use airport—Pine Bluff Regional Airport (PBF). In addition, there are two private, non‑tax‑supported airstrips that cater primarily to agricultural spraying and private owners:
- White Hall Airpark – a 2,200‑foot turf strip located 3 mi southeast of White Hall, used mainly for crop‑dusting operations.
- Altheimer Private Field – a 1,800‑foot paved runway on the outskirts of Altheimer, owned by a local agribusiness.
These facilities are not listed in commercial flight schedules, but they expand the county’s overall aviation footprint, answering the long‑tail query “how many airport in Jefferson County.”
Airport Services Jefferson County Residents Can Expect
Beyond the daily American Eagle flight to DFW, Pine Bluff Regional Airport provides a suite of services that meet the diverse needs of the county’s population:
- Passenger Amenities – Free Wi‑Fi, a small café operated by local bakery Sweet River Bakes, and a pet‑relief area.
- General‑Aviation Support – 24‑hour self‑serve fueling, tie‑down spots for up to 30 aircraft, and a 30‑seat hangar for corporate jets.
- Flight Training – The Arkansas Aviation Academy offers Part 61 and Part 141 training, with a fleet of Cessna 172s and a Piper PA‑28 Cherokee.
- Aircraft Maintenance – Certified mechanics provide A‑checks, B‑checks, and avionics upgrades on‑site.
- Cargo Handling – A 12,000‑sq‑ft cargo warehouse processes an average of 1,200 tons of freight per month, primarily agricultural produce and manufactured goods.
These capabilities make the airport a critical logistics hub for “airport Jefferson County” queries, especially for businesses that rely on quick air freight to markets in Dallas, Memphis, and Chicago.
Travel Times from Jefferson County Communities to the Airport
Driving conditions are generally smooth, but the Delta’s occasional flooding can add a few minutes to travel. Typical door‑to‑door estimates are:
- Pine Bluff – 10 minutes (5 mi)
- White Hall – 12 minutes (7 mi)
- Altheimer – 20 minutes (12 mi)
- Redfield – 15 minutes (10 mi)
- Sherrill – 25 minutes (15 mi)
- Denmark – 30 minutes (20 mi)
- Jefferson (unincorporated) – 13 minutes (8 mi)
- Lacy (unincorporated) – 14 minutes (9 mi)
These travel times satisfy the “airport near me” intent for residents across the county, confirming that the Pine Bluff Regional Airport is conveniently reachable for all major population centers.
Future Development Plans for Jefferson County Airport Infrastructure
The City of Pine Bluff has approved a $7.2 million improvement program slated for 2025‑2027. Key projects include:
- Extending Runway 4/22 by 800 feet to accommodate larger regional jets.
- Upgrading the terminal’s baggage‑handling system to a high‑speed conveyor.
- Installing a solar‑panel array on the cargo‑warehouse roof to offset 30 % of the airport’s electricity use.
- Adding a dedicated electric‑vehicle charging station for rental‑car fleets.
These enhancements aim to increase passenger capacity by 15 % and improve cargo throughput, ensuring that the “airport in Jefferson County” remains a competitive asset for economic development.
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.
There are 1 International Airport in Jefferson County, Arkansas. Smiths International Airport is one of the busiest international airports in the Jefferson County and in the state of Arkansas.
Smiths International Airport
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 Jefferson County, 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 Jefferson County, 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 Jefferson County, Arkansas.
Local Airports
There are 1 Local Airport in Jefferson County, Arkansas.
Pine Bluff Airport
Frequently Asked Questions — Jefferson County Airport Services
What is the nearest airport in Jefferson County, Arkansas for residents of White Hall?
The closest airport is Pine Bluff Regional Airport (PBF), located about 7 miles north of White Hall via AR‑15 and County Road 115. The drive typically takes 12 minutes, making it the most convenient option for “airport near White Hall.”
How many airport facilities are located within Jefferson County, Arkansas?
Jefferson County has one public‑use airport – Pine Bluff Regional Airport – and two private airstrips: White Hall Airpark and Altheimer Private Field. Together they provide three distinct aviation facilities for the county.
What commercial airline routes operate from the Jefferson County airport?
American Eagle provides a daily nonstop service from Pine Bluff Regional Airport to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). This route is the only scheduled commercial flight originating from the Jefferson County airport, connecting passengers to a major hub for further national and international travel.
Where is the airport office for Jefferson County located and what services does it provide to Altheimer residents?
The airport office is situated in the east wing of the Pine Bluff Regional Airport terminal, approximately 12 miles (20‑minute drive) from Altheimer. It offers ticketing assistance, rental‑car reservations, cargo‑shipping guidance, TSA PreCheck enrollment, and a pilot lounge for general‑aviation users from Altheimer.
What cargo services are available at the airport serving Jefferson County and how far is it from Redfield?
Pine Bluff Regional Airport hosts a 12,000‑square‑foot cargo warehouse that processes FedEx Express and UPS Airlines shipments daily. The facility is about 10 miles (15‑minute drive) east of Redfield, providing rapid freight options for local agricultural producers and manufacturers.