Key Highlights
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Mobile, Alabama, has two main airports: Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) and Mobile International Airport (BFM).
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The Mobile Airport Authority is in charge of building a new terminal at Mobile International Airport.
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The new airport will be easy to get to and sit less than five miles from downtown Mobile.
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When it is done, all the major airlines will move from Mobile Regional Airport to the new international terminal.
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This new terminal will have five gates, cost $381 million, and should open in the fall of 2026.
Introduction
Welcome to your go-to guide for getting around the airports in Mobile, Alabama! No matter if you fly for work or fun, it is important to know your choices for mobile regional airport and mobile international airport. This is a key part of having your trip go well. You will learn what you need to know about mobile regional airport and what is happening at mobile international airport.
You can also find out about the airport authority. The mobile airport authority is doing a lot to make travel better for people in this area. We have all the information you need to stay up to date.
Overview of Airports in Mobile, Alabama
When you fly to or from Mobile, Alabama, you can pick from two main airports. Both of these airports are taken care of by the Mobile Airport Authority. The first airport is Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) and it is farther out in Mobile County. This has been the main airport for many people who travel in and out of the city.
Your other choice is Mobile International Airport (BFM). This one is much closer to downtown Mobile. Right now, Mobile International Airport is changing a lot. The airport authority is working to make it the main spot for all flights in the city. We will talk about both airports and see what these changes mean for your next trip.
Mobile Regional Airport (MOB)
Mobile Regional Airport, called MOB, is a public airport in Mobile County. For many years, people in this part of the United States have used it as the main place to fly in and out. Travelers here can get commercial passenger service from legacy airlines. But the location of Mobile Regional Airport is a bit far from downtown, so people often keep that in mind when they make travel plans.
This airport is run by the Mobile Airport Authority, and it has more than one runway. It has served the area well and helped connect passengers to big cities. Airlines like Delta have played a big part in this. Mobile Regional Airport gives you the standard things you need at an airport. But since it is far from the city center, it has sometimes found it hard to compete with other airports close by.
Now, there will be a big change for commercial air service in the region. Over time, all commercial air service will move away from Mobile Regional Airport. The Mobile Airport Authority is working hard to bring in new businesses and new tenants so the wide open runways and space at the airport will be put to use when the move is done.
Mobile International Airport (BFM)
Mobile International Airport (BFM), also called the Mobile Downtown Airport, is set to change the way people fly in this area. The airport is only a few miles from downtown Mobile, which is a key reason people will find it useful. Before, this place was known as the Brookley Air Force Base.
Now, the airport authority is working on a big plan. They will move all commercial flights from the regional airport to this downtown airport. A two-gate terminal, which opened in 2019, helps low-cost airlines for now. But a new and bigger terminal is being built. This new terminal will handle more airlines and a higher number of flights.
Mobile International Airport uses the IATA code BFM and the FAA LID of BFM. The airport is very close to downtown Mobile, so business and vacation travelers will get to where they want to go faster. This makes it a good choice when you need to reach the city center or its nearby spots.
Comparing Mobile Regional and Mobile International Airports
Choosing between Mobile’s airports depends on knowing the main differences between them. Right now, things are changing for these airports. The Mobile Airport Authority is moving all commercial flights from Mobile Regional Airport to Mobile International Airport.
There are two big ways these airports are not the same: location and flights for the future. One is in the suburbs, and the other is closer to downtown. The downtown airport is also growing fast. Let’s take a closer look at their spots and flight offers, so you can pick which Mobile airport fits your travel plans the best.
Key Differences in Location and Accessibility
The biggest difference between these airports is where they are. How easy it is to get to your airport can change your travel day. In Mobile, Alabama, there is a clear choice.
Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) sits out in the western part of Mobile County. You have to drive over thirty minutes to get to downtown Mobile from there. Because of this, many people find it is not the best option if they want to go to the city center.
Mobile International Airport (BFM) is much closer. It stands out for how fast and easy it is to get there. This airport is in a spot that helps travelers more.
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Proximity to City: BFM is less than five miles from downtown Mobile.
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Reduced Travel Time: Because it is so near to business and fun places in the city, you will save a lot of time and money on rides from the airport.
Domestic vs. International Flight Options
Right now, flight options are split between two airports. But this will only be for a short time. The Mobile Airport Authority is in charge of moving all commercial airline flights to Mobile International Airport. For now, you need to know which airport your airline uses.
Mobile Regional Airport is the main spot for bigger airlines. If you are flying with a big, well-known airline for your trip in the US, you will likely go through this airport.
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Delta Air Lines
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American Airlines
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United
The current terminal at Mobile International Airport has flights from low-cost carriers. The airport authority wants to bring in even more airlines. Southwest Airlines is their top hope. After the new terminal at BFM is done, all these airlines will be under one roof for your travel in the US. This will make it simple for people to pick flights and know where to go.
Airlines, Destinations, and Major Nearby Airports
When you get ready to travel through Mobile, it is good to know what airlines fly into the city and what other big airports are close by. The mobile airport authority wants to bring more airlines and more places to fly to from the new mobile international airport.
But you might find better flights or a lower price when you look at other airports in the area. In this post we will talk about the airlines that fly in and out of mobile airport. We will also look at the biggest airports near Mobile, like pensacola international airport and biloxi international airport. This can help you decide the best way to plan your trip.
Airlines Operating from Mobile Airports
Several major airlines provide commercial airline flights to and from Mobile, ensuring you can connect to destinations across the country. At present, these airlines primarily operate out of Mobile Regional Airport, but they will all transition to Mobile International Airport upon the completion of its new terminal.
The Mobile Airport Authority has confirmed that the legacy carriers will make the move, and they are also focused on attracting new ones. The recruitment of Southwest Airlines is a top priority to increase the number of flights and destinations available to travelers.
Here are the primary airlines you can expect to find serving Mobile:
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Airline |
Current Primary Airport |
|---|---|
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Delta Air Lines |
Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) |
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American Airlines |
Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) |
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United |
Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) |
Major Airports Near Mobile, Alabama
Mobile’s airports make travel easy, but it can be a good idea to look at other big airports close by. Sometimes the closest major airport that is a little farther away can give you cheaper flight prices or better flight times. The Gulf Coast area has a few other airports that you can get to by car. This can help you have more ways and choices when you plan your trip.
Where you go and the money you want to spend will help you choose which airport is best. You may want to drive a little farther to get a better deal. The cities in Mississippi and Florida have some good options for major airports that are not too far from Mobile.
These are some other airports near Mobile you should look at:
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Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT): This airport is in Gulfport, Mississippi. It is about 69 miles from Mobile.
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Pensacola International Airport (PNS): This airport can be found in Pensacola, Florida. It is about 78 miles from Mobile.
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Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport (PIB): This airport is in Mississippi and it has domestic flights. It is 103 miles from Mobile.
Traveler Services and Amenities at Mobile Airports
A good time at the mobile airport can really change how you feel about your trip. The Mobile Airport Authority works hard to give you the services and things you need while you are at the airport. When you get there, you should have what you need to feel good about your trip.
As the city gets a new airport terminal, the aim is to build a place that is modern, works well, and feels friendly. Here is what you can expect for things like places to use, ground rides, and parking at Mobile’s airports.
Terminal Facilities and Traveler Comforts
The airport terminals in Mobile want to make your time there nice and easy. Mobile Regional Airport gives you the usual services and things that you need when you fly, but the most exciting news is about the new terminal at Mobile International Airport.
The Mobile Airport Authority is making sure the new terminal is more than just a spot to catch a plane. They made a group called the “Spirit of Mobile” to help give the terminal its own special look. This team will share ideas on what should be inside, with a focus on the city’s deep history and style.
The plan is to let the new terminal be a warm hello to the city. Right now, they are thinking about these things:
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Using local art so people see what Mobile is all about.
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Choosing a style inside that shows off the area’s special culture.
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Adding new and comfy things for travelers so waiting for your flight is better.
Ground Transportation and Parking Options
Getting to and from the mobile airport needs to be easy. The mobile airport authority has made ground travel and parking a big part of how the new terminal is set up. They want things to be easy and open for everyone.
The new terminal at mobile international airport will have better parking and better roads. This is a big step up, because the airport is only a few miles from downtown mobile. You will find it simple to go from your car to the check-in desk.
Some big projects the mobile airport authority is working on to help you will be:
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A new parking garage with 1,250 spaces.
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An elevated road that helps you reach the terminal.
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The team hopes to finish these projects by March 2026, so when the terminal opens, you can drive in and out with no trouble.
Recent Developments and Future Plans
The future of air travel in Mobile looks good. There are big plans to update the city’s airport. The Mobile Airport Authority, working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), is carrying out a master plan. This plan is focused on building a new and modern terminal.
This update will bring major changes to the airport. It will mean big repairs and moving all airport work to new spaces. Do you want to know about the timeline and what will happen next? Let’s look at the newest news on the terminal project. We will also talk about how you can keep up with these big changes from the mobile airport authority and FAA.
Updates on Renovations and Terminal Projects
The new terminal project at Mobile International Airport is a big job, and the Mobile Airport Authority wants to make sure it is done well. There has been a small delay. This delay is to help keep the project within budget, but work is still moving ahead.
The project will still use $381 million. To do this, the team used some smart engineering. They made changes and reduced a few things that are not necessary. This way, the main use and quality of the terminal will not change. The master plan will still bring a new and better airport.
Here are the latest updates about the timeline:
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The terminal is now set to open in the fall of 2026. The first flights will happen in October or November.
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The parking garage and the raised road will be finished by March 2026.
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The main building for the terminal should soon be closed up and safe from weather, so work inside can go on.
This is good news for the mobile airport, the airport authority, and everyone who uses Mobile International Airport. The master plan to update the terminal looks to bring many benefits in the next few years.
How to Stay Informed About Airport Changes
There are many big changes happening with Mobile’s airports. You will want to keep up-to-date on what is going on. When you know the latest news, it helps you plan easily for travel, with all the things going on at the mobile regional airport and the move happening to the new mobile international airport.
To find the best and most true information, go straight to the mobile airport authority. The airport authority takes care of every project. It will share news about how things are going, when airlines move, and when new services come. If you follow their pages and accounts, you will get information you can trust.
Below are simple ways to stay up-to-date:
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Check the mobile airport authority’s official website to see news and updates on new projects.
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Follow local news that talks about what is happening at the mobile regional airport or mobile international airport.
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Look out for updates from the federal aviation administration or faa about new things at the airport.
Conclusion
To sum up, knowing the details about Mobile airports can really make your trip better. There is the Mobile Regional Airport and the Mobile International Airport. Each one has something different to offer. You should pick the one that fits what you need. If you know about airlines, where you can go from these airports, what services you get, and any new changes, your trip will go much smoother. If you fly a lot or if this is your first time, it helps to know more. If you have questions or need help to plan your next trip, feel free to get in touch for a free consultation. Have a good and safe journey!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Mobile airport is best for my travel needs?
Right now, Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) is where big airlines like Delta, United, and American fly from. But, soon, all flights for people will go out of Mobile International Airport (BFM) instead. BFM is close to downtown, so it’s easy to get there. When you buy a plane ticket, make sure you know if your airline is using MOB or BFM.
How do I contact Mobile Regional Airport for travel information?
If you need travel information for Mobile Regional Airport (MOB), like your flight status or what is at the terminal, you should call your airline. If you have general questions about the airport, you can find the contact details on the Mobile Airport Authority’s official website. The Mobile Airport Authority runs the mobile airport.
What should I know before flying out of Mobile, AL?
Before you fly out of Mobile, check your ticket to see if you leave from Mobile Regional (MOB) or Mobile International (BFM). Right now, big airlines use MOB, but soon, all flights will go from BFM. Get to the airport early so you have enough time for security. You can go to the Mobile Airport Authority website to see if there are any travel updates or news from the mobile airport.