Craig Field

Craig Air Field sits three miles north of Selma's downtown, serving general aviation traffic across Alabama's Black Belt region. Originally established as an Army Air Forces training base during World War II, the airport now operates as a public-use facility with a single 8,000-foot runway — long enough to handle business jets and heavy cargo aircraft. The field is owned by the City of Selma and managed by a local authority, with a fixed-base operator (FBO) that provides fuel, maintenance, and pilot amenities. For pilots flying through Alabama, Craig is known for friendly staff, competitive fuel prices, and a clean, modern FBO that belies the airport's small-town setting.

Getting There

Craig Air Field is located at 1900 Craig Field Road, Selma, AL 36701. From downtown Selma, take US Highway 80 (Broad Street) west for about 2.5 miles, then turn left onto Craig Field Road. The drive takes roughly 10 minutes. The airport is also accessible from Interstate 65 via State Route 14 (exit 142), about 18 miles east of Selma. From I-65, head west on SR 14 for approximately 20 miles, then turn left onto County Road 32, which becomes Craig Field Road. The journey from Montgomery, Alabama's capital, takes about 45 minutes via I-65 south and US 80 west. No public transit serves the airport directly; the most practical way to reach it is by personal vehicle or rental car. Taxis and rideshare services may be available from Selma but should be arranged in advance, especially outside of business hours. On-site parking is free, with a dedicated wheelchair-accessible car park near the terminal entrance. The airport operates Monday through Thursday, with no confirmed Friday-Sunday hours — though after-hour service is available by prior arrangement.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Craig Air Field is compact and straightforward. Entering through a wheelchair-accessible entrance, visitors find a small lobby with seating, a restroom (including a wheelchair-accessible toilet), and a counter for the FBO. The atmosphere is relaxed and functional — no long queues, no security checkpoints, just a practical space for pilots and passengers to transact business. The FBO itself is modern and well-maintained, with clean facilities and a comfortable pilot lounge. Staff are known for being exceptionally friendly and helpful; calling ahead a day or two in advance ensures that fuel and services are ready upon arrival. The airport offers Jet-A and 100LL fuel at competitive prices, and the 8,000-foot runway can accommodate virtually any general aviation aircraft. Maintenance services are available through the FBO's on-site crew, who have a reputation for hard work and reliability. The terminal also features a toilet for public use. While there is no restaurant or snack bar on site, the FBO sometimes offers refreshments — and on occasion, staff have even shared home-cooked meals like ribs and gumbo with visiting pilots. For those needing to wait, the lounge is comfortable enough, but most visitors are in and out quickly given the efficient service.

Craig Air Field and Selma

Selma, Alabama, holds a profound place in American history. It was here, in 1965, that civil rights activists led by Martin Luther King Jr. began the Selma to Montgomery marches, demanding voting rights for African Americans. The marches culminated in the landmark Voting Rights Act later that year. Today, the city's most visited landmark is the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where nonviolent demonstrators were met with violence on Bloody Sunday — a moment that galvanized national opinion. The bridge remains open to traffic and is a powerful symbol of the struggle for equality. Visitors can also explore the Selma Interpretive Center, which chronicles the civil rights movement, and the Old Depot Museum, housed in a historic train station. Beyond its historical significance, Selma is a town of roughly 18,000 people, set along the Alabama River. It has a quiet, small-town character, with antebellum architecture, local shops, and a handful of restaurants serving Southern cuisine. The Black Belt region surrounding Selma is known for its rich agricultural soil, but also for economic challenges — the city has worked to revitalize its downtown and attract tourists interested in history. For pilots stopping at Craig, Selma offers a meaningful detour. The airport is just a few miles from the bridge and museums, making it possible to visit key sites between refueling stops. Even for those not tracing civil rights history, Selma provides a genuine slice of Alabama life, far from the commercialized attractions of larger cities.

Practical Information

Craig Air Field is open Monday through Thursday; hours on those days are not explicitly listed but FBO services are typically available during daytime hours. The busiest times are Monday at noon, Tuesday at 4 p.m., Wednesday at 1 p.m., and Thursday at noon — so pilots seeking a quieter experience might plan midday arrivals on other days. The airport can be reached by phone at +1 334-875-2189. A website is not mentioned; the city of Selma's website may have additional details. The runway is 8,000 feet long and 150 feet wide, oriented 18/36, and is in excellent condition. Fuel self-service may be an option, but the recommendation is to call ahead to confirm availability and to arrange any after-hour services. The FBO can also organize ground transportation into Selma if needed. For pilots flying cross-country, Craig Air Field is a solid stop: cheap fuel, a long runway, and staff who genuinely seem to care. One concrete piece of advice: call at least one day in advance and tell them your ETA and fuel needs — they will have your aircraft marshaled in and the truck ready before you cut the engine.