Exploring Orange Beach: Airport Accessibility And Travel Options

Orange Beach, Alabama, is a popular beach vacation destination with many attractions, including a luxury beachfront resort. While the city itself does not have an airport, there are several nearby airports that provide access to the area. These include Pensacola International Airport (PNS), Mobile Regional Airport (MOB), and—as of May 2025—nonstop service from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV).

Nearest airport to Orange Beach

Orange Beach, Alabama, is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches and is a popular destination for both domestic and international travellers. There are several airports within an hour's drive of Orange Beach, making it an easily accessible location.

The closest airport to Orange Beach is Gulf Shores International Airport – Jack Edwards Field (JKA), which is just 15 minutes away from Orange Beach (nine miles). JKA is a small airport that mostly caters to private flights. However, it is important to note that JKA is currently undergoing construction to expand its commercial capabilities, which may provide additional flight options in the future.

Pensacola International Airport (PNS) is also a convenient option, located approximately 30-33 miles from Orange Beach. It can be reached in about 57 minutes via FL-292 W. Major airlines serve Pensacola, offering nonstop flights to over 15 U.S. cities. Additionally, there are eight rental car companies available at PNS, providing travellers with ground transportation options upon arrival.

Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) is another alternative, situated about 48-58 miles from Orange Beach, with an estimated travel time of around one hour and seven minutes to one hour and twenty minutes. American Airlines, Delta, and United offer nonstop flights to four major hubs, and there are multiple options for ground transportation, including rental cars, taxis, and ride-sharing services.

Other nearby airports include Valparaiso Airport (VPS), approximately 63 miles away, and Panama City Airport (ECP), which is about 106.5 miles from Orange Beach.

Pensacola International Airport

The airport is owned by the City of Pensacola and covers 1,211 acres of land at an elevation of 121 feet above sea level. It has two runways: 17/35, which is 7,004 by 150 feet with a concrete surface, and 08/26, which is 7,000 by 150 feet with an asphalt surface. Runway 17 is equipped with an instrument landing system and approach lights, while Runway 26 has a localizer approach. The airport also has a passenger terminal and provides services such as parking, concessions, food and beverage options, meeting facilities, free Wi-Fi, and a gift shop.

The airport was formerly known as Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport and Pensacola Regional Airport (Hagler Field). In 2011, the name was changed to Pensacola International Airport, and it is temporarily branded as Pensacola Intergalactic Airport each February to celebrate the local Pensacon convention.

Mobile Regional Airport

Orange Beach does not have its own airport. The nearest airport to Orange Beach is Pensacola International Airport (PNS), which is 26 miles away. Another airport close to Orange Beach is Mobile Regional Airport (MOB), which is 48.3 miles away.

The history of Mobile Regional Airport includes service from several airlines over the years, such as Eastern Air Lines, Capital Airlines, United Airlines, and Southern Airways. The airport has also witnessed the operation of different aircraft models, from the early days of Douglas DC-6Bs and Vickers Viscounts to the introduction of jets and regional jets by United Express. Texas International and Continental Airlines, which later merged with United Airlines, also served the airport with flights to Houston Intercontinental Airport.

Nonstop flights to Orange Beach

Orange Beach, Alabama, does not have its own airport, but there are several airports nearby that you can fly into. Pensacola International Airport (PNS) in Pensacola, Florida, is the closest airport to Orange Beach, located about 26 to 33 miles away. This airport offers nonstop flights to 14 cities, including Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Saint Louis. You can find flights to Pensacola International Airport for as low as \$41 round trip or \$21 one way.

Another option for nonstop flights to Orange Beach is Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) in Mobile, Alabama, which is located about 48 to 72 miles from Orange Beach. The airfare to Mobile (MOB) varies throughout the year, with the lowest rates for round trips in May and the lowest rates for one-way trips also in May.

Other nearby airports include Valparaiso Airport (VPS), about 63 miles from Orange Beach, and Panama City Airport (ECP), about 106 miles from Orange Beach. Keep in mind that choosing a non-stop flight can sometimes be more expensive, while routes with connections may be available at a cheaper rate.

When searching for flights to Orange Beach, consider using tools such as KAYAK, which offers a Price Forecast tool to help you determine the best time to book, and Expedia, which allows you to filter for flexible dates and "no change fee" options. Additionally, TripAdvisor provides reviews and insights from other travellers who have flown to Orange Beach.

Gulf Shores International Airport

The airport has two runways with asphalt surfaces. The first runway, 9/27, measures 6,962 feet by 100 feet, while the second, 17/35, is 3,596 feet by 75 feet. In the year ending January 31, 2023, the airport recorded 61,372 aircraft operations, averaging 168 per day. The majority of these operations were general aviation (91%), followed by military (7%), air taxi (2%), and commercial flights (<1%).

The airport is ranked as the second busiest in Alabama, with over 90,000 annual operations. It maintains a significant amount of asphalt, fencing, lights, and airfield signs to facilitate its operations.

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