Tuscaloosa, Alabama: Airport Accessibility And Convenience

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is home to the Tuscaloosa National Airport (TCL), which is located 3.5 miles northwest of the city. The airport, owned and operated by the City of Tuscaloosa, serves at least 10 surrounding counties, the University of Alabama, and Mercedes-Benz International. Covering 724 acres, the airport features two asphalt runways and various facilities, including fixed-based operators (FBOs), a flight school, and a car rental service. While Tuscaloosa National Airport primarily handles general aviation, military, and charter flights, the city has made efforts to restore commercial airline services.

Tuscaloosa National Airport's history

Tuscaloosa National Airport (IATA: TCL, ICAO: KTCL, FAA LID: TCL) is located 3.5 miles northwest of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The airport is owned and operated by the City of Tuscaloosa, which acquired it at the end of World War II. The airport covers 724 acres of land (or 826 acres, according to another source) and is home to 108 or 110 aircraft.

The airport was opened in April 1940 as Van De Graaff Field. It originally consisted of four turf runways: 00/18 (2500 by 500 feet), 04/22 (3777 by 600 feet), 09/27 (4082 by 600 feet), and 13/31 (5208 by 600 feet). During World War II, the field was revamped to include a single main runway (the current 11/29). The Civil Aeronautics Administration designated Van De Graaff Field as an intermediate field (#59). It operated as a United States Army Air Forces primary (phase 1) pilot training field by a detachment of the 51st Flying Training Group, Greenville Army Airfield, Mississippi. Military operations were inactivated on September 8, 1944, with the drawdown of AAFTC's pilot training program. The airfield was turned over to city control at the end of the war.

Runway 11/29 was paved in the early 1950s. A northeast-southwest runway (4/22) was built in 1970, along with a passenger terminal, to facilitate jet service. Airline service to Tuscaloosa began on June 10, 1949, with Southern Airways operating a 25-seat Douglas DC-3 as one of the original six destinations. Southern Airways later introduced Douglas DC-9-10 jet service by 1972. Service peaked in the mid-1970s with four daily departures to Atlanta, Memphis, and New Orleans.

In March 2019, the City of Tuscaloosa changed the name of the airport from Tuscaloosa Regional Airport to Tuscaloosa National Airport to reflect the FAA's official designation as a national airport, one of only 89 in the nation. The airport had 2,400 commercial passenger boardings (enplanements) in 2017, most of which were athletic charters from the University of Alabama. The airport is also used for freight charters to supply the automotive companies that support the Mercedes-Benz manufacturing plant.

Tuscaloosa Regional Airport

The airport was opened in April 1940 as Van De Graaff Field and was used as a pilot training field during World War II. In 1950, Runway 11/29 was paved, and in 1970, a second runway, 4/22, was built along with a passenger terminal to facilitate jet service.

Tuscaloosa National Airport currently has two fixed-based operators (FBOs), a flight school, and a car rental facility located on-site. The airport is home to 108-110 aircraft, including single-engine, multi-engine, jet, and helicopter aircraft. It serves at least 10 surrounding counties, the University of Alabama, and Mercedes-Benz International, making it an important economic driver for West Alabama.

The airport also hosts the Tuscaloosa Regional Air Show, featuring renowned aviators like the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. While commercial airline service to Tuscaloosa ended in 1997, the airport continues to receive charter flights, particularly for college sports teams visiting or hosted by the University of Alabama.

Tuscaloosa airport safety and transportation

Tuscaloosa National Airport (TCL) is located 3.5 miles northwest of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The airport is owned and operated by the City of Tuscaloosa and has been a vital part of the city's growth since it was acquired at the end of World War II.

Safety

In 2019, the airport was officially designated a national airport by the FAA, one of only 89 in the nation. The airport has two asphalt runways: 4/22 is 6,498 by 150 feet (1,981 x 46 m) and 11/29 is 4,000 by 100 feet (1,219 x 30 m). Runway 4 has an Instrument Landing System and approach lights, allowing landings in visibility as low as half a mile.

In the year ending June 30, 2022, the airport had 38,697 aircraft operations, averaging 106 per day. 76% of these were general aviation, 16% military, 7% air taxi, and <1% airline. The airport is home to 108 aircraft, including 74 single-engine, 17 multi-engine, 12 jet, and 5 helicopter.

Transportation

The airport has two full-service Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs): Hawthorne Global Aviation Services and Dixie Air Services. It also has a flight school and an onsite car rental facility.

The Tuscaloosa Shuttle offers transportation to and from Birmingham and Atlanta Airports, with reservations available up to 24 hours in advance. Tuscaloosa Transit Authority provides demand-response vans equipped with wheelchair lifts for people with physical or mental disabilities within the city limits. FOCUS on Senior Citizens of Tuscaloosa County offers transportation for residents aged 60 and older to medical and social service appointments.

Tuscaloosa airport's economic impact

Tuscaloosa National Airport (TCL) is located 3.5 miles northwest of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The airport is owned and operated by the City of Tuscaloosa and serves as an economic driver for West Alabama.

The airport covers 724 acres of land and is home to 108-110 aircraft, including single-engine, multi-engine, jet, and helicopter planes. The airport has two asphalt runways, with the main runway allowing landings in low-visibility conditions. In the year ending June 30, 2022, the airport recorded 38,697 aircraft operations, averaging 106 per day. The airport is utilised by a variety of users, including general aviation (76%), military (16%), air taxi (7%), and airlines (1%).

The airport plays a vital role in the city's growth and development. It serves at least 10 surrounding counties, the University of Alabama, and Mercedes-Benz International. The airport is also the venue for the Tuscaloosa Regional Air Show, featuring renowned acts such as the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.

The City of Tuscaloosa has made significant efforts to improve the airport's infrastructure and attract commercial airline services. In the early 2000s, the airport received $2.2 million in funding to upgrade its facilities, and in 2019, the Tuscaloosa Mayor's Elevate Tuscaloosa proposal included $15 million in funding to renovate the terminal. These improvements aim to make the airport more appealing to commercial airlines and enhance its economic impact on the region.

The airport's proximity to the Tuscaloosa Industrial Park and the Mercedes-Benz plant also contribute to its economic significance. The airport facilitates freight charters, supporting the automotive companies in the area. Overall, the Tuscaloosa National Airport is an essential asset for the city, driving economic growth and connecting the region to the rest of the country.

Tuscaloosa airport alternatives

Tuscaloosa does have an airport, the Tuscaloosa National Airport (TCL), which is located 3.5 miles northwest of the city. The airport is owned and operated by the City of Tuscaloosa and has been a vital part of the city's growth since it was acquired at the end of World War II.

However, if you are looking for alternative airports to fly into near Tuscaloosa, here are some options:

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM):

The Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is the closest major airport to Tuscaloosa, located just 53.4 miles away. It takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to drive from the airport to Tuscaloosa. This airport offers a wide range of domestic and international flights, making it a convenient option for those travelling to or from Tuscaloosa.

Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR):

The Golden Triangle Regional Airport is another option, situated 61.5 miles from Tuscaloosa. While it may be a slightly farther drive, this airport could still be a viable alternative, depending on your specific travel plans and preferences.

Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM):

About 93.3 miles from Tuscaloosa is the Montgomery Regional Airport. This airport serves Montgomery, Alabama, and the surrounding areas. It offers flights to several major cities across the United States, including Atlanta, Charlotte, and Dallas.

Huntsville International Airport (HSV):

For those willing to travel a bit farther, the Huntsville International Airport is located 110 miles from Tuscaloosa. This airport offers a variety of domestic flights and could be a convenient option depending on your specific travel plans.

In addition to these larger airports, there are also smaller, regional airports in the area that may be worth considering, depending on your specific needs and flight options. These alternatives showcase the variety of travel options available when considering a trip to or from Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Frequently asked questions