South Arkansas Regional Airport

South Arkansas Regional Airport at Goodwin Field (ELD) is not merely an air gateway, but a vital transport hub opening the path for travellers to the colourful region of southern Arkansas and northern Louisiana. Located near the city of El Dorado, which is known for its festivals and was recognized as the city with "America's Best Downtown", this airport combines Southern charm with modern amenities. Built in the early 1940s, it possesses a rich history and today serves both private and corporate aviation as well as commercial flights, serving as a starting point for many exciting journeys across the USA.

Despite its modest size, Goodwin Field offers passengers and pilots everything necessary for a comfortable journey. Free Wi-Fi is available in the terminal, there is a pilot's lounge, and even conference rooms that can be rented for business meetings. The airport prides itself on its high level of customer service, providing full-cycle services via a Fixed Base Operator (FBO), including refuelling, de-icing, and hangar storage for various types of aircraft. For the convenience of travellers, car rental is available directly at the airport, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the region.

If you need to contact the administration of South Arkansas Regional Airport (ELD), please use the following contact information. Please note that for questions related to booking, ticket changes, or flight status, you should contact your airline directly.

• Official Website: At www.flyeld.com you will find up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations.
• Help Desk Phone: For general enquiries, you can call +1 (870) 881-4192.
• Airport Address: 418 Airport Dr, El Dorado, AR 71730, USA.
• Email: To contact the administration, it is recommended to use the contact form on the official website, as a public email address may not be available.
• Social Media: Airport news and updates are often posted on its official Facebook page (search for "South Arkansas Regional Airport at Goodwin Field").
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to checked luggage, you must contact your airline's baggage tracing service immediately. For items left in the terminal building, contact the airport administration via the main phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Passenger support regarding the flight (check-in, boarding, special services) is provided by airline representatives.

Getting to South Arkansas Regional Airport (ELD) from the city of El Dorado is quite simple, as it is located just a few kilometres from the centre. The main modes of transport are car and taxi, as public transport in this direction is poorly developed.

Taxi and Transfer is the most convenient and predictable option. The trip from the city centre to the airport will take approximately 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. The cost of a taxi ride or services like Uber and Lyft usually varies, but it is best to budget around 20-30 dollars. For early morning departures or late-night arrivals, it is recommended to book a car in advance to avoid long waits.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those planning to travel around the region. In the USA, renting a car gives maximum freedom of movement. Rental company counters can be found directly at the airport or nearby. If you are getting to the airport in your own or a rented car, parking is at your service. Usually, regional airports offer both short-term and long-term parking spaces at reasonable prices, located within walking distance of the terminal.

As for public transport, direct bus or rail routes to El Dorado Airport are generally absent. This is a characteristic feature of small regional airports in the US. Do not rely on this method; it is better to choose one of the alternative options to guarantee you catch your flight.

If your plans require greater flexibility or you are looking for more flight options, it is worth considering other airports located in neighbouring cities. Among them are Shreveport Regional Airport (approximately 128 km away), serving a significantly larger number of passengers, as well as Monroe Regional Airport (107 km away) and Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock (176 km away). Other options include Texarkana Regional Airport (113 km) and Memorial Field Airport in Hot Springs (142 km).

South Arkansas Regional Airport (ELD) is a compact and convenient aviation hub distinguished by a simple and clear structure. All passenger infrastructure is concentrated in one small terminal, making navigation through it extremely easy. This building serves both arriving and departing flights, uniting all necessary zones under one roof.

The terminal layout is intuitive. Immediately after entering, you find yourself in the general hall where airline check-in counters are located. The waiting area and boarding gate are also located here. Since the airport handles a small number of flights, getting lost is practically impossible. All functional zones — from check-in to baggage claim — are within walking distance of each other. Transfers between terminals are not required, as all operations are carried out within a single building.

Check-in and security procedures at ELD airport are significantly faster than at major aviation hubs. Thanks to the low passenger flow, queues here are a rarity. As a rule, arriving at the airport 45–60 minutes before departure is more than enough to calmly go through all formalities without rushing. The departure area is a cosy waiting lounge with basic amenities, while the arrival area is combined with baggage claim and the exit to the city.

The main recommendation for travellers flying from South Arkansas Regional Airport is not to arrive too early. The compactness of the terminal and the efficiency of the staff allow you to avoid the stress and long waits characteristic of large airports. Orient yourself on-site using the signs; there are few, but they clearly guide the passenger along the entire route from the entrance to boarding the aircraft.

The history of South Arkansas Regional Airport in the city of El Dorado, known as Goodwin Field, dates back to the Second World War. The airport was opened in 1942 as a military airfield for the US Army Air Forces. Its main task was pilot training: a flight school was located here, where thousands of cadets underwent basic training under the guidance of civilian instructors contracted by the military. It was an important training centre that contributed to the country's war efforts.

After the war ended, in 1944, the military base was closed, and the airfield was transferred to the city for civil use. It soon received its current name — Goodwin Field — in honour of Dave Goodwin, a local aviation enthusiast and influential citizen who played a key role in the airport's development. From that moment began its new chapter as a commercial and civil aviation hub serving southern Arkansas.

Over the decades, the airport has undergone several stages of modernisation to meet modern aviation standards and passenger needs. Runways, navigation equipment, and the terminal have been updated. Today, the airport continues to play an important role in the region's transport infrastructure, providing air connectivity, including under the federal Essential Air Service (EAS) programme, which guarantees air transport for small communities. Thus, the former military airfield has successfully transformed into a modern air gateway while preserving its rich history.

South Arkansas Regional Airport (ELD) is a small and convenient aviation hub that provides passengers with all necessary basic amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. The atmosphere in the terminal is calm, allowing you to go through all pre-flight formalities without haste.

In the waiting lounge, you can use free Wi-Fi to stay connected, work, or simply pass the time on the internet. Power outlets are provided for those who need to charge their gadgets. Dining and shopping options within the airport itself are limited; typically, they are represented by vending machines with snacks and drinks. A wider selection of cafes and shops can be found in the nearby city.

The airport is equipped to receive passengers with disabilities and offers an accessible environment, including ramps and specially equipped restrooms. Passengers requiring special assistance are advised to contact their airline in advance to organise support.

There are no hotels, business lounges, or currency exchange points within the airport itself. The nearest hotels, restaurants, banks, and other services are located in the city of El Dorado, which is just a few minutes' drive from the terminal. There, travellers can find everything necessary for rest or handling business matters.

When planning a departure from South Arkansas Regional Airport (ELD), it is important to consider that this is a small airport with a limited range of services. Dining options in the terminal differ greatly from those found in major aviation hubs.

There are no full-service restaurants, cafes, or bars on the airport premises. The only available option for a snack is vending machines located in the main public area of the terminal (before security control). In them, you can usually find a standard set of snacks: crisps, chocolate bars, as well as bottled water and carbonated drinks. After passing through security (in the so-called "sterile" area), there are no food outlets or machines.

Passengers counting on a full lunch or dinner are strongly advised to eat in the city of El Dorado before arriving at the airport. It is also worth bearing in mind that the airport has no specialised offers for vegetarians, vegans, or people with food allergies (or specific Halal requirements), so travellers with special dietary needs are better off bringing food with them.

Travelling through South Arkansas Regional Airport (Goodwin Field) can be simple and convenient if you prepare in advance. Here are a few tips to help make your trip from the city of El Dorado as comfortable as possible.

Arrival at the Airport and Check-in: For domestic flights within the USA, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before departure. This time is usually sufficient to check in luggage, pass security control, and reach the boarding gate without rushing. To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website, which usually opens 24 hours before the flight.

Security Control and Hand Luggage: In regional airports, security queues are generally shorter than in large hubs. Nevertheless, security rules are standard. Remember the restriction on carrying liquids in hand luggage: all must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. Remove all metal items from your pockets in advance, and be prepared to take laptops and other large electronics out of your bag.

Seat Selection and Transfers: If it is possible to choose a seat during check-in, consider your preferences. A window seat will offer beautiful views during take-off and landing, while an aisle seat allows you to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours. If you have a connecting flight, ensure you have enough time between flights. In small airports like Goodwin Field, it is usually easy to orient yourself, but it is always useful to have a time buffer in case of unforeseen delays.

Savings and Flight Delays: To save money, book tickets in advance and try to travel light to avoid fees for excess baggage. Bring an empty water bottle with you to fill it after passing security control. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information and possible meal vouchers. Clarify your rights as a passenger — in some cases, you may be entitled to compensation or hotel accommodation.

Customs Control: Since South Arkansas Regional Airport serves mainly domestic flights, most passengers will not have to go through customs and immigration control. This procedure is relevant only for those arriving in the country via an international flight, which usually happens at larger hub airports.