Selma (Craig Field)

Craig Field Airport is not merely a runway, but a living piece of aviation history in the USA. Located near the historic city of Selma, it was once a vital Air Force base where thousands of pilots honed their skills. Today, Craig Field serves as a gateway for private and business aviation, preserving the spirit of the old school while offering modern conveniences. It is the ideal starting point for those wishing to explore Alabama's rich heritage from a bird's-eye view.

The main feature of Craig Field (Craig Field) is its rich history and focus on general aviation. The former US Air Force base has retained its extensive infrastructure, including long and wide runways capable of accommodating various types of aircraft — from small single-engine planes to business jets. This makes it attractive for private pilots and corporate flights.

The airport is also an important centre for flight training. Additionally, an industrial park is located on its territory, contributing to the economic development of the region. For travellers arriving by private jet, Craig Field offers convenient access to the historic landmarks of Selma associated with the Civil Rights Movement, making it not just a transit point, but part of a unique cultural and historical route.

• Official Website: Up-to-date information about Craig Field Airport can be found on the official website of the city of Selma.
• Inquiry Service Phone: To contact the airport administration, please use the number: +1 334-874-2180.
• Airport Address: 100 Airport Road, Selma, AL 36701, USA.
• Email: A specific email for general inquiries is not published. For urgent communication, it is recommended to use the telephone.
• Social Media: At this moment, the airport does not have official social media accounts.
• Lost and Found Information: Craig Field is an airport for private and business aviation, so there is no centralised lost luggage service like in major commercial airports. For personal items left on the premises, please call the administration.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Since the airport does not serve scheduled passenger flights, there is no specialised support service. All questions related to airport operations can be addressed to the administration via the phone number listed above.

Craig Field Airport (Craig Field, SEM) is located just a few kilometres southwest of the city centre of Selma. It is important to note that this is a general aviation airport that does not accept scheduled commercial passenger flights. Nevertheless, getting to it from the city is quite simple, and here are the main ways.

Taxi and Ride-Hailing Services. The most convenient and fastest way to get to Craig Field is to order a taxi or use mobile apps such as Uber or Lyft (we recommend checking their availability in Selma at the time of your trip). The journey from the city centre will take no more than 10-15 minutes. The estimated cost of a taxi ride is 15-25 USD. This is a reliable option, especially if you have luggage.

Car Rental. If you plan not only to visit the airport but also to move freely around the city and its surroundings, renting a car would be the ideal solution. There are several rental locations in Selma, however, most travellers prefer to rent a car at major airports upon arrival in the state. With a personal vehicle, the road to Craig Field will be as quick and comfortable as possible.

Airport Parking. Craig Field provides surface parking for visitors and private pilots. Since this is not a major commercial hub, finding a free space is usually not a problem, and parking itself may be free or cost very little.

Public Transport. Direct public transport routes, such as city buses, do not run to Craig Field Airport. This is typical for small airports in the USA. Therefore, when planning your trip, you should rely on a car or taxi.

For Travellers from Other Cities. Most tourists heading to Selma arrive via major commercial airports. The nearest one is Montgomery Airport (MGM), which is about an hour's drive away. A larger aviation hub, Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM), is located approximately two hours away by car. The most convenient way to get from these airports to Selma is to rent a car immediately upon arrival.

Craig Field Airport (SEM) in Selma is a small and compact aviation hub that mainly serves private and business aviation. Unlike large international airports, it consists of one main terminal which performs all passenger service functions.

The terminal building is a single space where departure and arrival zones are combined. Here you will find counters for flight processing (if flying charter), a small waiting area, and exits to the aircraft. The airport layout is extremely simple and intuitive, making your stay comfortable and eliminating the need to search for the right gate or service for a long time.

Registration and security procedures at Craig Field are very quick, as it is not designed for heavy passenger traffic. The absence of long queues is one of the main advantages of the airport. For private and charter flights, all formalities usually take a minimal amount of time, allowing passengers to arrive shortly before departure.

Thanks to its compact size, navigating the terminal will not cause any difficulties. All key areas are within walking distance of each other, so moving between them takes literally a couple of minutes. It is practically impossible to get lost here. It is recommended to arrive at the airport in good time, but without the large time buffer required at major aviation hubs. Be guided by the recommendations of your airline or charter flight operator.

Craig Field Airport (SEM), located in the city of Selma, Alabama, possesses a rich and significant history closely intertwined with aviation in the USA. Its history is not just a tale of runways, but a chronicle of an important era in American military aviation.

The airport was founded in 1940 as a training base for the US Army Air Corps and officially opened in 1941 under the name Craig Field. It was named in honour of Lieutenant Bruce Kilpatrick Craig, a Selma native and World War I fighter pilot who died in a plane crash in 1921. The base's primary mission was pilot training.

The most vibrant period in the airport's history occurred during World War II. Craig Field became one of the largest and most important advanced flying schools for single-engine pilots in the southeast of the country. Thousands of American and Allied pilots completed their final stage of training here before being sent to the front. The base played a key role in training personnel for the Air Force, which was its main contribution to the victory.

After the war, the base continued to function as a US Air Force training centre, but in 1977 it was closed as part of military spending cuts. This event became a turning point: the former military base was transferred to local authorities and transformed into the Craig Field Airport and Industrial Complex. The long runways and extensive infrastructure inherited from the military created excellent conditions for the development of civil aviation and the attraction of industrial enterprises.

Today, Craig Field is a multi-purpose facility serving general and corporate aviation, as well as being home to various industrial and logistics companies. Although the airport is no longer an active military base, it retains its historical atmosphere. An interesting fact: many original buildings from the World War II era are still preserved on its territory, serving as a silent reminder of the thousands of pilots who once called this place home.

Craig Field Airport (SEM) is a general aviation airfield, primarily serving private and charter flights. Consequently, the range of available services is focused primarily on the needs of pilots and business aviation passengers and differs from services in large commercial airports in the USA.

There are no commercial restaurants, cafes, or shops within the terminal area. Light snacks and beverages may be available in the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) area. All necessary establishments are located in the nearby city of Selma. Passengers are typically provided with free Wi-Fi, and charging points for mobile devices can be found in the waiting lounges.

The airport lacks bank branches, currency exchange points, and 24-hour medical centres. For these services, one should visit institutions in the city. There are no VIP lounges in the traditional sense, however, the FBO offers comfortable rest areas for pilots and passengers awaiting their flight.

For travellers with children, there are no dedicated play areas or mother and baby rooms, but standard restrooms are available. Passengers with reduced mobility are advised to notify the airline or FBO operator of their needs in advance to arrange necessary assistance, although the main terminal infrastructure is accessible to citizens with limited mobility.

There are no hotels directly on the Craig Field premises. The nearest hotels and motels are located in Selma, just a few minutes' drive from the airport. For business travellers, conference rooms or business spaces at the FBO may be provided upon prior request.

When planning a trip through Craig Field Airport (SEM), it is important to consider its specific nature. It is a small airport serving predominantly private and military aviation, and it does not possess the infrastructure of a major commercial hub. Consequently, the choice of dining establishments directly on its premises is limited.

At present, there are no restaurants or cafes in the airport terminal building. Passengers waiting for their flight can rely on vending machines with drinks and light snacks, such as chips or chocolate bars. This is the only option for a quick snack available right at the airport.

For a full lunch or dinner, travellers need to head to the city of Selma, which is located a few kilometres from the airport. In the city, you will find various establishments to suit any taste and budget: from fast-food restaurants to cafes where you can try traditional Southern cuisine of the USA. It is recommended to plan your time with a buffer to manage a trip to the city and return before departure.

It is important to consider that Selma Airport (Craig Field) is a general aviation facility. Major commercial airlines do not fly here, and there is no standard schedule of regular passenger flights. The airport serves private jets, charter flights, training aviation, and corporate transfers. If you are planning to travel by scheduled airlines, we recommend using the nearest major airport in the city of Montgomery, which is approximately an hour's drive away.

If you are flying by private jet or charter, the arrival time is agreed upon individually. Unlike large hubs, there is no need to arrive 2–3 hours before departure. Usually, it is sufficient to arrive 15–30 minutes before the appointed time to meet the pilot and load luggage. This is one of the main advantages of private aviation — the absence of long queues and tedious waiting.

Registration and security control procedures at Craig Field follow a simplified scheme, but safety standards remain high. You will still need to present identification documents. Personal screening is conducted by the crew or terminal staff. The main rule is to listen carefully to the pilot's instructions, as they bear full responsibility for safety on board a small aircraft.

When planning luggage for a flight on a light aircraft, prefer soft bags over hard suitcases. Space in the small luggage compartments of private planes is limited, and soft luggage is easier to stow. Furthermore, strictly observe the weight limits set by your carrier, as vessel balancing is critical for small aviation.

The question of seat selection is resolved differently than on commercial flights. In small planes, seating is often determined by the pilot based on the aircraft's centre of gravity. However, wherever you sit, you are guaranteed stunning views: small planes often fly lower than mainline airliners, allowing you to examine the picturesque landscapes of Alabama in detail.

Since the airport does not have a transit zone for connecting flights, the issue of transfers is not relevant here in the usual sense. If Selma is just an intermediate point on your route, take care of ground transport in advance. Taxis are not always on standby at General Aviation terminals (FBOs), so it is better to book a car rental or transfer ahead of time.

In case of a departure delay, which in small aviation is most often related to weather conditions, please remain patient. Flight safety on small vessels depends heavily on meteorological conditions. Waiting in a small terminal usually passes in a comfortable and calm atmosphere, but having a book or a downloaded film on your tablet will help pass the time if the weather necessitates adjustments to your plans.