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MSL · medium airport

Northwest Alabama Regional Airport

Muscle Shoals, United States

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Airports
MSLmedium airport

Northwest Alabama Regional Airport

Muscle Shoals, United States
Explore Muscle Shoals city guide Navigate to this airport
1
Routes out
1
Destinations
KMSL
ICAO
551 ft
Elevation
TravelerPulse profile

Regional gateway serving the Tennessee Valley in northwest Alabama.

Location
Muscle Shoals, United States
Northwest Alabama Regional Airport (IATA: MSL, ICAO: KMSL) is a public airport located in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, serving the greater Shoals area including the cities of Florence, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia. It sits at an elevation of approximately 551 feet above mean sea level and features two runways capable of handling regional jet and turboprop aircraft. The airport provides essential air service connectivity for the Tennessee Valley region, which has historically been underserved by commercial aviation. It receives federal Essential Air Service (EAS) funding to help maintain scheduled commercial service to major hub airports. The facility is owned and operated by the Northwest Alabama Regional Airport Authority and serves a mix of commercial, general aviation, and charter traffic. Its proximity to the Muscle Shoals music heritage area and regional manufacturing industries supports both leisure and business travel demand.
Terminals
The airport has a single small terminal building designed to handle regional commercial and general aviation passengers.
Getting to & from
Ground access to Muscle Shoals and the surrounding Shoals communities is primarily via personal vehicle or rental car, with limited shuttle options available.
Airlines here
Commercial service has historically been provided by regional carriers operating under Essential Air Service contracts, with links to major hubs.
Notable facts
  • ›The airport is designated an Essential Air Service (EAS) point, receiving federal subsidies to maintain commercial service.
  • ›It serves the broader Shoals area, encompassing Florence, Sheffield, Tuscumbia, and Muscle Shoals.
  • ›The airport has two runways supporting both commercial and general aviation operations.
  • ›Muscle Shoals is internationally known for its music recording history, attracting some visitor traffic through the airport.
  • ›The airport authority coordinates regional development efforts to attract and retain air service.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
Gateway to the Shoals, where Southern heritage meets the skies

Northwest Alabama Regional Airport, serving the Muscle Shoals area since the mid-20th century, connects this culturally rich corner of Alabama to the broader national air network. Known locally as the heart of a region famous for its musical legacy, the airport provides essential regional air service for residents, business travelers, and visitors exploring the Tennessee River Valley. Its modest scale reflects the close-knit community it serves while offering convenient access to the Tri-Cities area of Florence, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia.

Terminals
  • Main Terminal — A single, compact terminal handling all commercial and general aviation passengers with basic amenities and ticketing services.
Ground Transport
  • Rental car agencies available on-site
  • Taxi and rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) available in the area
  • Personal vehicle pickup and drop-off
  • Hotel courtesy shuttles from select nearby properties
Nearby Hotels
  • Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa
  • Hampton Inn Florence
  • Comfort Inn & Suites Florence
  • Holiday Inn Express Florence
Dining

Dining options inside the terminal are limited given the airport's small size, so travelers are advised to eat before arriving or grab something en route. The surrounding Muscle Shoals and Florence area offers a variety of local Southern cuisine restaurants and casual dining chains within a short drive. Nearby Florence's downtown district is particularly well regarded for its independent eateries and Southern comfort food.

Traveller Tips
  • Arrive at least 60–90 minutes before departure, as security lines can still be unpredictable on peak travel days.
  • Confirm your rental car reservation in advance, as on-site fleet availability can be limited at this regional airport.
  • The Muscle Shoals area is rich in music history — consider visiting FAME Studios or the Alabama Music Hall of Fame during your trip.
  • Cell service and rideshare availability can be inconsistent; arrange ground transportation before landing.
Official website

AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.

Route map (1 destinations)

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO

Airlines serving this airport

Routes

MSL → ATL3M · SF3

Aircraft operating here

Hotels near MSL

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Passport, Visa & Immigration

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Northwest Alabama Regional Airport
Encyclopaedia

Northwest Alabama Regional Airport is a public-use airport, located one mile east of Muscle Shoals, in Colbert County, Alabama. It is owned by the counties of Colbert and Lauderdale. The airport is serviced by Contour Airlines, and subsidized by the Essential Air Service program. Formerly, the airport operated as Muscle Shoals Auxiliary Field.

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