Gulf Shores International Airport Launches First Commercial Flights, Marking a New Era for Alabama's Gulf Coast
Houston-Gulf Shores fares start at $37.50
After decades of planning and development, Gulf Shores International Airport at Jack Edwards Field (GUF) has welcomed its first commercial flights, marking a significant milestone for the region. Allegiant Air inaugurated service on May 21, 2025, offering nonstop routes to six cities, including Houston, Texas; Belleville, Illinois; Bentonville, Arkansas; Cincinnati, Ohio; Kansas City, Missouri; and Knoxville, Tennessee.
The airport's transformation was made possible by a $5 million federal grant awarded in February 2024, which funded the construction of a new 17,500-square-foot terminal unveiled in March 2025. This development positions Gulf Shores as a more accessible destination for travelers seeking the Gulf Coast's attractions.
"It is really actually happening," Gulf Shores International Airport Director Jesse Fosnaugh told WKRG in March. "Allegiant is on the way. We are talking to them every week. We are talking to their flight department, their network planning department. This is really coming together."
Allegiant's new routes aim to provide affordable and convenient travel options. Flights between Houston and Gulf Shores will operate on Thursdays and Sundays, with fares starting at $37.50.
"By connecting more cities, we're making it easier for travelers to visit family and friends, access top leisure destinations, and create new memories," Allegiant Chief Commercial Officer Drew Wells said in a statement in 2024, when announcing the new destinations and routes. "Our research shows that customers increasingly want affordability and convenience when they fly. Our low-cost fares and nonstop flights make Allegiant a top choice for leisure travelers."
Located two nautical miles north of the City of Gulf Shores, the airport is owned by the Gulf Shores Airport Authority and features two asphalt runways. With the introduction of commercial flights, Gulf Shores International Airport is poised to become a key gateway to Alabama's Gulf Coast.
