Alexandria International Airport (AEX), identified by IATA code AEX, ICAO code KAEX, and FAA location identifier AEX, is a public use airport strategically situated four nautical miles (5 miles, 7 km) west of Alexandria's central business district, in Rapides Parish, Louisiana, United States. It operates under the purview of the England Authority, also known as the England Economic and Industrial Development District, an independent political subdivision of the State of Louisiana.
Despite its name, the airport has no scheduled international flights nor scheduled flights to cities near transborder areas.
The airport can be reached via the Airbase Road (Highway 498) exit #90 from I-49, and driving west about two miles to the terminal. AEX can also be reached from State Highway 28 West, then on Highway 3054, entering the area on Vandenburg Drive. Onsite parking is available, as well as Uber rideshare service.
The AEX terminal features the latest in safety and travel conveniences, including four all-weather "jetways", and charging stations for travelers' phones, tablets, and other electronic devices.
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Early History and Military Transformation
Alexandria International Airport (AEX) traces its beginnings back to 1939 when it served as an emergency airstrip for Esler Regional Airport, which was about 10 miles northeast of what would become Alexandria International. However, on the eve of World War II, the airstrip was taken over by the Department of Defense and named Alexandria Army Air Base. The airbase was used for training pilots and aircrews of fighter and bomber airplanes of the Army Air Force.
With the outbreak of hostilities in Korea, however, the base was reactivated as Alexandria Air Force Base in 1950.
On June 23, 1955, Alexandria Army Air Base was renamed England Air Force Base in honor of Lieutenant Colonel John Brooke England, who died on November 17, 1954. John England was the commander of the 389th Bomber Squadron stationed at the base. England died while attempting to land in dense fog in France.
Map of England Air Force Base in 1991.
Transition to Civilian Use
At the end of the Cold War, the United States Department of Defense wanted to close many of its military bases including England Air Force Base. At the end of the Cold War, the United States Department of Defense decided to close many of its military bases under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC), to which EAF ultimately fell victim in 1992. After the application by the England Authority and the recommendation from the FAA, the Department of Defense granted all airside and landside areas to the England Authority.
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In August 1993, Alexandria International Airport opened for service. In August 1996, it began to receive commercial airline passenger service with flights to and from Atlanta (ATL), Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW), Houston (IAH) and Memphis (MEM), although service to Memphis was subsequently discontinued.
In October of 2011, the terminal was named the James L. Meyer Commercial Terminal in honor of the man who was a major driving force in the development, and success, of England Airpark. James Meyer, a Rapides Parish native who died in 1998, was a partner in the Alexandria-based civil engineering firm, Meyer, Meyer, LaCroix, and Hixson, and worked to establish the new airport.
Key Role in National Crises
Since the September 11th terrorist attacks, Alexandria International Airport has played an important role in moving thousands of military personnel and millions of pounds of cargo in support of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Alexandria International Airport also played an important role in storm recovery efforts following hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
During Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, AEX was the focal point for Coast Guard, Air Force, National Guard and other military and civilian operations supporting the relief efforts in southern Louisiana.
In February 2004, Air Force One landed at the airport with President George W. Bush on board. President Bill Clinton also landed at the airfield on board Air Force One during his presidency. Air Force aircraft designation VC-25A) is one of the largest aircraft to have ever visited AEX.
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Recent Developments and Operations
On November 4, 2010, the Memphis Business Journal reported that Delta Connection, which operates passenger feeder services via a codesharing agreement with Delta Air Lines with regional jets, had ceased service on the Alexandria-Memphis route due to poor performance. In July 2025, Alexandria International Airport was identified by The New York Times as the "busiest deportation hub" of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, with 80 more deportation flights than the second-busiest airport at press time.
A detention facility with 400 beds and spanning 70,000 square feet, known as the 'Alexandria Staging Facility' run by The GEO Group is located on the airport's tarmac.
Today, the Airport is served by American, United, and Delta Airlines with connections to those three cities; all three operate either Canadair or Embraer regional jet aircraft.
On April 20, 2018, A McDonnell Douglas MD-83 (registration N807WA) operated by World Atlantic Airlines suffered a right-hand main landing gear collapse during landing rollout. Due to the gear failure, the right wing dragged on the runway, creating a friction fire which was quickly put out by the airport rescue and firefighting personnel. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and originated from Chicago-O'Hare International Airport. None of the 101 passengers on board were injured, but the aircraft suffered significant damage and was later written off as irreparable.
Airport Infrastructure and Operations
Alexandria International Airport covers an area of 3,212 acres (1,300 ha) at an elevation of 89 feet (27 m) above mean sea level. For the 12-month period ending December 31, 2022, the airport had 30,130 aircraft operations, an average of 82 per day: 51% general aviation, 25% military, 13% air taxi, and 11% scheduled commercial.
Alexandria International Airport has two runways: 14/32 is 9,352 by 150 feet with a concrete surface; 18/36 is 7,001 by 150 feet with an asphalt and concrete surface.
The facility can simultaneously handle and park aircraft from Cessna 150s to KC-135s, B747s, C5s, C17s and the larger Antonov aircraft.
Economic Impact and Management
AEX sees 50,000 air operations per year; a little over one third of its air traffic is military; another third is general aviation; the rest is air taxi and scheduled commercial. Its aviation-centric activities support over 1,300 jobs, with an economic impact of over $144 million to the region.
Alexandria International Airport is owned by the England Economic and Industrial Development District (England Authority). The England Authority has ten members of the Board of Commissioners. William Barron is the chairman of the board of Commissioners. Brady Baudin is the vice-chairman and Bart Jones is the Secretary/Treasurer.
The Airpark is located less than a mile from Interstate 49 and the Port of Alexandria on the Red River for quick and easy access to shipping routes. England Airpark also offers living options with 160 units of single-family houses and a premier senior living residence facility at England Oaks.
Noise Mitigation Program
Alexandria International Airport and the England Authority are implementing a Neighborhood Noise Mitigation Program, with funding from the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Improvement Program and the Louisiana Department of Transportation. The Neighborhood Noise Mitigation Program includes residential and other noise sensitive buildings in areas surrounding the Airport.
The program was approved by the FAA on August 14, 2007, as part of AEX's Airport Noise Compatibility Program. As of November 2010, the England Authority has received $21 million from the FAA for their Noise Mitigation Program.
The Neighborhood Noise Mitigation Program is divided into two areas. The primary area includes the areas that are located where they are subjected to 70 DNL or greater. The secondary area includes areas that are located in areas that are subjected to 65 to 70 DNL.
There are three options that were approved for the primary areas:
- The first is the Property Acquisition and Relocation Assistance Program.
- The second option is the Aviation Easement Acquisition Program.
- The third option is an Acoustical Treatment Program. This provides a range of acoustic modifications to participating homes. The program may include window and door modifications, wall and attic insulation, and ventilation modifications.
Honoring Aviation Pioneers
Not many people know that two of aviationâs earliest pioneers came from right here in Central Louisiana. Charles Frederick Page of Pineville invented the airship in the early 1900s and Paul Leo Ortego of Alexandria made the first working manned helicopter in the 1920s.
Now, their legacies have been immortalized at Alexandria International Airport (AEX) by the installation of historical markers and two murals painted by local artists Liz and Jed Cornett.
âCharles Frederick Page was my grandfather,â said Joseph Page who spoke at a ceremony at the airport commemorating both men. âMy family and I want history to include my grandfatherâs accomplishments and recognize his contributions to aviation.â
âItâs been a long time coming for this,â Marian Nevill, Ortegoâs niece, told the audience. Nevill, an author, also wrote a fictional book, âLeoâs Warâ based on the true stories about Ortego.
Eric Moen, the international architect who designed this magnificent airport, said in a Town Talk interview in 2001 that Charles Frederick Page deserved to be honored with a mural here at the airport for his aerial accomplishment,â said Wynne.
Navigating AEX: Tips for Travelers
To help make your experience at Alexandria International Airport as smooth and enjoyable as possible, hereâs some advice from AEX-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff:
- Navigating the Terminals: AEX is straightforward with just one terminal. Arrive a bit early to get through security, especially during peak hours. The upper level is where youâll find ticketing and check-in.
- Getting To/From the City: Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are super convenient from AEX. Theyâre usually quicker than a taxi and you can track your ride on the app.
- Parking: For long-term parking, choose the off-airport lots. Theyâre cheaper and the shuttle service is reliable. Book a spot in advance during holiday seasons.
- Inside the Airport: Grab a quick coffee at Dunkinâ Donuts before your flight. Itâs right in the main terminal and perfect for a caffeine fix.
- Avoiding Delays and Stress: Always check your flight status online before heading to the airport. Delays happen, and itâs better to know in advance so you can adjust your plans. Security lines can get long during peak hours, so arrive at least 1.5 hours early.
Facilities and Services
Alexandria England Airpark Airport Q&A:
- The airport offers both short-term and long-term parking options on-site, with convenient access to the terminal. There are also off-airport parking lots nearby with shuttle services. A free cell phone waiting area is available for those picking up passengers.
- You can use ride-share services like Uber and Lyft, which are typically faster than taxis. Alternatively, the city bus offers an affordable option and provides a scenic route into town.
- Yes, Copeland's offers Cajun cuisine for a taste of Louisiana.
Transportation Options:
- Car Rentals: Alexandria Airport has several major car rental providers such as Avis, Budget, and Enterprise.
- Taxis: Taxi services are available at the airport, with a taxi stand located just outside the terminal building.
- Ride-Share Services: Shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are available at Alexandria Airport.
- Airport Shuttles: Airport shuttles operate between Alexandria Airport and various hotels in the city.
- Public Transportation: For budget-conscious travelers, public transportation is available at Alexandria Airport. Passengers can take the city bus from the bus stop located outside the terminal building.
Passenger Services:
- Free Wi-Fi: Alexandria International Airport (AEX) provides complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal.
- Lost and Found: If you misplace an item during your journey, the lost and found services are available at the airport's information desk, located in the main terminal building.
- Children's Play Area: To keep young travelers entertained, Alexandria International Airport features designated children's play areas located throughout the airport.
- Special-Needs Services: The airport offers wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and other services for passengers with special needs.
- ATM: An ATM is available in the main terminal building, providing access to banking services while youâre at the airport.
- First Aid Station: In case of a medical emergency, a first aid station is located near the airport's security checkpoint.
Airlines and Destinations
Major airlines serving the airport include American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Express. The most popular destinations served from AEX are Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Atlanta, Memphis, and Charlotte.
Airport Hotels
Several hotels are located about a mile from AEX, at the Airbase Road exit 90 from I-49, including the Hampton Inn & Suites, La Quinta Inn & Suites, and Comfort Suites.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
For a quick bite, head to Dunkin' Donuts or Cinnabon, both located in the main terminal. If you have more time to spare, check out the Cajun-inspired menu at Copeland's of New Orleans or the classic American fare at Tailwind. When it comes to shopping, there are several options available at Alexandria Airport. For souvenirs and gifts, visit the Louisiana Market or the Louisiana Music Factory. If you need to pick up some last-minute travel essentials, stop by the Hudson News store.
A Cracker Barrel Store is located nearby at the I-49 exit along with several fast-food outlets. Read more about area dining options ...
England Airpark and Heritage Park
Today, AEX is part of the greater England Airpark, which has been repurposed into a multimodal transportation and commerce center, and residential community. Located onsite is the Airport, 60 businesses employing 2,000 persons, over 300 occupied housing units, 1.1 million-sq.-ft. military aircraft in the nation.
A sign at Heritage Park, reads: âA symbol of all airmen past, present, and future, the England Air Force Base Heritage Park is a proud reminder of the Air Forceâs role in our nationâs military history. Each of the aircraft displayed here valiantly contributed to the defense of our country.
Flying Tiger Heritage Park at England Airpark.
England Airpark is a 3,000 acre award winning master-planned industrial park, commercial airport, and community that offers office, hangar, warehouse and distribution space ready for occupancy with over 1 million square feet of space.
The airport is located at the site of the former England Air Force Base. On April 23, 1963, this aircraft crashed at the end of runway 22 at MacDill Air Force Base; the pilot was uninjured. Air Force on June 1, 1992.
Fort Polk and the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) are located in Vernon Parish in West-Central Louisiana, about 60 miles west of the AEX Airport. Soldiers and cargo to/from Fort Polk are routinely processed at AEX.
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