An Airport Runway is the most important Main Street in any town. -- Norman Crabtree
Jack Edwards National Airport (JKA), originally named Canal Field, became operational in 1942 and was first used as an outlying field (OLF) for the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida. The primary purpose of the airfield at that time was training for Naval Aviators. Due to transitions in training exercises, the airfield began to see a decrease in military operations and the facility was transferred to the Sate of Alabama in 1977. After the transfer, the name of the Airport was changed to Jack Edwards Airport in honor of the Congressman who was instrumental in transferring the property from the federal government to the State of Alabama.
In 1983, the Airport was purchased from the state by the City of Gulf Shores and has since become a valuable asset in the growth and economic development of the surrounding communities. In 1988, the City of Gulf Shores established an Airport Authority to operate and manage the entire facility. A new general aviation terminal building was constructed in 1998 to accommodate passengers and serve as the Airport’s welcome center for travelers. In 2003, Runway 9/27 was extended to 6,962 feet and an Instrument Landing System (I.L.S.) with an Approach & Alignment Light System (MALSR) was constructed. This allowed the airport to accommodate additional aircraft in inclement weather. 2008 saw the completion of the terminal expansion and an aircraft hanger capable of housing the largest corporate aircraft. Jack Edwards Airport is located approximately 2 miles north of the central business district of Gulf Shores, Alabama. The airport is situated on approximately 1100 acres of land bordered to the north by Cotton Creek Drive, to the west by Alabama Highway 59, and to the south by Waterway East Drive. The field elevation is 16 feet MSL and the existing airport reference point (ARP) is latitude 30* 17’ 25.65” N, longitude 87* 40’ 18.40” W.
The Airport is currently served by two paved runways designated 9/27 and 17/35. Runway 9/27, the primary runway, is 6,962’ x 100’ with a 462 displaced threshold to Runway 9. Runway 17/35, the crosswind or secondary runway, is 3,599’ x 70’.
