Alexandria airport (AEX)

Alexandria International Airport (IATA code: AEX), located in Rapides Parish, Louisiana, serves the Alexandria metropolitan area and the central region of the state. It handles domestic commercial operations with nonstop services to major hubs such as Dallas/Fort Worth, Atlanta, and Houston.

Official Website: flyaex.org

Telephone: +1 318-449-3504

Terminals

The airport features a single two-level passenger terminal building. Level 1 (ground floor) houses arrivals, baggage claim, and rental car counters in its southern wing, along with airline ticketing and check-in counters in its northern wing. Level 2 accommodates the TSA security checkpoint and the departure lounge with 4 gates equipped with covered passenger boarding bridges (jetways). Although runways and the air traffic control tower operate 24 hours, the commercial passenger terminal closes overnight following the final commercial arrival and reopens 90 to 120 minutes prior to the first morning departure (around 4:00 - 4:30 AM).

Annual Traffic (2025): 271,793 commercial enplanements (FAA data).

Information Desks

There is no dedicated 24-hour customer service desk; passenger inquiries are assisted directly at airline ticket counters or by England Authority administrative and security personnel.

 Location

The airport is located in Rapides Parish, approximately 5 miles (7 km) west of downtown Alexandria, Louisiana. Road access is primarily via Interstate 49 (I-49, exit 90 via Airbase Road / Highway 498) and State Highway 28 West / Highway 3054 (Vandenburg Drive), with an estimated driving time of 10 to 15 minutes to the city center.

What services does Alexandria airport (AEX) offer?

The terminal offers essential passenger amenities across landside and airside areas.

Financial Services and Connectivity

• Wi-Fi: Free wireless internet access throughout the terminal.
• ATMs: Cash machine located in the main concourse. No foreign currency exchange is available.
• Device Charging: Power charging stations for phones, tablets, and laptops in gate seating areas.

Dining and Shopping

Food, beverage, and retail services are provided by Tailwind Concessions (Tailwind Deli News & Gifts), featuring coffee, sandwiches, snacks, travel necessities, and periodicals both pre-security and past the TSA checkpoint. Additional dining options, such as Cracker Barrel and various fast-food outlets, are located nearby along Interstate 49.

Baggage Services

Luggage carousels are located on the ground level. Missing or damaged baggage claims must be addressed directly with your airline counter. TSA safety regulations prohibit left-luggage storage facilities or lockers.

Safety and Emergencies

England Airpark Fire Department (ARFF) and the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office provide 24-hour emergency and security coverage.

Public and private transportation

The airport is approximately a 10 to 15-minute drive from central Alexandria.

Rideshare Services

Uber and Lyft operate at the airport. Passenger pickup zones are designated outside the main terminal doors on the ground level, adjacent to baggage claim.

Local Taxis

Local taxis are available at the curbside stand located directly outside the arrivals and baggage claim hall.

Hotel Shuttles

Several hotels in the Alexandria area and England Airpark business district provide complimentary shuttle transfers for guests; prior coordination with the property is recommended.

Car rental agencies

Rental Counters and Vehicle Pickup

Car rental customer counters are located on the ground floor (Level 1) within the baggage claim area. Vehicle pick-up and drop-off take place in the adjacent designated parking lot immediately south of the terminal building.

• Avis
• Budget
• National Car Rental

Parking services at Alexandria airport (AEX)

Parking Facilities

Alexandria International Airport offers a large open-air parking facility located directly in front of the terminal building, operated by Metropolis using automated license plate recognition (LPR) and ticketless digital payment.

Rates and Regulations

• Grace Period: The first hour (0 to 60 minutes) is free of charge.
• Hourly Rate: $1.00 USD per additional hour.
• Daily Maximum Rate: $10.00 USD per 24-hour period.
• Special Benefits: Fee exemptions or specific parking accommodations are provided for active military personnel on official travel and certified disabled veterans.

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Special Assistance Requests

Passengers requiring wheelchair service or specific mobility support should notify their airline at least 48 hours prior to departure. Ground personnel assist travelers from check-in through the TSA security checkpoint to their aircraft seat.

Accessibility Infrastructure

The facility is equipped with access ramps, automatic doors, elevators connecting the ground floor to the Level 2 departure concourse, and accessible restrooms throughout.

TSA Cares Support

Travelers with disabilities, medical needs, or neurodivergence can request advance individualized assistance through the federal TSA Cares program.

Unaccompanied Minors

Assistance for children traveling alone must be booked and coordinated directly with the operating airline in accordance with their respective policies and age requirements.