Gulf Shores International / Jack Edwards Field (KJKA), Alabama
Landing essentials
Whether you can land, whether you can refuel, and how customs works here.
Overview
Gulf Shores International / Jack Edwards Field (KJKA) is a towered, public-use airport on the Alabama Gulf Coast, roughly 76 nautical miles from the nearest metro area. The field offers CBP inspection services onsite and supports both 100LL and Jet A fueling, along with a longer paved runway suited to business aviation. Annual operations reached 15,158 in 2025 according to FAA TFMSC data, with business aviation accounting for 11,460 of those movements.
Runways
Gulf Shores International / Jack Edwards Field has two paved runways. The longest, 09/27, is 6,962 ft long and 100 ft wide, with an asphalt surface.
Runway geometry from published threshold coordinates. Not for navigation.
Runways are listed longest first.
Source: FAA Form 5010.
Fuel and airfield services
Gulf Shores International / Jack Edwards Field has Jet A+ and 100LL available on the field. Fueling is available from 6am to 10pm, daily, and the airport has an operating control tower.
Source: FAA Form 5010 / NASR.
Customs
Gulf Shores International / Jack Edwards Field has US Customs and Border Protection clearance available onsite, with general clearance for international arrivals.
Source: CBP list of ports of entry.
Business aviation traffic
Gulf Shores International / Jack Edwards Field recorded 11,460 business aviation movements in 2025. Traffic peaks in May. Business aviation traffic at KJKA concentrates in the late spring and summer months, with May and June recording the highest monthly volumes of the year.
Business jet movements, FAA TFMSC count. Peak month May, 1,558 movements in 2025.
Source: FAA TFMSC, business jet movements, 2025.
Climate
Weather station is 5.5 NM from the field. Some values are estimated by the agency. 1991–2020 climate normals.
Source: NOAA NCEI.
Operating constraints
Gulf Shores International / Jack Edwards Field has published operating constraints in four categories: access, runway notes, pavement strength and other notes.
Caution: helicopter operations at or below 300 feet MSL occur within 1 nautical mile of JKA when landing or departing a helipad located 1.6 nautical miles east, directly under the Runway 27 final approach. NOLF Barin, located 6 miles northeast of the airport, may be mistaken for Jack Edwards National Airport. A high volume of military traffic operates in the Barin Field traffic pattern from the surface to 3,000 feet AGL.
When the control tower is closed, activate the MALSR on Runway 27. PAPI is available on Runways 09, 27, 17, and 35. HIRL serves Runway 09/27, and MIRL serves Runway 17/35, both controlled via CTAF.
PCR VALUE: 440/F/B/X/T
Extensive banner towing, helicopter, and parasail operations occur along the coastline, from 15 nautical miles west to 20 nautical miles east of Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, and from 15 nautical miles WSW to 20 nautical miles ESE of JKA.
Frequency 122.7 is for UNICOM use only.
Air carrier operations involving aircraft with more than 9 passenger seats are not permitted more than 15 minutes before or after scheduled arrival or departure times without prior coordination with airport management or the airport safety department, and confirmation that ARFF services are available prior to landing or takeoff. Unscheduled air carrier operations with more than 30 passenger seats should contact the airport manager.
Source: FAA Chart Supplement.
Nearby airfields
Gulf Shores International / Jack Edwards Field has five airfields within 19 NM. The closest is Barin Nolf (KNBJ), 6.39 NM north.
Source: Skystar calculation from official coordinates.
Skystar at KJKA
We arrange catering, fuel and trip support here. Supplier prices reach you unchanged; our coordination fee sits on its own line.
The same order, priced two ways.
$2,400.00 catering order at KJKA.
Unchanged.
What the kitchen invoices us is what your quote reads.
One line, fixed.
It does not move with the size of the order.
At cost.
Passed on at the exact amount the processor took.
Market practice figures are industry averages, not a specific competitor.
Frequently asked questions
What is the primary runway at KJKA?
Gulf Shores International / Jack Edwards Field operates Runway 09/27, a 6,962-foot asphalt surface that is 100 feet wide. This is the longer of the airport's two runways and handles the majority of business aviation traffic. A crosswind option exists on Runway 17/35, which measures 3,596 feet by 75 feet, also asphalt. Both runways are paved, giving operators flexibility depending on wind conditions. The MALSR lighting system on Runway 27 activates when the control tower is closed.
Does KJKA have customs available for international arrivals?
Yes, Gulf Shores International / Jack Edwards Field has CBP inspection services available onsite. This means aircraft arriving from international destinations can clear customs directly at KJKA without diverting to another airport for processing. The airport is towered and staffed daily from 0600 to 2200 local time. Operators should still coordinate arrival details in advance given the specific arrival restrictions noted for larger aircraft at this field. Confirming customs officer availability ahead of an international arrival remains standard practice.
Are there restrictions on airline or charter operations at Jack Edwards Field?
Yes, Jack Edwards Field restricts certain air carrier operations involving aircraft with more than nine passenger seats. Such operations are not permitted more than 15 minutes before or after scheduled arrival or departure times without prior coordination with airport management or the airport safety department, and confirmation that ARFF services are available. Unscheduled air carrier operations involving more than 30 passenger seats should contact the airport manager directly. These procedures exist alongside the airport's standard towered operations from 0600 to 2200 daily. Operators planning charter flights with larger cabin configurations should build this coordination into their trip planning.
What hazards should pilots be aware of near KJKA?
Gulf Shores International / Jack Edwards Field sits near extensive banner towing, helicopter, and parasail operations along the coastline, extending roughly 15 nautical miles west to 20 nautical miles east of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Pilots should also exercise caution at or below 300 feet MSL within 1 nautical mile of the airport due to a helipad located 1.6 nautical miles east, directly under the Runway 27 final approach. Additionally, NOLF Barin, located 6 miles northeast, is sometimes mistaken for Jack Edwards National Airport and hosts a high volume of military traffic in its pattern from the surface to 3,000 feet AGL. These factors make situational awareness important during arrival and departure at KJKA.
When is business aviation traffic highest at KJKA?
Business aviation traffic at Gulf Shores International / Jack Edwards Field peaks during the late spring and summer months. May recorded 1,558 operations and June 1,346, according to FAA TFMSC data, marking the highest volumes of the year. July also stayed strong at 1,391 operations, while the slowest months were January at 482 and February at 582. This seasonal pattern aligns with the airport's coastal location near Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Operators scheduling trips during peak months should anticipate higher traffic volumes and plan accordingly.