Airports

Discovering Mobile International Airport (MOB): History, Airlines, and Economic Impact





Mobile International Airport, located in Mobile, Alabama, began operations in the 1940s. The airport was initially known as Bates Field, after the prominent local businessman and politician, William J. Bates. The airport began as a military training facility, and it was during World War II that it began to see some commercial traffic. After the war, the airport was renamed Mobile Municipal Airport, and it continued to serve the community and surrounding areas for decades.

In the early 2000s, the airport underwent a major renovation, which included new terminals and a runway expansion. The airport was also renamed Mobile International Airport (MOB), to reflect its increasing international presence.

The airport code, BFM, was derived from the airport’s original name of Bates Field. The first two letters of the code come from the first two letters of Bates Field, while the last two letters of the code represent the airport’s location: Mobile, Alabama.

Mobile International Airport is currently served by several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. The airport also serves as a hub for several smaller regional carriers, such as Southern Airways Express and Sun Country Airlines.





The airport offers daily flights to numerous domestic and international destinations. According to the airport’s official website, Mobile International Airport has around 150 daily flights. These flights include nonstop service to major cities such as Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and Chicago, as well as flights to popular vacation spots like Orlando and Las Vegas.

Mobile International Airport is a major economic asset for the city of Mobile. It provides jobs for hundreds of local residents and brings in millions of dollars in revenue for the local economy. It is also a major contributor to the local tourism industry, with thousands of tourists visiting the area each year.

The airport is also a major contributor to the local aviation industry. It houses numerous aircraft maintenance and repair facilities, as well as several flight schools. It is also home to the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility, which produces aircraft for the U.S. military.