7 Best Airports to Visit in Arkansas: A Traveler’s Guide to the Natural State
Arkansas, the Natural State, is a hidden gem for travelers seeking stunning Ozark scenery, rich history, and Southern charm. With its culinary scene blending farm-fresh flavors and hearty comfort food, Arkansas is a culinary gem where Southern hospitality meets diverse tastes from barbecue in Little Rock to fresh catfish in the Delta. While Arkansas isn’t a major international hub, its airports serve as efficient gateways to the state’s treasures, offering modern amenities, easy connections, and proximity to attractions like the Ozarks or Hot Springs National Park. Whether you’re searching for the best airports in Arkansas, exploring Arkansas airports near me, or planning a Arkansas travel 2025, this guide to the 7 best airports to visit in Arkansas will help you choose the perfect entry point. Discover top Arkansas airports, best Arkansas airports for travelers, Arkansas airport amenities, Arkansas airport guide, map of Arkansas airports, Arkansas airport services, Arkansas aviation hubs, top airports in Arkansas, Arkansas airport transportation, and what to do in Arkansas airports.
Use our Arkansas airport blog to navigate Arkansas travel hubs, best places to fly into Arkansas, and Arkansas airport attractions for an unforgettable 2025 journey.This guide highlights Arkansas airport recommendations, best flights to Arkansas, and Arkansas culinary experiences, ensuring your trip starts and ends seamlessly. Let’s explore the top 7 airports in Arkansas!
Why Arkansas Airports Are a Must-Know for Travelers This Year
Arkansas’s airports blend efficiency with Southern warmth, serving as portals to the state’s natural beauty, from the Buffalo National River to Crystal Bridges Museum. The two busiest Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) and Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) handle millions of passengers annually, with XNA surpassing LIT in volume in 2025, per Wikipedia. Arkansas is a culinary gem where Southern hospitality meets diverse flavors, and airport dining from XNA’s local BBQ to LIT’s Delta-inspired cafes sets the tone. In 2025, expansions at XNA (adding 10 gates) and LIT (new lounges) improve experiences, per Somewhere In Arkansas and Arkansas and Economic Development Commission.
Whether you’re a family seeking Arkansas family travel airports, a business traveler needing Arkansas airport services, or a tourist wondering what to do in Arkansas airports, this guide covers the best Arkansas airports for travelers. Smaller airports like Fort Smith Regional (FSM) offer charm and quick access to attractions. No international hubs, but connections to DFW or ATL make Arkansas travel hubs accessible. Curated from Yelp’s 2025 reviews and iFLY, use a map of Arkansas airports to plan your route and pair flights with Arkansas attractions near airports.
1. Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA): The Premier Ozarks Gateway

Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) in Highfill is the best airport in Arkansas for 2025, surpassing LIT in passenger volume and serving the booming Northwest region, per. It’s a top Arkansas airport for its modern amenities and proximity to Bentonville and Fayetteville.
Why Visit XNA?
- Features: Single terminal with 25 gates, 23+ nonstop destinations (including DFW, ATL, ORD), and 5.5 million passengers projected for 2025.
- Amenities: Escape Lounge (new in 2025, $45/day), free Wi-Fi, pet relief areas, and local shops like Walmart souvenirs; family play zones and charging stations, as detailed on FlyXNA5951d9.
- Culinary Connection: Arkansas is a culinary gem; XNA’s Smokewood American Grill offers BBQ brisket and fried catfish ($15–$25).
- Access: Free parking shuttles; economy lot $8/day.
Tips
XNA’s nonstop growth makes it ideal for Arkansas travel hubs; book via Allegiant. It’s the best Arkansas airport for travelers to the Ozarks.
2. Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT): Central Arkansas Hub

Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock is the top Arkansas airport for central travelers, serving 2.1 million passengers annually.
Why Visit LIT?
- Features: Single terminal with 18 gates, 15+ nonstops (DFW, ATL, ORD), and military-commercial joint use.
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, art program, pet relief, and family restrooms; 2025 lounge upgrades.
- Culinary Connection: LIT’s Delta Cafe serves gumbo and fried catfish ($10–$20).
- Access: Economy parking $9/day; TSA PreCheck.
Tips
LIT’s central location suits state explorers; book via Clinton Airport. It’s a Arkansas aviation hub essential.
3. Fort Smith Regional Airport (FSM): River Valley Gateway

Fort Smith Regional Airport (FSM) in Fort Smith is a best Arkansas airport for travelers to the western region, with 4 gates and nonstops to DFW, per AirportGuide.
Why Visit FSM?
- Features: Single terminal, 3 nonstops, and 100,000+ passengers yearly.
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, pet relief, and local shops; quiet, quick security.
- Culinary Connection: FSM’s Fort Smith Brewing offers craft beer and BBQ ($12–$18).
- Access: Parking $6/day.
Tips
FSM’s small size means short lines; book via Southern Airways. It’s a top airports in Arkansas for regional access.
4. Hot Springs Memorial Field (HOT): Spa Country Portal

Hot Springs Memorial Field (HOT) in Hot Springs is a Arkansas airport attraction for spa seekers, with nonstops to DFW, per AirportGuide.
Why Visit HOT?
- Features: Single terminal, 2 gates, and 100,000+ passengers.
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, pet relief, and rental cars; quick security.
- Culinary Connection: HOT’s cafe serves gumbo and pecan pie ($8–$15).
- Access: Parking $7/day.
Tips
HOT’s proximity to spas makes it ideal; book via Southern Airways. It’s a Arkansas airport services standout.
5. Fayetteville Regional Airport (XNA? Wait, Drake Field (FYV)): University Town Access

Fayetteville Drake Field (FYV) in Fayetteville is a best Arkansas airports for travelers to the University of Arkansas, with general aviation and limited commercial.
Why Visit FYV?
- Features: 2 runways, general aviation focus, and Southern Airways flights.
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, FBO services, and quick check-in.
- Culinary Connection: FYV’s cafe offers BBQ sandwiches ($10).
- Access: Parking free.
Tips
FYV suits Razorback fans; book charters via Drake Field. It’s a Arkansas aviation hub for locals.
6. Jonesboro Municipal Airport (JBR): Northeast Arkansas Entry

Jonesboro Municipal Airport (JBR) in Jonesboro is a top airports in Arkansas for northeast travelers, with nonstops to DFW.
Why Visit JBR?
- Features: Single terminal, 2 gates, and 50,000+ passengers.
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, pet relief, and quick security.
- Culinary Connection: JBR’s cafe serves Delta catfish ($12).
- Access: Parking $6/day.
Tips
JBR’s small size means no lines; book via Southern Airways. It’s a Arkansas airport transportation option.
7. El Dorado Regional Airport (ELD): South Arkansas Hub

El Dorado Regional Airport (ELD) in El Dorado is a best Arkansas airports for travelers to the south, with nonstops to DFW.
Why Visit ELD?
- Features: Single terminal, 1 gate, and 20,000+ passengers.
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, lounge, and quick check-in.
- Culinary Connection: ELD’s cafe serves gumbo ($10).
- Access: Parking $5/day.
Tips
ELD suits oil country explorers; book via Southern Airways. It’s a Arkansas airport amenities pick.
In Summary
Arkansas’s 10 best airports to visit in Arkansas, from XNA’s modern hub to HOT’s spa gateway, offer seamless entry to the Natural State. Arkansas is a culinary gem where Southern hospitality meets diverse flavors, pairing flights with BBQ and catfish. Whether exploring top Arkansas airports, Arkansas airports near me, or Arkansas travel 2025, this Arkansas airport guide covers best Arkansas airports for travelers and hidden gem airports. Use a map of Arkansas airports for Arkansas travel hubs, Arkansas airport amenities, and Arkansas airport transportation. Discover what to do in Arkansas airports, top airports in Arkansas, and Arkansas airport services for an unforgettable 2025 adventure!