Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
Name	Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
IATA	MSY
ICAO	KMSY
FAA	MSY
Owner	City of New Orleans
Operator	New Orleans Aviation Board
City-served	New Orleans metropolitan area
Location	Jefferson Parish, near Kenner
Coordinates	29, 59, 36, N...
Website	flymsy.com

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is the primary commercial airport serving the New Orleans metropolitan area and southeastern Louisiana. Located in Jefferson Parish approximately 11 miles west of downtown New Orleans, it is named for the legendary jazz musician and New Orleans native Louis Armstrong. The airport is a major economic engine for the region and a key gateway for tourism to the French Quarter and the Gulf Coast.

History

The airport's origins date to the 1940s when it was established as **Moisant Field**, named for aviation pioneer John Moisant who died in a crash near the site. It replaced the older Shushan Airport, now the site of the Lakefront Airport. The facility was significantly expanded during World War II for military use. In 1960, a landmark terminal designed by the architectural firm Curtis and Davis opened, featuring a distinctive parabolic design. The airport was renamed in 2001 to honor Louis Armstrong. Following the catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the airport served as a critical hub for FEMA and relief operations. A new, modern terminal north of the original runways opened in 2019, replacing the aging 1960s structure.

Facilities

The airport sits on 1,500 acres and features a single, state-of-the-art passenger terminal with three concourses (A, B, and C) and 35 gates. The terminal was designed by a consortium including Atkins and built by Hunt Construction Group. It includes extensive public art celebrating Louisiana culture, numerous dining options featuring local cuisine, and a post-security outdoor patio. The airfield has two parallel runways: 10/28 and 11/29. The airport is a focus city for Southwest Airlines and a maintenance base for Spirit Airlines. Key support facilities include a Federal Inspection Station for international arrivals and a Consolidated Rental Car Facility.

Airlines and destinations

The airport is served by all major domestic carriers and several international airlines, offering non-stop flights to over 50 destinations. Major carriers include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, the latter operating the largest number of flights. International service includes destinations in Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America on airlines such as Air Canada, British Airways (seasonal), Condor, and Sun Country Airlines. Cargo operators include FedEx Express and UPS Airlines. The airport is a key connecting point for travelers to Latin America and the Gulf of Mexico region.

Ground transportation

The airport is accessible via Interstate 10 and the Airline Highway. Public transportation is provided by the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority via bus routes connecting to downtown New Orleans and Jefferson Parish. Numerous private shuttle services, taxis, and ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft operate at the facility. The airport also features a consolidated rental car center housing companies such as Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis. Parking options include a short-term garage, long-term surface lots, and an economy lot with shuttle service.

Accidents and incidents

The airport has experienced several notable aviation accidents. In 1962, a Flying Tiger Line Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation crashed on approach, killing all three crew members. A significant disaster occurred in 1982 when Pan Am Flight 759, a Boeing 727, crashed in the nearby suburb of Kenner shortly after takeoff during a microburst, killing all 145 on board and eight people on the ground. In 1999, a Rich International Airways McDonnell Douglas DC-8 overran the runway after a rejected takeoff, resulting in injuries but no fatalities. These events have influenced FAA procedures regarding wind shear detection.

Statistics

In 2023, the airport served over 13 million passengers, making it one of the busiest in the Southern United States. It is the second-busiest airport in Louisiana after Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport by total passengers. The top domestic destinations include Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Charlotte. Internationally, Cancún and Toronto are leading markets. The airport generates an estimated economic impact of over $6 billion annually for the Greater New Orleans region and supports thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

Category:Airports in Louisiana Category:Transportation in New Orleans Category:Buildings and structures in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana