Msp Airport: A Busy Hub For Plane Landings

Minneapolis–St Paul Airport (MSP) is a bustling aviation hub, serving a multitude of airlines and passengers daily. Located in Minnesota, the airport occasionally faces challenges due to weather conditions, such as strong winds, which can lead to rare landing scenarios. The airport offers an aircraft viewing area, providing spectacular views of takeoffs and landings for aviation enthusiasts. With a focus on safety and efficient operations, MSP Airport strives to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for travellers.

Real-time flight status at MSP Airport

MSP Airport, also known as Minneapolis–St Paul Airport, offers an interactive map on its website to help travellers find out which airlines fly direct to their destination. The airport also provides real-time flight status updates, with information on arrivals and departures, delays, and gate numbers.

MSP Airport's Real-Time Flight Status Tool

The MSP Airport website features a real-time flight status tool, providing up-to-the-minute information on flight arrivals and departures. This tool allows users to track the status of both arriving and departing flights, helping travellers to plan their journeys efficiently. It also offers historical data on flight delays and on-time performance.

Other MSP Airport Features

In addition to real-time flight status updates, the MSP Airport website offers a range of other features to assist travellers. These include an aircraft viewing area, parking options, security wait time estimates, and news and updates on airport improvements and construction projects.

Third-Party Flight Information

While the MSP Airport website provides official and real-time flight information, there are also third-party websites that offer additional details on flight status. These sites gather data from various sources and present it for informative purposes. However, it's important to verify flight status with the official sources or directly with the airlines, as these third-party sites may not always be up to date or accurate.

MSP Airport runway suspensions

MSP Airport, or Minneapolis–St Paul International Airport, occasionally closes one or more runways for construction, maintenance, or safety inspections. These closures are usually brief or scheduled overnight when there are fewer operations.

In 2024, Runway 12L-30R (North Parallel Runway) and Runway 4-22 (Crosswind Runway) were closed from June 3 through September 21 to complete pavement work and runway safety area grading. This work was necessary to ensure the highest level of safety for aircraft operations and to conform to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) specifications.

In 2025, Runway 12R-30L (South Parallel Runway) will be closed for two periods: April through May and August through September. These closures will allow for similar pavement work and safety improvements.

During runway closures, the FAA's Air Traffic Control (ATC) adjusts runway operations to accommodate air traffic volumes with minimal disruption. They consider factors such as runway availability, wind patterns, and operational efficiency, utilizing a priority Runway Use System (RUS) to direct aircraft over less-populated residential areas whenever possible.

In addition to scheduled closures, the FAA may occasionally suspend landings on specific runways due to safety concerns. For example, in 2015, the FAA suspended landings on Runway 35 due to the potential risk of a mid-air crash if a landing needed to be aborted and the path of a departing plane was crossed. This suspension reduced the airport's capacity for arriving flights, particularly those landing and departing in a northerly direction.

Strong winds affecting landing

Strong winds can indeed affect the landing of a plane. While modern aircraft are designed to perform well in very high winds, there are situations where strong winds can prevent landing or cause turbulence during the flight.

Crosswinds, or horizontal winds, in excess of 30-35 knots (about 34-40 mph) are generally prohibitive of landing. Very high wind speeds can cause a plane to abort its landing, sometimes at the last minute. Crosswinds can cause the plane to wobble about laterally, making it difficult for the pilots to control and uncomfortable for the passengers. The bigger the vertical stabilizer of an aircraft is, the more it will be affected by crosswinds.

Pilots are trained to land in crosswinds and know when it is best to abort and attempt another landing. They must demonstrate skill at flying in windy conditions to become licensed. They use the pedals under their feet to control the tail rudder, counteracting the effects of the wind. This input also creates a secondary effect, where the windward wing generates more lift than the other wing. To counter this, pilots of Boeing aircraft, for example, must gradually turn the control wheel toward the side the wind is coming from as they accelerate down the runway.

Strong winds can also cause problems even before the aircraft has left the gate. The ramp area around a parked aircraft is busy and potentially dangerous, with various service vehicles, and a rise in wind speed can affect structures and objects on the ramp, requiring ground staff to follow set safety procedures.

Aircraft viewing area

The MSP Aircraft Viewing Area is located in the heart of MSP's airfield, at the end of Cargo Road, next to the FedEx Shipping Center. This space offers great views of aircraft taking off and landing. The Aircraft Viewing Area is free to visit and open daily from dawn to dusk.

Amenities

The Aircraft Viewing Area has:

• Picnic tables
• Benches
• Garbage and recycling receptacles
• Security cameras
• Lighting

Rules

• Alcoholic beverages are not allowed.
• There are no restroom facilities or shelter, so plan accordingly.

Directions

The Aircraft Viewing Area can be a little tricky to find, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area. It is accessible from 66th Street in Richfield by taking Longfellow south to Cargo Road. Alternatively, you can get there by going north on 24th Avenue from 494 to 77th Street, then to Longfellow Road, and finally to Cargo Road. MSP provides a printable PDF map with directions to the viewing area.

MSP Airport parking

MSP Airport, also known as Minneapolis–St Paul Airport, offers a variety of parking options for travellers. The airport provides both on-site and off-site parking facilities, catering to different needs and preferences.

On-site parking at MSP Airport offers convenience and proximity to the terminals. The airport's website recommends pre-booking parking to guarantee a space and capture the lowest rates. By booking in advance, travellers can save money and ensure parking availability, especially during peak travel times. On-site parking options include the Silver Ramp at Terminal 1, which is ideal for long stays, and the Gold Ramp at Terminal 1 for brief visits of less than 4 hours. Terminal 2 also has on-site parking, and it is connected to Terminal 1 via a free light rail service. Additionally, the airport offers valet services at Terminal 1, providing added convenience for travellers.

For those seeking an alternative to on-site parking, off-site parking options are available near the airport. EZ Air Park, for example, provides a fully fenced and well-lit off-site parking lot with 24-hour staffing. They offer door-to-door shuttle services to and from the main MSP terminals, making it a convenient and safe choice. Off-site parking can often be more affordable, and EZ Air Park also provides benefits such as luggage assistance, free cancellations, and rewards programs.

The MSP Airport website provides real-time updates on parking availability at both terminals, helping travellers make informed decisions about their parking choices. It is recommended to arrive at the off-site parking lot 30 minutes before the desired arrival time at the airport terminal to account for shuttle transportation.

Whether choosing on-site or off-site parking, travellers can rest assured that MSP Airport and its partners aim to provide a seamless and stress-free experience, allowing them to focus on their journey.

Frequently asked questions