Power Outages At New Orleans Airport: What You Need To Know

The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is an international airport in the City of Kenner, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. It is owned by the City of New Orleans and is located 11 miles (18 km) west of downtown New Orleans. The airport has undergone significant renovations, offering travellers a modern and efficient terminal with dining, live music, and shopping options. The airport has power outlets for charging mobile devices, as well as other amenities such as lounges, WiFi, and nearby hotels.

History of the airport

The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (IATA: MSY, ICAO: KMSY, FAA LID: MSY) is an international airport under Class B airspace in the City of Kenner, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. It is owned by the City of New Orleans and is located 11 miles (18 km) west of downtown New Orleans.

The history of the airport dates back to the 1930s when the City of New Orleans recognised the need for a larger airport to meet the growing aviation demands. At the time, the municipal airport located on the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain was no longer sufficient. The expansion of the existing facilities was deemed too costly, leading to the formation of an Aviation Division within the Department of Public Property of the City of New Orleans. This division coordinated with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), now known as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to establish a new airport.

In 1940, plans for a new airport commenced, and the site chosen was originally named Moisant Field, after aviation pioneer John Bevins Moisant, who died in an airplane crash on the site in 1910. The airport's code, MSY, is derived from Moisant Stock Yards, referencing the name given to the land where Moisant crashed.

During World War II, the land was taken over by the U.S. Government and used as an air base until the end of the war in 1945. In 1946, the Federal Government returned the land to the City of New Orleans, and commercial air service began at Moisant Field. By 1947, the airport was considered one of the largest commercial airports in the nation, spanning 1360 acres of land with three 5,000-foot runways and one 7,000-foot runway.

In 1959, a new terminal and two new concourses were added, and the airport's name was officially changed to New Orleans International Airport in 1960. The airport underwent its first major expansion in 1974, adding two new concourses at the east end of the main terminal, bringing the total number of gates to 42.

In August 2001, the airport was renamed the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to honour the 100th birthday of the famous native-born musician. The airport has continued to expand and improve its facilities over the years, including the addition of an international concourse, five extra gates, and an increase of 322,000 square feet of space. In 2019, a new $1 billion passenger terminal opened, offering enhanced dining, retail, and security experiences.

Power outlets for passengers

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) has power outlets located pre- and post-security, with outlets at 50% of the departure gates and at many restaurants. Passengers can also find power outlets in the area between Panda Express and Starbucks in Concourse B, where there is a bench to lie on.

United Airlines announced that it would be adding 500 new charging stations to its gates in major hubs across the United States, including Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans. The airport has a modern and spacious terminal, with curves said to represent the winding Mississippi River that runs through New Orleans. The terminal features a Jazz Garden in the central area of baggage claim, where live music is sometimes played.

The airport has around 30 restaurants, cafes, and grab-and-go food counters, all located inside the secure area. There are also dedicated mothers' rooms and family restrooms available on each concourse. The airport is open 24 hours daily, including holidays.

Passengers will need to clear the security checkpoint on level 2 before proceeding to departures. The three concourses (A, B, and C) are connected inside the secure area, so passengers can easily connect between flights or utilise the concessions throughout the departures area.

Airport lounges

New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) has charging stations and power outlets available throughout the landside and airside areas of the terminal. One source mentions that the Club MSY priority pass lounge airside has power outlets available with an access fee.

The airport has a single terminal with three concourses (A, B, and C). The Club MSY is the only non-airline-specific lounge at the airport and is located in Concourse A, near its intersection with Concourse B, and adjacent to Cafe du Monde. The lounge is open between 4:00 am and 9:00 pm daily, covering most departures from the airport. It is open to Priority Pass members and one-time pass holders. The lounge can be accessed three hours prior to your flight time, and you can book your visit via the Priority Pass app. The lounge has workstations with power outlets, complimentary shower facilities, and a buffet area with QR codes to order food and drinks. Alcoholic drinks are only available for passengers 21 years or older.

There are other airline-specific lounges at the airport, such as the Delta Sky Club and United Club in Concourse C. These lounges can be accessed by purchasing a lounge pass, through lounge membership programs, or by presenting proof of a first/business class ticket.

Transport to and from the airport

The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport offers a range of transport options for travellers to and from the airport. The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) provides the Airport Express (202) bus service, which connects the airport to various locations in New Orleans, including Elk Place at Cleveland and the Union Passenger Terminal/Bus Bay 2. The bus fare is affordable at $1.50 or $1.25, and the bus operates nine daily trips to the city.

For those seeking a more personalised experience, the Airport Shuttle New Orleans offers private group transportation services. They cater to groups of various sizes and can accommodate special requests, such as handicap-accessible vehicles with prior reservation. Their fleet includes full-sized motorcoaches, minibuses, and vans, ensuring comfortable and stylish travel.

Taxi services are also available at the cab stand outside the airport on level 1. The fares are standardised at $36 each way for one or two people and $14 for three or more people, with an additional $1 per bag fee. Ridesharing apps like Uber, Lyft, and KreweCar also provide convenient travel options, with a designated pickup spot located outside the baggage claim area.

For visitors, it is essential to plan their transportation in advance, especially for those travelling in large groups or with special requirements. The range of options ensures that travellers can choose the mode of transport that best suits their needs and budget.

Emergency landings

The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (IATA: MSY) is an international airport in the City of Kenner, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, US. It is owned by the City of New Orleans and is 11 miles (18 km) west of downtown New Orleans. The airport has two runways and two helipads.

An emergency landing is a premature landing made by an aircraft in response to an emergency involving an imminent or ongoing threat to the safety and operation of the aircraft, or involving a sudden need for a passenger or crew on board to terminate the flight (such as a medical emergency).

TACA Flight 110

On May 24, 1988, TACA Flight 110, a scheduled international airline flight operated by TACA International Airlines, was travelling from San Salvador to New Orleans, with a stopover in Belize City. During its final approach to New Orleans International Airport, the aircraft encountered severe thunderstorm activity, resulting in a flameout in both engines. The pilots successfully made an emergency landing on a grass levee adjacent to NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility. Fortunately, no one on board sustained more than minor injuries, and the aircraft sustained only minor hail damage.

Southern Airways Flight 242

On April 4, 1977, Southern Airways Flight 242, a DC-9 aircraft, lost both of its engines due to hail and heavy rain during a thunderstorm. Unable to glide to an airport, the aircraft made a forced landing on a highway near New Hope, Georgia. Unfortunately, the plane was still carrying a significant amount of fuel, causing it to burst into flames upon landing. This emergency landing resulted in the deaths of most passengers and several people on the ground.

Shannon Airport, Ireland

Shannon Airport in Ireland has experienced a high number of emergency landings from trans-Atlantic flights due to its location as the first major airport after the eastbound ocean crossing. On April 29, 2007, a bird was ingested into the right engine of a Boeing 757 departing from Manchester, UK, just as the plane was taking off.

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