New Orleans' Dual Airport System: Why Two?

New Orleans has one primary airport, the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). The airport is located in the City of Kenner, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, and is owned by the City of New Orleans. It is the primary commercial airport for the New Orleans metropolitan area and southeast Louisiana. The airport has two runways and two helipads, and it offers nonstop service to around 60 destinations, including Europe, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

The primary airport in New Orleans

The airport covers 1,500 acres (607 ha) of land and features two runways and two helipads. MSY is one of the world's lowest-lying international airports, with an average elevation of 4.5 feet (1.4 m) above sea level. The airport offers nonstop service to approximately 60 destinations, including Europe, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

The history of the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport dates back to the 1940s. The original airport, known as Shushan Airport or New Orleans Lakefront Airport, was replaced due to its limited size. The new airport was initially named Moisant Field after aviator John Moisant, who perished in a plane crash on the site in 1910. The IATA code MSY is derived from Moisant Stock Yards. During World War II, the airport served as a government airbase before returning to civil control after the war.

Over the years, the airport has undergone several expansions and improvements. In the mid-1970s, the main terminal ticketing area was lengthened, and Concourses A and B were constructed. The terminal was renamed Concourse C and Concourse D, with the latter being expanded to accommodate widebody aircraft. In 2019, a new North Terminal was inaugurated, featuring 35 gates and designed by architect Cesar Pelli.

The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport has received accolades for its exceptional services. For four consecutive years, it was recognised as the "Best Airport in North America" (5 to 15 million passengers per year) by the Airports Council International (ACI) World. The airport also boasts a diverse range of dining options, reflecting the renowned culinary scene of New Orleans.

History of New Orleans airports

New Orleans has a rich history of aviation, with multiple airports playing a role in its development. The city's aviation history can be traced back to the 1930s, with the establishment of the New Orleans Lakefront Airport, originally known as Shushan Airport. Dedicated on February 10, 1934, it was a groundbreaking facility, serving as the world's first combined land and seaplane airport. Nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Pontchartrain, Lakefront Airport boasted state-of-the-art facilities, including tennis courts, a swimming pool, a post office, and exquisite Art Deco details. It played a significant role in the city's aviation development and was even visited by Amelia Earhart during her transatlantic flight in the 1930s.

However, by the mid-1930s, it became apparent that the municipal airport was no longer large enough to meet the city's growing aviation needs. Plans for a new airport began in 1940, and the site chosen was originally named Moisant Field after aviation pioneer John Bevins Moisant. In May 1946, commercial air service began at Moisant Field, and it quickly became one of the largest commercial airports in the nation. Unfortunately, in September 1947, the airport suffered a setback when it was shut down due to flooding caused by the 1947 Fort Lauderdale Hurricane.

In 1959, a new terminal and two new concourses were inaugurated at Moisant Field, and the airport's name was changed to Moisant International Airport. This name change reflected the growing importance of the airport, and by the mid-1970s, it underwent a significant expansion, including the construction of Concourses A and B. In 1961, the airport was renamed New Orleans International Airport.

In August 2001, the airport was again renamed Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to honour the famous native-born musician's 100th birthday. This airport has continued to play a vital role in the city's aviation history, including during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, when it served as a crucial evacuation point for over 30,000 people. The airport received several improvements and expansions over the years, with a new world-class terminal opening to the public in November 2019.

New Orleans airport terminals

New Orleans has two airports: New Orleans Lakefront Airport and New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport. The latter is also known as Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, New Orleans International Airport, and Moisant International Airport. It is located in Kenner, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, and is owned by the City of New Orleans. It is the primary commercial airport for the New Orleans metropolitan area and southeast Louisiana.

The airport has two main terminal buildings: East and West. It has three concourses (A, B, and C) with a total of 35 gates. The terminal on the north side of the airport property opened in November 2019, replacing the former terminal on the south side, which is no longer in regular commercial use. The new terminal was designed by Argentine-American architect Cesar Pelli and cost $1.3 billion.

The original terminal complex, which opened in 1959, consisted of two sections (East and West), connected by a central ticketing alley and baggage claim. Four concourses (A, B, C, and D) were attached to the terminal, which eventually expanded to a total of 47 gates. The terminal was greatly expanded in the 1970s, with the addition of Concourses A and B, and again in the 1990s and 2000s, with the rebuilding of the concourses.

The airport offers nonstop service to around 60 destinations, including Europe, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean. It is served mainly by domestic airlines and is open 24 hours a day. It has been awarded the Best Airport in North America (5 to 15 million passengers per year) by the Airports Council International (ACI) World for four consecutive years.

New Orleans airport runways

New Orleans has two airports, the primary commercial airport being Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). The airport is located in the City of Kenner, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, and is owned by the City of New Orleans. It is 11 miles (18 km) west of downtown New Orleans. A small portion of Runway 11/29 is in unincorporated St. Charles Parish.

The airport covers 1,500 acres (607 ha) of land and contains two runways and two helipads. The runways are long enough to accommodate widebody aircraft. The east-west runway is known as Runway 10/28, and the other is Runway 11/29. At an average of 4.5 feet (1.4 m) above sea level, MSY is the third lowest-lying international airport in the world.

The airport has received numerous improvements over the years, including a lengthened main terminal ticketing area, an airport access road linking the terminal to Interstate 10, and the construction of Concourses A, B, C, and D. The terminal was expanded in the 1970s, and the concourses were rebuilt in the 1990s and 2000s. A new North Terminal, designed by Argentine-American architect Cesar Pelli, opened in November 2019 at a cost of $1.3 billion.

The other airport in New Orleans is the older Shushan Airport, also known as New Orleans Lakefront Airport. It was originally named Moisant Field after daredevil aviator John Moisant, who died in 1910 in an airplane crash on the agricultural land where the airport is now located. During World War II, the land became a government air base, and it returned to civil control after the war. However, in 1947, the airport was shut down as it was submerged under two feet of water due to the impact of the 1947 Fort Lauderdale Hurricane. Commercial service at Moisant Field began in a large, makeshift hangar-like building, and a new terminal complex debuted in 1959.

New Orleans airport awards

New Orleans has one primary commercial airport, the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). The airport has received several awards over the years, including:

The American Galvanizers Association (AGA) Artistic Award

The airport won the AGA Artistic Award for its innovative and sustainable design using hot-dip galvanizing (HDG). The design was inspired by the geography of the Delta region, with the building curving like the Mississippi River and featuring arches, columns, and glass facades.

Airports Council International (ACI) World's Best Airport Award

The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport has been recognized by the Airports Council International for its excellence. For four consecutive years, it received the award for Best Airport in North America (5 to 15 million passengers per year).

Excellence in Airport Marketing, Communications, and Customer Experience Awards

During the virtual 2020 Airports Council International-North America Awards, the airport was recognized for its work in promoting the opening of its new terminal in November 2019. The marketing and communication team's efforts in partnering with the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to promote the virtual JetStream Music Festival were also acknowledged.

#1 Best Food City in 2025 by Time Out Travel

While this is not a direct award for the airport, New Orleans' culinary excellence extends to its airport. The airport boasts a range of exceptional dining experiences, including classic cocktails like Sazeracs and Sidecars, reflecting the spirit and culture of the city.

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