St. Louis Airport: What You Need To Know

St. Louis, Missouri, is served by two airports: St. Louis Lambert International Airport (IATA: STL, ICAO: KSTL, FAA LID: STL) and St. Louis Downtown Airport (KCPS). St. Louis Lambert International Airport is the primary international airport serving metropolitan St. Louis and is the largest and busiest airport in the state of Missouri. The airport covers 3,793 acres of land and is located 14 miles northwest of downtown St. Louis. St. Louis Lambert International Airport has a rich history in aviation, dating back to the early 20th century, when it was known for hosting the first International Air Meet in 1910 and witnessing the first U.S. president to fly, Theodore Roosevelt. The airport offers nonstop service to destinations throughout the United States and internationally, including Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe. On the other hand, St. Louis Downtown Airport, just minutes away from downtown St. Louis, is the region's second busiest general aviation airport and is known for its safe, convenient, and private aviation services.

St. Louis Lambert International Airport

The airport had its beginnings in 1909 when the Aero Club of St. Louis created a balloon launching base called the "Permanent Aviation Field and Dirigible Harbor" in Kinloch Park. In October 1910, the airfield hosted the first International Air Meet, attracting prominent figures such as the Wright brothers and President Theodore Roosevelt, who became the first U.S. president to fly from the airfield. The airfield was generally known as "Kinloch Field" at the time.

In June 1920, the Missouri Aeronautical Society leased a 170-acre field nearby and named it the "St. Louis Flying Field." The facility was renamed the "Lambert-St. Louis Flying Field" in 1923 in honour of one of the society's leading members, Albert Bond Lambert, an Olympic medallist and prominent aviator. Lambert purchased the field in 1925 and added hangars and a passenger terminal. The airport became the first to implement an air traffic control system, with Archie League as its first controller.

In 1930, the airport was officially christened the "Lambert–St. Louis Municipal Airport." The airport played a significant role during World War II, serving as a manufacturing base for aircraft corporations. After the war, it continued to expand and improve its facilities, including the construction of new terminals and concourses. In 1971, the airport became the "Lambert–St. Louis International Airport." Today, the airport provides nonstop service to destinations throughout the United States and internationally to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe. In 2024, it served nearly 16 million passengers to over 80 nonstop domestic and international destinations.

Airport history

St. Louis Lambert International Airport, commonly referred to as Lambert Field or simply Lambert, is the primary international airport serving metropolitan St. Louis, Missouri, United States. It is the largest and busiest airport in the state of Missouri. The airport covers 3,793 acres of land and is located 14 miles northwest of downtown St. Louis in unincorporated St. Louis County between Berkeley and Bridgeton.

The airport had its beginnings in 1909 when the Aero Club of St. Louis created a balloon-launching base called the "Permanent Aviation Field and Dirigible Harbor" in Kinloch Park, a suburban development from the 1890s. In October 1910, the airfield hosted the first International Air Meet, attracting prominent figures like the Wright brothers and President Theodore Roosevelt, who became the first U.S. president to fly from this airfield. The following year, Kinloch Field witnessed what is regarded as the first parachute jump from an airplane. However, the club's lease expired in 1912, leading to the closure of the field.

In June 1920, the Missouri Aeronautical Society leased a 170-acre field, naming it the "St. Louis Flying Field." Albert Bond Lambert, an Olympic medallist golfer and the first licensed pilot in St. Louis, was a leading member of this society. Due to Lambert's relentless promotion of St. Louis aviation, the field was renamed the "Lambert-St. Louis Flying Field" in 1923. Two years later, Lambert purchased the field, adding hangars and a passenger terminal. The airport became the first to implement an air traffic control system, with Archie League as its first controller.

In 1925, the airport became home to the Naval Air Station St. Louis, a Naval Air Reserve facility that played an active role during World War II. In 1930, the airport was officially christened the "Lambert-St. Louis Municipal Airport" by Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd. The first terminal building opened in 1933, and by 1939, it was served by several airlines, including Robertson Air Lines, Marquette Airlines, and Eastern Air Lines. During World War II, the airport served as a manufacturing base for aircraft corporations like McDonnell Aircraft Corporation and Curtiss-Wright.

Airlines and destinations

St. Louis Lambert International Airport, commonly referred to as Lambert Field or Lambert, is the primary international airport serving metropolitan St. Louis, Missouri, United States. It is the largest and busiest airport in the state of Missouri. The airport covers 3,793 acres of land and is located 14 miles northwest of downtown St. Louis.

The airport provides nonstop service to airports throughout the United States and to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe. In 2024, it served nearly 16 million passengers to over 80 nonstop domestic and international destinations.

As of March 2025, there are 11 airlines flying from St. Louis to 89 airports around the world. The airport has non-stop flights scheduled to 73 destinations in 6 countries, with 64 domestic flights.

• Lufthansa: nonstop service to Frankfurt, Germany
• Air Canada: nonstop service to Montreal and Toronto, Canada
• Alaska Airlines (Oneworld): seasonal flights to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• American Airlines (Oneworld): seasonal flights to Cancún, Mexico, and non-stop flights to Boston and Washington
• Delta (SkyTeam): non-stop flights to Atlanta and Salt Lake City
• Frontier Airlines: seasonal flights to Cancún, Mexico, and non-stop flights to Atlanta
• Southwest Airlines: year-round flights to Cancún, Mexico, and seasonal flights to San José del Cabo, Mexico, as well as non-stop flights to Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore-Washington, Burbank, Charleston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Nashville, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Raleigh/Durham, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Sarasota/Bradenton, Savannah, Seattle/Tacoma, St. Louis, Tampa, Tulsa, Wichita, and many other destinations across the United States
• United Airlines (Star Alliance): non-stop flights to San Francisco and Washington

Airport facilities

St. Louis Lambert International Airport (IATA: STL, ICAO: KSTL, FAA LID: STL) is the primary international airport serving metropolitan St. Louis, Missouri, United States. The airport covers 3,793 acres (1,535 ha) of land and is located 14 miles (23 km) northwest of downtown St. Louis in unincorporated St. Louis County between Berkeley and Bridgeton.

The airport has two terminals, five concourses, and 54 gates. Terminal 1 is the larger terminal and operates domestic flights only. It contains 36 gates across two concourses, lettered A and C. The main terminal building has two levels, with arrivals on the lower level and departures on the upper level. Concourse C has 20 gates and a good selection of shops and restaurants, including a Starbucks and Chillis. There is also an Admirals Club located just after the security checkpoint. Terminal 2 operates international flights and has customs and immigration facilities. It consists of two levels, with international arrivals on the lower level and departures on the upper level. The concourse has 18 gates and a variety of shops and restaurants, including Burger King and Stella Artois Bar. The Wingtips Lounge is located near gate 20 and is accessible to Priority Pass members. Both terminals have individual parking facilities located outside the terminal building.

The airport provides nonstop service to airports throughout the United States and to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe. In 2024, it served nearly 16 million passengers to over 80 nonstop domestic and international destinations. Southwest Airlines is the most dominant carrier at the airport, accounting for 59% of the airport's annual passenger traffic.

The airport has a rich history dating back to 1909 when the Aero Club of St. Louis created a balloon launching base in Kinloch Park. In 1910, the airfield hosted the first International Air Meet, attracting famous guests such as the Wright brothers and President Theodore Roosevelt. In 1920, a nearby field was leased to the Missouri Aeronautical Society, and in 1925, the airport became home to Naval Air Station St. Louis. The first terminal building opened in 1933, and the airport was served by several airlines, including Eastern Air Lines and Transcontinental & Western Air. During World War II, the airport became a manufacturing base for the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation.

Other airports in St. Louis

St. Louis Lambert International Airport (IATA: STL, ICAO: KSTL, FAA LID: STL) is the primary airport serving metropolitan St. Louis, Missouri. It is the largest and busiest airport in the state, covering 3,793 acres of land. The airport is located 14 miles northwest of downtown St. Louis in unincorporated St. Louis County, between Berkeley and Bridgeton. In 2024, it served nearly 16 million passengers to over 80 nonstop domestic and international destinations.

In addition to St. Louis Lambert International Airport, there are other airports in the area. One of these is the MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) in Mascoutah, Illinois. This airport opened in 1997 and offers convenient and cost-effective travel options for passengers. It provides year-round flights to various destinations on Allegiant Airlines, including Orlando, Florida, which is home to Walt Disney World Resort. MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is located in Illinois, but it serves the St. Louis area and provides an alternative option for travellers in the region.

Frequently asked questions