St. Paul Airport: A Hub Of Nonstop Action

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving over 33 million passengers annually. The airport is undergoing a $242 million modernisation programme to accommodate the high volume of travellers. This includes renovations to concourses and passenger gate areas, as well as an expansion of Terminal 2, which will provide additional airline gates and improved facilities. The post-Christmas rush is a particularly busy time at the airport, with over 50,000 travellers expected on 26 December.

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is ranked the best in the US

Serving the Twin Cities of Minnesota, the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is ranked the best airport in the US. In 2024, it won top honours for passenger satisfaction among the nation's largest airports, according to a survey by global consulting firm J.D. Power. With more than 33 million annual passengers, MSP beat Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which came in second.

The airport's high ranking is accredited to its recently updated facilities. In 2023, Minneapolis-St. Paul was recognised as the world's most punctual international airport, with on-time departure and arrival rates of 84.44% and 84.62%, respectively. MSP is the 19th busiest commercial airport in the US and the second-largest hub for Delta Air Lines. It is also the hometown base for Sun Country Airlines.

The airport has two terminals with a total of 131 gates. Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) contains 117 gates across seven concourses, lettered A to G. Terminal 2 (Humphrey) contains 14 gates across one concourse, lettered H. International arrivals are processed in Concourse G of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The two terminals are located about a mile apart and are accessed from separate exits of Minnesota State Highway 5.

In 2022, MAC and Delta Air Lines launched a $242 million Airport Modernisation Programme to unify a modern design across six of the main terminal's seven concourses – A, B, C, D, F, and G – spanning about 75 Delta gates. Work is expected to be completed by late 2026. In addition, MAC broke ground on a 168,000-square-foot Terminal 2 north expansion project, which will add two additional airline gates and provide space for new restrooms, concession stands, and operational support areas. The project is expected to be completed by early 2027.

The airport is undergoing a $242 million modernisation programme

The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is undergoing a $242 million modernisation programme, which will see a series of upgrades to the airport's main terminal concourses and gate areas. The project is a joint effort between the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) and Delta Airlines, the airport's dominant carrier. The MAC CEO, Brian Ryks, has stated that the goal of the modernisation programme is to create "an exceptional airport experience" for the millions of passengers who travel through the airport each year.

The programme includes a unified design for the concourses and approximately 75 Delta gates, spanning across six of the main terminal's seven concourses (A, B, C, D, F, and G). The upgrades will include new flooring, wall finishes, and brighter LED lighting. In addition, technology upgrades will improve flight and gate information screens, and more power outlets will be installed at gate seating.

The MAC is investing $182.5 million in the project, with Delta contributing $60 million. This investment reflects the importance of the airport to the region's economy and its role as a major hub for Delta Air Lines. The airport generates an estimated $15.9 billion annually for the Twin Cities' economy and supports 87,000 workers. Delta Air Lines and its regional affiliates account for about 70% of the airport's passenger traffic.

The modernisation programme is expected to be completed by late 2025 and will enhance the airport's reputation as one of the best in the United States. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport has consistently ranked highly in passenger satisfaction surveys, and this renovation will further improve the airport's facilities and overall traveller experience.

It is one of the busiest US airports, with 33 million annual passengers

The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is one of the busiest US airports, with 33 million annual passengers. It is the 18th busiest airport in the United States, serving nearly 35 million passengers in 2023. The airport is so busy that it has been ranked the best in the US for passenger satisfaction among the nation's largest airports. This ranking is based on a survey by the global consulting firm J.D. Power, which assessed airports across various factors, including the ease of travel, the quality of terminal facilities, and food and beverage options.

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, with the code MSP, is a "mega" airport, and its high ranking is a testament to its efficient operations and positive traveller experiences. The airport is so busy that it experiences occasional delays, with gate hold and taxi delays of 15 minutes or less reported. The post-Christmas travel rush is a particularly busy time, with more than 50,000 travellers expected on December 26, making it one of the busiest travel days of the holiday season.

The airport has also been in the news for other reasons, such as a plane departing from the airport and crash-landing in Toronto in February 2025. Despite this incident, the airport maintains a good safety record, and in January 2025, it was reported that there were only 63 plane crashes, the lowest number for that month since 1982.

To accommodate the large number of passengers and improve their experience, the airport has undergone significant renovations. In 2024, MAC and Delta Air Lines initiated a $242 million Airport Modernization Program to unify a modern design across six of the main terminal's seven concourses. Additionally, a 168,000-square-foot expansion project for Terminal 2 is underway, which will add two new airline gates and enhance various amenities and operational support areas.

The high passenger traffic at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport reflects the strong demand for air travel in North America, despite rising travel costs. The airport's efficient management and commitment to providing a positive travel experience have contributed to its reputation as one of the busiest and best airports in the United States.

The post-Christmas rush sees more than 50,000 travellers pass through

The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving over 33 million passengers annually. In 2024, the airport was ranked the best in the country for passenger satisfaction among the largest, or "mega", airports. This ranking was based on a survey by the global consulting firm J.D. Power, which assessed various factors such as the ease of travel, terminal facilities, and food and beverage options.

The post-Christmas rush is particularly busy at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. On December 26, 2024, the airport anticipated more than 50,000 travellers, making it one of the busiest travel days of the holiday season. The days leading up to Christmas were also expected to be crowded, with an estimated 45,500 passengers passing through security on December 20, 2024.

To accommodate the high volume of travellers during the post-Christmas rush, the airport ensures that all facilities and services are fully operational. The airport's seven concourses, spanning about 75 Delta gates, are prepared to manage the increased passenger traffic. The airport's renovation and modernisation projects also contribute to enhancing the overall travel experience, providing travellers with updated and unified design elements across the main terminal.

The busy travel season at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport extends beyond the post-Christmas rush. In 2024, the airport served nearly 35 million passengers, reflecting an increase in passenger traffic compared to previous years. This consistent demand for air travel in North America, despite rising costs, contributes to the airport's high volume of travellers throughout the year.

To manage the influx of passengers during the post-Christmas rush and other peak travel seasons, the airport implements various strategies. These include optimising staffing levels, providing efficient security screening processes, and ensuring that all amenities, such as restrooms and concession spaces, are readily available to meet the needs of travellers.

Delays of 15 minutes or less are common

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving over 33 million passengers annually. In 2024, it was ranked the best airport in the country for passenger satisfaction among the largest airports. With such a high volume of travellers, it is inevitable that delays will occur. Delays of 15 minutes or less are common, and these minor hold-ups can be attributed to various factors, including gate hold and taxi delays, as well as airborne delays.

The airport, with the code MSP, serves a large number of passengers and has a constant stream of departing and arriving flights. As a result, it is prone to experiencing occasional delays, especially during peak travel seasons and holidays. These delays can be caused by a range of factors, including high passenger traffic, increased security checks, and even adverse weather conditions.

While 15-minute delays are considered common, longer delays can also occur due to unforeseen circumstances or operational challenges. It is essential for passengers to stay updated on their flight status and arrive at the airport with sufficient time to navigate any potential delays. Real-time flight tracking services and airport websites provide valuable information on current delays, helping travellers make informed decisions and plan their journeys accordingly.

To mitigate the impact of delays, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport has implemented various initiatives. These include renovation projects aimed at modernising the airport's infrastructure and improving the overall travel experience. By investing in upgrades to concourses and passenger gate areas, the airport strives to enhance efficiency and minimise potential sources of delay.

Additionally, the airport has received recognition for its exceptional customer satisfaction. Despite the potential for delays, travellers have consistently rated their experience highly, reflecting the airport's focus on delivering a positive and efficient travel environment. This combination of proactive measures and a commitment to passenger satisfaction contributes to the airport's reputation as one of the best in the United States.

Frequently asked questions