
The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (IATA: MSY) is an operational airport located in the City of Kenner, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. It is the primary airport serving the New Orleans metropolitan area and southeast Louisiana. The airport has a rich history, including several notable incidents and has received awards for its service. With a range of facilities and entertainment options, the airport is well-equipped to handle a large volume of passengers and flights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport |
| IATA | MSY |
| ICAO | KMSY |
| FAA LID | MSY |
| Location | City of Kenner, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States |
| Distance from downtown New Orleans | 11 miles (18 km) |
| Ownership | City of New Orleans |
| Area | 1,500 acres (607 ha) |
| Runway | 2 |
| Helipad | 2 |
| Altitude | 4.5 feet (1.4 m) above sea level |
| Operational status | Open 24 hours daily, including holidays |
| ID requirement | REAL ID-compliant license or other acceptable forms of ID |
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What You'll Learn

The airport is open 24 hours a day, including holidays
The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including public holidays. This means that the airport never sleeps, and you can arrive or depart at any time of day or night.
The airport has been operational since 1959, and in 2001, it was renamed to honour the 100th anniversary of the birth of the legendary jazz musician, Louis Armstrong. Over the years, the airport has witnessed several emergency landings and unfortunate crashes, including the National Airlines Flight 967 crash in 1959, and the more recent emergency landing of United Airlines Flight 497 in 2011. Despite these incidents, the airport has a good safety record, and in 2024, it was recognised as the "Best Airport in North America (5 to 15 million passengers per year)" by the Airports Council International.
The airport offers a range of amenities to make travelling a pleasant experience. You can shop, dine, or simply relax before your flight. There are also entertainment options, such as live music performances, reflecting the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. Additionally, the airport provides convenient transportation options, including shuttles, ride-sharing services, cabs, and public buses, ensuring easy access to and from the airport.
Whether you're arriving or departing, the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is always open and ready to welcome travellers from around the globe, providing a seamless and memorable travel experience. So, whether you're planning a trip to New Orleans or passing through at an unsociable hour, rest assured that the airport's doors are always open.
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It is 11 miles west of downtown New Orleans
The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, also known as MSY, is located 11 miles west of downtown New Orleans. It is an international airport under Class B airspace, owned by the City of New Orleans. The airport covers 1,500 acres of land and includes two runways and two helipads. It is the primary commercial airport for the New Orleans metropolitan area and southeast Louisiana, providing nonstop service to around 60 destinations across the globe.
The airport has a rich history, with its name being changed in July 2001 to honour the 100th anniversary of Louis Armstrong's birth. It has also faced challenges, such as the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which led to the suspension of all international services. However, the airport proved its resilience by reopening to commercial flights just a month later, with Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines being the first to resume operations.
Over the years, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport has received multiple accolades. It has been recognised as the "Best Large Airport in North America" by ACI ASQ for four consecutive years. Additionally, the Airports Council International (ACI) World awarded it the title of "Best Airport in North America (5 to 15 million passengers per year)" in 2024.
The airport is more than just a transportation hub; it also offers a range of amenities to enhance the travel experience. From fine dining options to unique shopping experiences, travellers can indulge and relax before their flights. The airport is also known for incorporating the spirit of New Orleans into its atmosphere, ensuring visitors get a taste of the city's culture even before they explore its vibrant streets.
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It has been named the 'Best Airport in North America' for airports with 5-15 million passengers per year
The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) has been named the Best Airport in North America for airports serving 5-15 million passengers per year by the Airports Council International (ACI) World. This is the fourth year in a row that the airport has received this prestigious award, a testament to its exceptional service and facilities.
Located in the City of Kenner, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, the airport is approximately 11 miles (18 km) west of downtown New Orleans. Despite being relatively distant from the city centre, MSY is the primary commercial airport for the New Orleans metropolitan area and southeast Louisiana. The airport covers a substantial area of 1,500 acres (607 hectares) and includes two runways and two helipads. Interestingly, it is the third lowest-lying international airport in the world, sitting at just 4.5 feet (1.4 m) above sea level.
MSY offers nonstop flights to around 60 destinations, including both domestic and international locations. Internationally, the airport provides service to Europe, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean. In May 1981, British Airways offered a flight from London's Gatwick Airport to Mexico City with a stop in New Orleans, showcasing the airport's capacity for transatlantic flights.
The airport has a range of amenities to make travelling more enjoyable and convenient. It features dining options, shopping opportunities, and entertainment to cater to various traveller needs. MSY also understands the importance of relieving travel-related stress and enhancing the overall airport experience. This commitment to excellence is reflected in its recent recognition as the Best Large Airport in North America by ACI ASQ for four consecutive years.
The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is operational 24 hours a day, even on holidays. With its dedication to providing a seamless and unforgettable travel experience, MSY is well-prepared to welcome visitors from around the world, as evidenced by its preparations for Super Bowl LIX. The airport continuously strives to ensure that the spirit of New Orleans is felt by all who pass through its gates.
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It is the third lowest-lying international airport in the world
The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is located in the City of Kenner, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. It is just 11 miles (18 km) west of downtown New Orleans. The airport is named after the famous jazz musician, Louis Armstrong, whose 100th birthday fell on August 4, 2001. This international airport is a mere 4.5 feet (1.4 m) above sea level, making it the third lowest-lying international airport in the world. Only Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in the Netherlands and Atyrau International Airport in Kazakhstan are lower. Schiphol is 11 feet (3.4 m) below sea level, while Atyrau is a full 72 feet (22 m) below.
MSY covers 1,500 acres (607 ha) of land and contains two runways and two helipads. It is the primary commercial airport for the New Orleans metropolitan area and southeast Louisiana, providing non-stop service to around 60 destinations. These include flights to Europe, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean. In 2014, the airport served 9,785,394 passengers, and in 2015, it set a new record for passenger numbers.
MSY has received numerous accolades, including being named the Best Airport in North America (5 to 15 million passengers per year) by the Airports Council International (ACI) World in 2024. This was the fourth consecutive year that the airport had received this award. The airport is also recognised as the Best Large Airport in North America by ACI ASQ, an award it has won for four years in a row.
The airport is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and offers a range of amenities to travellers, including fine dining, shopping, and entertainment.
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It has two runways and two helipads
The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (IATA: MSY) is a bustling aviation hub, just 11 miles (18 km) west of downtown New Orleans. This airport is the primary gateway to the skies for the New Orleans metropolitan area and southeast Louisiana. With two runways and two helipads, MSY efficiently facilitates nonstop flights to around 60 destinations, spanning North America and beyond.
The two runways at MSY are designated as 11/29 and 10/28. Runway 11/29 has a unique feature, with a small portion extending into unincorporated St. Charles Parish. This runway configuration ensures smooth take-offs and landings for a variety of aircraft. The helipads, on the other hand, provide a dedicated space for helicopter operations, which might include emergency services, executive travel, or tourism.
Over the years, MSY has witnessed several significant aviation incidents. On March 20, 1969, a tragic crash involving a Douglas DC-3 aircraft occurred during landing, resulting in the loss of 16 lives. Another devastating incident took place on July 9, 1982, when Pan Am Flight 759, a Boeing 727-200 jetliner, took off from Runway 10/28 but failed to gain sufficient altitude. The aircraft crashed into a residential area, claiming the lives of all 145 people on board and 8 individuals on the ground.
Despite these past events, MSY has continued to grow and thrive as a vital transportation hub. The airport has received accolades for its operational excellence, including being named the "Best Large Airport in North America" by ACI ASQ for four consecutive years. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the airport's team.
Strategically located, MSY covers 1,500 acres (607 hectares) of land and sits at an elevation of approximately 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) above sea level. This makes it the third lowest-lying international airport globally, surpassed only by Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in the Netherlands and Atyrau International Airport in Kazakhstan.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is operational and open 24 hours daily, including holidays.
The airport code for the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is MSY.
The airport is located 11 miles (18 km) west of downtown New Orleans.






































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