
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is located in Fort Snelling Unorganized Territory. Although sections of the airport border Minneapolis and Richfield, the airport property is not part of any city or school district. The airport is operated by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which also runs six other smaller airports in the region.
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MSP Airport is in Fort Snelling Unorganized Territory
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, commonly known as MSP Airport, is located in Fort Snelling Unorganized Territory. Despite being situated within this unorganized territory, the airport is centrally located within 10 miles (16 kilometres) of both downtown Minneapolis and downtown Saint Paul. Sections of the airport border the city limits of Minneapolis and Richfield, but the airport property is not part of any city or school district.
MSP Airport is one of the nation's largest airports and a key commercial airport hub for the Twin Cities and the surrounding area. It is a joint civil-military public international airport, serving the Twin Cities in the US state of Minnesota. The airport is also home to several United States Air Force and Minnesota Air National Guard operations, including the 934th Airlift Wing (934 AW) and the 133rd Airlift Wing (133 AW) of the Minnesota Air National Guard. Both units fly the C-130 Hercules and are operationally gained by the Air Mobility Command (AMC). The airport is also used by a variety of air cargo operators.
The airport covers 2,930 acres (1,186 hectares) of land and generates an estimated $15.9 billion annually for the Twin Cities' economy, supporting around 87,000 workers. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 400,000 landings and takeoffs occurred at MSP Airport each year, serving over 37 million travellers in 2024. The airport is operated by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which also manages six smaller airports in the region and develops long-term comprehensive plans for each airport to manage air traffic effectively.
The MAC has implemented one of the most comprehensive noise mitigation programs in the US, working closely with local communities, airport operators, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to reduce aircraft noise. They also provide soundproofing for homes near MSP and hold regular listening sessions for neighbours to address their concerns. Additionally, the advisory MSP Noise Oversight Committee, comprising community and aviation industry representatives, allows residents to express their concerns about airplane noise.
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Sections of the airport border Minneapolis and Richfield
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (IATA: MSP), also known as Wold–Chamberlain Field, is a joint civil-military public international airport located in Fort Snelling Unorganized Territory. It is situated within 10 miles of downtown Minneapolis and downtown Saint Paul. The airport is centrally located and is surrounded by several cities, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Eagan, Mendota Heights, and Richfield.
Although sections of the airport border the city limits of Minneapolis and Richfield, it is important to note that the airport property is not part of any city or school district. MSP covers 2,930 acres of land and generates an estimated $15.9 billion annually for the Twin Cities' economy, supporting around 87,000 workers. The airport is a major hub for Delta Air Lines and serves as the home airport for Minnesota-based airlines Sun Country Airlines and Endeavor Air, a Delta subsidiary. Delta Air Lines and its regional affiliates account for approximately 70% of the airport's passenger traffic.
MSP is the busiest airport in the Upper Midwest and is operated by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which also manages six smaller airports in the region. The MAC works closely with the Twin Cities communities, airport operators, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to address concerns related to aircraft noise. They implement noise mitigation programs, provide sound-proofing for nearby homes, and hold regular listening sessions for community input.
The airport has two terminals, with the Blue Line light rail system operated by Metro Transit connecting them. This service is provided at no charge for passengers travelling between the terminals. Beyond the airport, the Blue Line connects to downtown Minneapolis and the Mall of America in Bloomington. Bus route 54, operated by Metro Transit, also provides connectivity to St. Paul.
MSP offers a comprehensive range of facilities and services for passengers and is recognised for its retail program and staff excellence. The airport has a strong focus on innovation and traveller-friendly experiences, as evidenced by the launch of Mobile Passport Control, which streamlines the customs declaration process for eligible travellers through a smartphone app.
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The airport is not part of any city or school district
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, also known as MSP Airport, is located in Fort Snelling Unorganized Territory. Despite bordering the cities of Minneapolis and Richfield, the airport is not legally part of any city or school district. Instead, it is centrally located within 10 miles of both downtown Minneapolis and downtown Saint Paul, making it a convenient hub for travellers heading to either destination.
MSP Airport is a bustling transportation hub, having served over 37 million travellers in 2024. It is the commercial airport hub for the Twin Cities and the surrounding area, offering connections to 165 markets, including 130 domestic and 35 international destinations. The airport is also a significant economic driver, generating an estimated $15.9 billion annually for the Twin Cities' economy and supporting 87,000 jobs.
The airport is operated by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which manages a total of seven airports in the region. MAC is a self-funded public corporation that uses rents and fees from airport users, rather than general tax dollars, to fund its operations. It works closely with the communities, aircraft operators, and the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure safe and efficient operations.
One notable aspect of MSP Airport's operations is its comprehensive noise mitigation program, which is considered one of the most extensive in the US. MAC actively works to reduce aircraft noise by collaborating with local communities, airport operators, and the Federal Aviation Administration. They also provide soundproofing for homes near the airport and maintain a FlightTracker for the public to monitor flights in near real-time.
In summary, while MSP Airport is situated near several cities and plays a crucial role in the region's economy and transportation network, it legally exists outside the boundaries of any city or school district. Its operations and management are the responsibility of the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which works to balance the needs of the aviation industry and the surrounding communities.
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The Metropolitan Airports Commission operates MSP and six smaller airports
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, commonly known as MSP Airport, is located in Fort Snelling Unorganized Territory. The airport is operated by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which also runs six smaller airports in the region.
The MAC is a self-funded public corporation, using rents and fees from airport users to fund its operations. The MAC's seven airports, including MSP, offer opportunities for non-aeronautical real estate development. The MAC has a team of about 650 employees led by a CEO and executive director.
The six smaller airports, also known as "reliever" airports, are within 35 miles of both Minneapolis and St. Paul's downtowns. They serve to divert traffic away from MSP, catering to corporate aircraft and recreational fliers. One example is Airlake Airport in Lakeville, which mostly serves recreational fliers but is also ideal for business aviation. Another is the Anoka County-Blaine Airport (ANE), which serves the most diverse aircraft among the MAC's general aviation airports.
The MAC and MSP work closely with the communities, aircraft operators, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to address concerns such as aircraft noise. They have implemented a comprehensive noise mitigation program, gathering sound levels at 39 sites, maintaining a FlightTracker, holding listening sessions, providing sound-proofing for nearby homes, and developing strategies to reduce airplane noise.
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MSP is a major hub for Delta Air Lines
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is located in Fort Snelling Unorganized Territory, within 10 miles of both downtown Minneapolis and downtown Saint Paul. It is a joint civil-military public international airport serving the Twin Cities in the US state of Minnesota.
The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) operates MSP and six other smaller airports in the region. The MAC is a self-funded public corporation, using rents and fees from airport users to fund its operations. The MAC has developed a comprehensive noise mitigation program, working closely with the Twin Cities communities, airport operators, and the Federal Aviation Administration to reduce aircraft noise.
MSP is the busiest airport in the Upper Midwest, serving more than 37 million travellers in 2024 and ranking as the 18th busiest airport in North America by the number of passengers served. The airport covers 2,930 acres of land and generates an estimated $15.9 billion annually for the Twin Cities' economy, supporting 87,000 workers.
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Frequently asked questions
MSP airport is located in Fort Snelling Unorganized Territory. It is not considered part of any city or school district, although sections of the airport border Minneapolis and Richfield.
The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) owns and operates MSP airport, along with six other airports in the region.
MSP Airport is the busiest airport in the Upper Midwest. It served over 37 million travellers in 2024, making it the 18th busiest airport in North America.
Delta Air Lines is the major airline of MSP airport, accounting for about 70% of the airport's passenger traffic. It is also a hub for Sun Country Airlines and Endeavor Air.