Roberta Aguirre
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (IATA: MSP, ICAO: KMSP, FAA LID: MSP), also less commonly known as Wold–Chamberlain Field, is a joint civil-military public international airport serving the Twin Cities in the U.S. state of Minnesota. It is located in Fort Snelling Unorganized Territory and is surrounded by Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the suburban cities of Bloomington, Eagan, Mendota Heights, and Richfield.
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What You'll Learn
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport
The airport has received numerous awards in categories such as safety, fiscal management, labour relations, legal oversight, snow and ice control, concessions, airport design and development, and marketing and communications. It was voted "Best Airport in America" and was ranked No. 1 among mega airports in the J.D. Power 2024 North America Airport Satisfaction Study.
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Joint civil-military airport
MSP stands for Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, a joint civil-military airport located in Fort Snelling Unorganized Territory. The airport is within 10 miles of downtown Minneapolis and downtown Saint Paul and is surrounded by Bloomington, Eagan, Mendota Heights, and Richfield. It is the busiest airport in the Upper Midwest, serving more than 37 million travellers in 2024 and supporting over 86,900 jobs.
A joint civil-military airport is an aerodrome used for both military and civilian aviation, with facilities of both a civil airport and a military air base. In the United States, several joint-use airports are recorded by the Federal Aviation Administration, also known as shared-use airports. An example of a joint-use airport in the US is Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, which utilises the runway and ATC services of Eglin Air Force Base. Charleston International Airport is another example, using the runways and services of Charleston Air Force Base. Both civil airports operate their own passenger terminals and taxiways.
In some countries, security at joint-use airports is the responsibility of military personnel, while in others, civil security authorities are in charge. It is generally accepted that the military receives revenues from civil use of ATC services if they own and operate them. However, it is unclear which authority is responsible for capital expenditures for improvements such as runway expansion.
Civil enclaves are common in countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, where a section of a military air base is allocated for domestic civil aviation instead of constructing a new civilian airport. These airports typically have a curfew, most often after sunset, during which civilian aircraft are not permitted to operate. Many civil enclaves also have altitude restrictions, causing longer detours and increased fuel consumption. Air traffic control at these enclaves may be handled by the armed forces or a joint civilian-military crew.
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Terminals and transport
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, also known as MSP, has two terminal buildings: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Each terminal has adjoining parking ramp facilities, with covered parking available. Both terminals also offer check-in and bag check services, as well as public transportation options for travellers who are not arriving by car.
To transfer between the terminals, travellers can use the light rail transit service operated by Metro Transit, the region's public transportation provider. The Blue Line operates on the airport grounds, connecting the two terminals. This service is available 24 hours a day and is free of charge for passengers travelling only between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The Blue Line also provides connections beyond the airport, including to downtown Minneapolis and the Mall of America in Bloomington.
For passengers with mobility challenges or special needs, MSP Airport offers a complimentary shuttle service as an alternative to the light rail. This shuttle is equipped with a wheelchair lift and operates every 20 minutes from 6 am, serving both terminals and the Quick Ride Ramp.
MSP Airport is located within 10 miles of both downtown Minneapolis and downtown Saint Paul. It is surrounded by several cities, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Eagan, Mendota Heights, and Richfield. The airport covers 2,930 acres of land and is operated by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), a self-funded public corporation established to provide coordinated aviation services throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
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Awards and recognition
The airport code MSP stands for the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, which serves the twin cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul in Minnesota. It is one of the busiest airports in the Upper Midwest region of the United States and has received numerous awards and recognition for its operations and facilities.
The Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has garnered significant acclaim and numerous accolades over the years, solidifying its reputation as one of the premier airports not just in the Midwest, but across the entire nation. Here is a closer look at some of the notable awards and recognition bestowed upon MSP:
- MSP has consistently been ranked as one of the best airports in the world by prominent travel publications and organizations. In 2022, it was named the "Best Airport in North America" by the prestigious Skytrax World Airport Awards, an achievement it had also attained in 2019. This award is based on passenger surveys that assess key performance indicators such as facilities, comfort, cleanliness, and customer service.
- The airport has also earned recognition for its commitment to sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. In 2021, MSP received the Environmental Achievement Award from the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). This honor recognizes innovative and effective programs that improve environmental performance and contribute to the sustainable development of the aviation industry. MSP's comprehensive sustainability program, which includes initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and promote recycling, has placed it at the forefront of green airport practices.
- MSP's dedication to providing an exceptional passenger experience has resulted in multiple awards. In recent years, the airport has been consistently recognized by Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) with the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Award. This award is based on passenger surveys that evaluate key aspects of the airport experience, including accessibility, security, dining options, and overall satisfaction. MSP's focus on enhancing the customer journey has consistently placed it among the top-rated airports in North America.
- In addition to accolades for the airport as a whole, individual aspects of MSP have also been recognized. The MSP Art and Culture Program, for instance, has received awards for its innovative approach to integrating art into the airport environment. The program, which includes a diverse range of art installations, exhibitions, and performances, has been credited with enhancing the passenger experience and contributing to the cultural fabric of the Twin Cities.
- MSP has also been at the forefront of implementing cutting-edge technologies, particularly in the realm of biometric identification. In 2022, the airport, in collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, introduced a groundbreaking biometric exit screening process using facial recognition technology. This initiative earned MSP the Identity Management Project of the Year award at the 2022 Future Travel Experience (FTE) Awards.
These awards and recognitions underscore the Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport's commitment to excellence across various domains, including passenger experience, sustainability, innovation, and operational efficiency. MSP's consistent presence in prestigious industry awards showcases its dedication to continuous improvement and its position as a leader in the global aviation industry.
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Noise mitigation programs
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, also known as MSP, is a joint civil-military public international airport serving the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul in Minnesota. MSP is the busiest airport in the Upper Midwest and the 18th busiest in North America in terms of passenger traffic.
MSP is managed and run by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), a self-funded public corporation established in 1943 by the Minnesota State legislature. The MAC has implemented several noise mitigation programs to address aircraft noise concerns and reduce its impact on the surrounding communities.
Noise Oversight Committee (NOC)
The MAC established the MSP Noise Oversight Committee (NOC) in June 2003 to provide a forum for interested parties to discuss and consider noise mitigation initiatives, taking into account benefits, feasibility, and fiscal considerations. The NOC aims to balance the needs of the airport with the concerns of the community regarding aircraft noise.
Noise Abatement Departure Profiles (NADP)
NADP procedures are designed to minimize aircraft noise exposure for residents living near the airport. These procedures differentiate between residents within 3.5 miles ("close-in procedure") and those beyond 3.5 miles ("distant procedure") from the airport. All airlines operating at MSP have agreed to comply with the Distant Noise Abatement Departure Profile for departures from all runways, which helps to reduce noise for nearby residents.
Pilot Education and Noise Abatement Sensitivity Training
The MAC works closely with aircraft operators and air traffic controllers to increase awareness of noise issues and improve compliance with noise abatement procedures. As part of this initiative, an MSP Pilot Guide was published and distributed to airlines in 2010, and all airlines agreed to eliminate power-back operations during nighttime hours to reduce noise.
Runway Use System (RUS)
The MAC utilizes a Runway Use System (RUS) to prioritize the order of runway assignments for arrivals and departures. This system allows for flexibility during certain times of the day to minimize noise impacts on surrounding communities.
Fly Neighborly Program
The MAC's Fly Neighborly Program includes Fly Neighborly Guides and Fly Neighborly Zones to promote awareness and sensitivity to aircraft noise among airport neighbors. This program aims to direct aircraft over noise-compatible land use areas, such as Eagan and Mendota Heights, to the southeast of MSP. Air Traffic Control (ATC) directs departing jet aircraft to use specific runways and stay within corridor boundaries to reduce noise exposure for residents.
Residential Noise Mitigation Program
The MAC has also implemented a Residential Noise Mitigation Program to provide noise-reducing modifications to qualifying structures near the airport. This program involves outfitting homes in the vicinity of the airport with sound insulation and air conditioning to reduce indoor noise levels.
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Frequently asked questions
MSP stands for Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport.
The airport is located in Fort Snelling Unorganized Territory, within 10 miles of downtown Minneapolis and downtown Saint Paul.
MSP airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with adjoining parking facilities.
The Blue Line operated by Metro Transit provides a light rail route to the airport, connecting Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. From downtown Minneapolis, you can take the Blue Line to reach the airport. From downtown Saint Paul, you can take the Green Line to U.S. Bank Stadium Station and then transfer to the Blue Line.
