Louisiana's Top Airports: A Comprehensive Guide

what major airports are in louisiana

Louisiana is a state in the USA that is served by a number of airports. The main airport in Louisiana is New Orleans Airport, named after Louis Armstrong, which is located 18km outside of the city. Louisiana also has six other commercial airports that offer year-round flights, serving a total of around 15 million passengers per year.

Characteristics Values
Main airport in Louisiana New Orleans Airport
Number of commercial airports in Louisiana offering year-round flights 7
Total yearly passengers across Louisiana's airports 15 million
Airlines operating in Louisiana Allegiant Air
American Eagle
Delta
American
Southwest Airlines
Spirit
Airports in Louisiana Monroe Regional Airport
Houma-Terrebonne Airport

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New Orleans Airport

The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (IATA: MSY, ICAO: KMSY, FAA LID: MSY) is located in the City of Kenner, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. The airport is owned by the City of New Orleans and is situated 11 miles (18 km) west of downtown New Orleans. It is the primary commercial airport for the New Orleans metropolitan area and southeast Louisiana. The airport covers 1,500 acres (607 ha) of land and includes two runways and two helipads. It is the third lowest-lying international airport in the world, with an elevation of just 4.5 feet (1.4 m) above sea level.

The history of the airport can be traced back to the 1940s when plans for a new airport were initiated due to the limitations of the older Shushan Airport (New Orleans Lakefront Airport). The site chosen for the new airport was previously agricultural land associated with the daredevil aviator John Moisant, who died in a plane crash in 1910. The airport was originally named Moisant Field, and its IATA code MSY was derived from Moisant Stock Yards. During World War II, the land was utilised as a government air base, and after the war, it transitioned back to civil control. Commercial service at Moisant Field commenced in May 1946, operating from a large, makeshift hangar-like terminal building.

In September 1947, the airport faced a setback as it was submerged under two feet of water due to the impact of the 1947 Fort Lauderdale Hurricane. It took time for the airport to recover, and a new terminal complex was eventually inaugurated in 1959. By this time, the airport was referred to as Moisant International Airport. The name was officially changed to New Orleans International Airport in 1961. The airport underwent a significant expansion in the mid-1970s, which included enhancements to the main terminal, the construction of access roads, and the addition of Concourses A and B.

In July 2001, the airport was renamed Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to honour the 100th anniversary of the birth of the renowned musician Louis Armstrong. The airport has received multiple accolades, including being named the "Best Airport in North America" by the Airports Council International World's Airport Service Quality survey program for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, and 2023). It is recognised for its passenger-friendly environment and high customer satisfaction, attracting millions of travellers from around the world each year.

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Monroe Regional Airport

Louisiana, with its vibrant culture and diverse landscapes, is served by several major airports that connect the state to the rest of the country and the world. When discussing the major airports in Louisiana, one key aviation hub is Monroe Regional Airport (MLU).

MLU is a joint civil-military airport, sharing its facilities with the Monroe Air National Guard Station. The airport covers a total area of 1,200 acres (486 hectares), featuring two runways – one with a concrete surface measuring 8,274 feet in length, and the other an asphalt runway spanning 4,800 feet. These runways accommodate a variety of aircraft, ensuring safe and efficient operations for both commercial and military flights.

A Range of Airlines and Destinations

  • United Airlines: Offering direct flights to its Houston hub, United Airlines connects passengers to a vast global network, making it easy to reach destinations across the country and around the world.
  • Delta Connection: Operated by SkyWest Airlines, Delta Connection offers multiple daily flights to Atlanta, a major transportation hub, providing connections to countless destinations across the globe.
  • Glo Airlines: This regional airline provides direct flights to destinations within the region, including New Orleans and Shreveport, offering convenient travel options for those looking to explore Louisiana and the surrounding areas.

Passenger Convenience and Amenities

For those traveling with children, MLU offers a dedicated nursing mothers' room, providing a private and comfortable space for nursing or pumping. The airport also has a children's play area, complete with games and activities to keep the little ones entertained while waiting for their flight. Additionally, MLU provides a business center equipped with computers and printing services, catering to the needs of business travelers who need to stay productive on the go.

In conclusion, Monroe Regional Airport stands as a vital aviation hub in Northeast Louisiana, offering convenient air travel options and contributing significantly to the region's economic development. With its range of amenities, convenient location, and connections to major airline hubs, MLU ensures that travelers can efficiently access destinations across the globe.

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Houma-Terrebonne Airport

Louisiana is a state in the United States that is home to several notable airports, including the Houma-Terrebonne Airport. This airport, located in Houma, a city in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, has a rich history and plays an important role in the region's aviation network.

The Houma-Terrebonne Airport began its life as Naval Air Station Houma on May 1, 1943, serving as a base for Lighter-than-Air (LTA) airships during World War II. After the war ended, the base was disestablished in November 1947 and underwent a transformation into the civilian airport it is today.

The airport is owned and managed by the Houma–Terrebonne Airport Commission, and it serves a variety of aircraft, including fixed-wing airplanes and helicopters. During the 12-month period ending August 10, 2023, Houma-Terrebonne Airport recorded an impressive 82,144 aircraft operations, averaging 225 per day. The airport is also home to a diverse range of based aircraft, including single-engine, multi-engine, jet, and helicopter types.

In terms of commercial passenger services, Houma-Terrebonne Airport has a history of scheduled flights dating back to the 1970s and early 1980s. During this period, several commuter air carriers operated from the airport, providing convenient connections to nearby destinations. For example, in 1974-1975, Gulf Coast Airlines offered six nonstop daily flights to New Orleans International Airport (MSY) using Britten-Norman Islander twin-prop commuter planes. Similarly, Royale Airlines, in 1978, provided nonstop service to New Orleans (MSY) with Beechcraft 99 commuter turboprops.

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Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport

The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (IATA: MSY, ICAO: KMSY, FAA LID: MSY) is located in the City of Kenner, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. It is owned by the City of New Orleans and is the primary commercial airport for the New Orleans metropolitan area and southeast Louisiana. The airport is 11 miles (18 km) west of downtown New Orleans, and a small portion of Runway 11/29 is in unincorporated St. Charles Parish. The airport covers 1,500 acres (607 ha) of land and contains two runways and two helipads. At an average of 4.5 feet (1.4 m) above sea level, it is the third lowest-lying international airport in the world.

Plans for the airport began in 1940 when it became apparent that the older Shushan Airport (New Orleans Lakefront Airport) was too small. The airport was originally named Moisant Field after daredevil aviator John Moisant, who died in 1910 in an airplane crash on the agricultural land where the airport is now located. Its IATA code, MSY, was derived from Moisant Stock Yards. During World War II, the land became a government airbase, and commercial service commenced in May 1946. The airport was shut down in September 1947 after being submerged under two feet of water due to the 1947 Fort Lauderdale Hurricane. A new terminal complex debuted in 1959, and the airport's name was changed to Moisant International Airport.

In July 2001, the airport was renamed Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to honour the 100th anniversary of Louis Armstrong's birth. The airport has received numerous awards, including the Best Airport in North America (5 to 15 million passengers per year) from the Airports Council International (ACI) World's 2024 Airport. The airport offers nonstop service to some sixty destinations, including Europe, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

The airport features a Military Lounge, where volunteers greet visitors and keep supplies stocked, and a K9 Krewe programme that provides therapy dogs to soothe the stress and anxiety of flying.

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Smaller airports operated by Allegiant Air and American Eagle

Louisiana's smaller airports are mostly operated by Allegiant Air and American Eagle. Allegiant Air is a low-cost airline that serves leisure travellers, particularly those flying to warm-weather tourist destinations. It operates out of smaller, non-hub regional airports, choosing its routes based on expected costs and revenue. Allegiant Air serves the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) from Concourse A or C, depending on the source. The airport is located 11 miles west of downtown New Orleans and 16 miles west of the French Quarter. It offers shops and restaurants, as well as parking options, including valet, short-term, long-term, and economy parking.

American Eagle, on the other hand, is a brand name for the regional branch of American Airlines. It commenced services in 1984 when Metroflight Airlines, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Metro Airlines, became the first operator to join the network. The first American Eagle-branded flight was from Fayetteville, Arkansas, to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Over the years, American Eagle has had several regional carriers operating under its brand, including Executive Airlines, Flagship Airlines, Simmons Airlines, and Wings West.

In March 2020, Compass Airlines ceased its operations as American Eagle due to the reduction in flying during the COVID-19 pandemic. In September 2020, Envoy Air, a subsidiary of American Eagle, also announced the permanent closure of its bases at LaGuardia Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City due to a new codeshare agreement. Despite these closures, American Eagle continues to serve smaller airports in Louisiana, contributing to the state's total of approximately 15 million yearly passengers across its airports.

Frequently asked questions

The main airport in Louisiana is located in New Orleans.

New Orleans Airport handles a significant amount of air traffic, with around 15 million yearly passengers.

The airport is located fairly far from the city, some 18 km from downtown New Orleans.

There are a total of 7 commercial airports in Louisiana offering year-round flights.

Delta, American, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit all offer frequent flights to New Orleans Airport.

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