New Orleans Airport: Location And Travel Tips

where is airport in new orleans

The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is located 16km (10 miles) west of New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. It is the largest airport in Louisiana and the primary air hub for the New Orleans metropolitan area. The airport is accessible from Interstate 10 (from the east and west) and Interstate 59 (from the north). It is also serviced by the E2 Airport Express bus, which takes around 30 minutes to reach central New Orleans.

Characteristics Values
Name Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
IATA Code MSY
ICAO Code KMSY
FAA LID MSY
Location City of Kenner, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States
Distance from downtown New Orleans 11 miles (18 km)
Runway(s) 2
Helipad(s) 2
Area 1,500 acres (607 ha)
Altitude 4.5 feet (1.4 m) above sea level
Bus Service New Orleans Regional Transit Authority Airport Express Route 202 and Jefferson Transit bus E-2
Year renamed to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport 2001

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The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

The airport is the primary commercial airport for the New Orleans metropolitan area and southeast Louisiana. It offers non-stop flights to around 60 destinations, including Europe, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Covering 1,500 acres (607 ha) of land, MSY has 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.

Planning for the airport began in 1940, as the older Shushan Airport (New Orleans Lakefront Airport) was deemed 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 now stands. During World War II, the site became a government airbase, and commercial service began in May 1946. However, the airport was shut down in September 1947 due to flooding caused by the 1947 Fort Lauderdale Hurricane.

In November 2019, a new terminal building opened on the north side of the airport property, featuring two concourses and 35 gates. The former terminal, located on the south side, is no longer in regular commercial use. The airport has received accolades, including the 2024 Quickest Pickup award from Uber, recognising its swift and seamless travel experience.

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Location and travel time from New Orleans

The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (IATA: MSY) is located in the City of Kenner, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. It is about 11 miles (18 km) west of downtown New Orleans.

The airport is accessible by bus, car, and shuttle. The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority Airport Express Route 202 and Jefferson Transit bus E-2 provide services between the airport and downtown New Orleans. The RTA bus runs hourly and can be tracked using an app. The Airport Shuttle offers services to most hotels and hostels in the Central Business District of New Orleans.

If you are driving, the airport is served by I-10. The rental car facility is on the south side of the airfield, next to the former terminal.

The airport is the primary commercial airport for the New Orleans metropolitan area and southeast Louisiana. It offers nonstop service to about sixty destinations, including Europe, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

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Terminal facilities

The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (IATA: MSY) is located in the City of Kenner, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. It is owned by the City of New Orleans and is 11 miles (18 km) west of downtown New Orleans.

MSY covers 1,500 acres (607 ha) of land and contains two runways and two helipads. It is the third lowest-lying international airport in the world, with an average elevation of 4.5 feet (1.4 m) above sea level.

The airport has a single terminal with three concourses labelled A, B, and C, and a total of 35 gates. The terminal is served by I-10, and the rental car facility is located on the south side of the airfield next to the former terminal.

The terminal is divided across three levels. Departures and ticketing are located on Level 3, while TSA Security Screening is on Level 2. Arrivals and baggage claim, along with passport and immigration control, are located on Level 1. International flights are processed in Concourse A, which contains the airport's customs facilities.

The airport provides a Global Entry Enrollment Center near the baggage claim area, allowing expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers. CLEAR Plus lanes are also available on the second floor to the right of the security checkpoint. TSA Pre Check is available for eligible passengers, allowing them to move through security checkpoints more quickly and with fewer inconveniences.

For transportation to and from the airport, the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority Airport Express Route 202 and Jefferson Transit bus E-2 provide bus services to downtown New Orleans. The Airport Shuttle offers services to most hotels and hostels in the Central Business District of New Orleans. Additionally, Uber services are available, with MSY recognised by Uber for its quick pickup services.

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Transport and parking

The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is located in Kenner, about 11 miles west of downtown New Orleans. The easiest way to get there is by taking Interstate 10.

If you have your own vehicle, you can drive to the airport via Interstate 10. The airport offers both long-term and short-term parking, but rates can be high.

For those without a car, there are several other transportation options to and from the airport. The Airport Shuttle is the official ground transportation service for the airport, offering daily transfers to and from downtown and uptown New Orleans hotels, the French Quarter, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, and the cruise ship terminals. Shuttles depart approximately every 30 minutes between 5:55 a.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online, in person at the Airport Shuttle Ticket Desk located on the ground level, or by phone.

The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) also provides the Airport Express (202) Bus with service to and from the airport and downtown New Orleans. In New Orleans, the bus picks up and drops off at two separate downtown locations: Elk Place at Cleveland and the Union Passenger Terminal/Bus Bay 2. A single ride costs $1.25, and a day pass costs $3.

Additionally, taxi services, ride-share apps such as Uber and Lyft, and public transportation are also available. Taxi fares are regulated and cost $36 each way for one or two people, $14 per person for three or more people, and $1 per bag. Ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft also offer convenient transfers to and from the airport, with a designated pick-up spot located outside the baggage claim area.

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Amenities

The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is located in the City of Kenner, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. It is about 11 miles (18 km) west of downtown New Orleans. The airport is open 24 hours a day, including holidays.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport offers a range of amenities to cater to the needs of travellers. Here is a list of amenities available at the airport:

  • Free Wi-Fi service throughout the terminal
  • Visual paging throughout the airport, along with flight information display monitors (FIDS)
  • Charging stations for mobile devices, including phones and tablets, available pre and post-security
  • Adult changing tables in family/companion care restrooms located pre-security on Level 2 and post-security near Shake Shack
  • 11 water bottle filling stations post-security
  • Three lounges: The Club MSY, Delta SkyClub, and United Lounge
  • Concierge services, including dedicated arrival and departure assistance, baggage services, and transportation arrangements
  • Smoke-free terminal with designated smoking areas outside on the top and bottom ramps
  • 24-hour customer service desk located on Level 1 Baggage Claim
  • TSA Lost and Found service for items left at security checkpoints
  • A range of hotels located near the airport, offering amenities such as free airport shuttle services, restaurants, meeting rooms, fitness centres, and swimming pools

Frequently asked questions

The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

The airport is located 16km (10 miles) west of New Orleans, Louisiana, just off Interstate 10 and Interstate 59 (from the north).

From central New Orleans, take the Interstate 10 west and then take the exit for the Airport Access Road, which leads directly to the terminal. The total drive time is approximately 20 minutes.

The airport has designated smoking areas, mother's rooms, pet relief areas, a police station, a business centre, a post office, and charging points for laptops and phones. It is also fully accessible for disabled travellers.

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