Sachin Walls
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) and Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) are two of the largest airports in the United States. Both are major travel hubs, with MSP serving as the commercial airport hub for the Twin Cities and surrounding areas, and ORD serving the Chicago area. MSP is a joint civil-military airport, home to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport Joint Air Reserve Station, while ORD is a major civilian aviation hub. In terms of size, ORD is larger, covering 7,200 acres with four number of runways and seven passenger terminals, compared to MSP's 3,400 acres, four runways, and two terminals. However, both airports are routinely ranked among the best and most efficient in North America, with MSP being named the best airport for customer satisfaction for mega-airports.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport |
| Airport Code | MSP |
| Location | Fort Snelling Unorganized Territory |
| Airfield | 1 |
| Runways | 4 |
| Terminal Buildings | 2 |
| Security Checkpoints | 2 |
| Parking | Covered ramps for hourly and daily stays |
| Awards | Best airport in North America, Best staff in North America, Top North American airport for efficiency excellence |
| Economic Impact | $15.9 billion in business revenue, $3.7 billion in personal income, $2.5 billion in local purchases, and $546 million in state and local taxes |
| Jobs Supported | 86,900+ |
| Major Airlines | Delta Air Lines, Sun Country Airlines, Endeavor Air |
| Passenger Traffic | 70% by Delta Air Lines and its regional affiliates |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is a joint civil-military airport
- MSP is the 18th busiest US airport and the busiest in the Upper Midwest
- MSP has one airfield, four runways, and two terminal buildings
- MSP is the commercial airport hub for the Twin Cities and surrounding areas
- MSP has been recognised for its retail program and staff, and has received various other awards
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is a joint civil-military airport
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), also known as Wold–Chamberlain Field, is a joint civil-military airport. Located in Fort Snelling Unorganized Territory, Minnesota, it is within 10 miles (16 kilometres) of downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul. The airport is centrally located and is not part of any city or school district, despite bordering the city limits of Minneapolis and Richfield.
MSP is a major hub for Delta Air Lines and serves as the home airport for Minnesota-based Sun Country Airlines and Endeavor Air, a Delta subsidiary. Delta Air Lines and its regional affiliates account for about 70% of the airport's passenger traffic. The airport also primarily hosts commercial flights from major American and some international airlines, and it is used by several United States Air Force and Minnesota Air National Guard operations, as well as a variety of air cargo operators. The Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport Joint Air Reserve Station supports both Air Force Reserve Command and Air National Guard flight operations. Units stationed there include the 934th Airlift Wing (934 AW) and the 133d Airlift Wing (133 AW) of the Minnesota Air National Guard, consisting of over 2,600 full-time and part-time military personnel.
MSP has one airfield with four runways and two terminal buildings: Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 contains 117 gates across seven concourses, while Terminal 2 has 14 gates. The airport is managed and run by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), a self-funded public corporation that also operates six smaller airports in the region. The MAC was established in 1943 by the Minnesota State legislature to provide coordinated aviation services throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
MSP has received numerous awards and recognitions. It was ranked the best airport in North America for efficiency excellence in its size category by the Air Transportation Research Society in 2017. MSP's retail program was recognised as the best of any large airport in North America by Airports Council International-North America. Skytrax named MSP's staff as the best in North America in 2016. Additionally, MSP was ranked the best in customer satisfaction for mega airports by J.D. Power, and Cirium recognised it as the world's most punctual international airport in 2023, with high on-time departure and arrival rates.
Resetting Your Mac Airport Password: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
MSP is the 18th busiest US airport and the busiest in the Upper Midwest
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, commonly known as MSP, is the 18th busiest airport in the US for passengers and 21st for aircraft operations. In 2024, it served over 37 million travellers, including 130 domestic and 35 international markets. It is also a hub for Delta Air Lines and Sun Country Airlines.
MSP is located in Fort Snelling Unorganized Territory, Minnesota, and is not technically part of any city. However, it is surrounded by Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the suburban cities of Bloomington, Eagan, Mendota Heights, and Richfield. The airport covers 2,930 to 3,400 acres of land and has one airfield with four runways and two terminal buildings. It is managed and run by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), a public corporation established in 1943 by the Minnesota State legislature.
MSP is also home to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport Joint Air Reserve Station, supporting both the Air Force Reserve Command and Air National Guard flight operations. It is a base for several United States Air Force and Minnesota Air National Guard operations and is used by various air cargo operators.
The airport has won several awards, including for safety, fiscal management, labour relations, and legal oversight. Its retail program has also been recognised as one of the best in North America. Additionally, MSP was named the top airport in an influential travel magazine's 2024 reader poll, where travellers praised its ease of navigation and amenities.
With its high passenger traffic and numerous accolades, MSP solidifies its position as the busiest airport in the Upper Midwest.
Fairmont Vancouver Airport: A Loud Haven?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
MSP has one airfield, four runways, and two terminal buildings
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, commonly abbreviated as MSP, is a joint civil-military public international airport that serves the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul in Minnesota. The airport is located in Fort Snelling Unorganized Territory, centrally situated within 10 miles of both downtown Minneapolis and downtown Saint Paul. It is not part of any city but is surrounded by several, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Eagan, Mendota Heights, and Richfield.
MSP airport is built on a 3,400-acre site and has one airfield, four runways, and two terminal buildings: Terminal 1-Lindbergh and Terminal 2-Humphrey. Each terminal has adjoining parking ramp facilities, and travellers can transfer between them via the light rail transit service as there is no pedestrian access. Terminal 1 has 117 gates across seven concourses, lettered A through G, while Terminal 2 has ten gates. The airport's four runways include a crosswind runway, two parallel runways, and an intersecting runway.
MSP underwent a $3.2 billion expansion known as 'MSP 2010: Building a Better Airport', which was approved in 1996 and completed by 2009. This included the replacement of a charter terminal with the new Humphrey terminal. The airport has continued to undergo various phases of expansion and improvement, with plans extending to 2030.
MSP 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. The airport recorded 32.8 million passengers and 437,075 aircraft movements in 2010. It is the busiest airport in the Upper Midwest and has been recognised for its efficiency and staff excellence. The airport's retail program was also recognised as one of the best in North America.
The Expansive Paris Orly Airport: Size and Significance
You may want to see also
MSP is the commercial airport hub for the Twin Cities and surrounding areas
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, commonly known as MSP, is a joint civil-military airport serving the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul in Minnesota. Although it is located within the Fort Snelling Unorganized Territory, it is not part of any city or school district. The airport is situated within 10 miles of both downtown Minneapolis and downtown Saint Paul.
MSP has one airfield with four runways and two terminal buildings, Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) and Terminal 2, each with adjoining parking facilities. The airport covers 2,930 acres of land and is managed by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), a self-funded public corporation that operates using fees paid by airport users rather than tax dollars. MAC also operates six smaller airports in the region.
MSP has been recognised for its efficient operations and customer satisfaction, ranking highly in North America Airport Satisfaction Studies. The airport has also been praised for its noise mitigation program, which has provided sound insulation and air conditioning to thousands of homes surrounding the airport to reduce indoor noise levels.
Overall, MSP plays a vital role in the Twin Cities community, supporting a significant number of jobs and contributing billions to the local economy. With its efficient operations and focus on customer satisfaction, it serves as a key gateway to the region.
Airports with Movie Theaters: A Relaxing Layover Experience
You may want to see also
MSP has been recognised for its retail program and staff, and has received various other awards
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) has been recognised for its retail program and staff and has received numerous awards. The airport's retail program was recognised as the best of any large airport in North America by Airports Council International-North America. MSP also won first place in the "Best Retail Program" category at the ACI-NA awards.
The airport's staff were named the best in North America in 2016 by Skytrax. MSP swept all dimensions in a study by J.D. Power, including staff, food, beverage, and retail. The airport received the highest score among mega airports in the J.D. Power 2022 and 2024 North America Airport Satisfaction Studies. In the same year, MSP earned top recognition in the services category at the inaugural AirportNEXT Industry Awards, which measured stakeholder perception of retail facilities, among other amenities.
MSP is the 18th busiest airport in the US and North America for passengers and 21st for aircraft operations, serving more than 37 million travellers in 2024. The airport is centrally located within 10 miles of both downtown Minneapolis and downtown Saint Paul. It is a major hub for Delta Air Lines and the hometown carrier for Sun Country Airlines. The airport covers 2,930 acres of land and generates an estimated $15.9 billion annually for the Twin Cities' economy.
Airport Utility for iOS: A Guide to Getting Started
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
In terms of acreage, MSP Airport spans 3,400 acres, while O'Hare Airport covers 7,600 acres. Therefore, O'Hare Airport is bigger in terms of size.
MSP, or Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, is a joint civil-military public international airport serving the Twin Cities in Minnesota.
MSP Airport has been consistently ranked as one of the best airports in North America. It has received accolades for its efficiency, staff, retail program, and customer satisfaction. MSP was also recognised as the 18th busiest airport in the US and the busiest airport in the Upper Midwest.
MSP Airport has two terminal buildings with adjoining parking ramp facilities. It offers covered parking options, efficient security checkpoints, and a variety of dining choices, including Subway, Panera, and Five Guys. The airport is also known for its quick baggage retrieval.
