Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
New Orleans · United States
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is the primary commercial airport serving the New Orleans metropolitan area and southeast Louisiana. Located 18 km west of downtown New Orleans in Kenner, it is one of the busiest airports in the United States.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is an international airport under Class B airspace owned by the City of New Orleans and governed by the New Orleans Aviation Board. The airport covers 1,500 acres and features two runways and two helipads. It is notable for being the third lowest-lying international airport in the world at an average of 4.5 feet above sea level. The airport was renamed in 2001 to honor the famous jazz musician Louis Armstrong, a native of New Orleans. MSY has undergone significant modernization, including the inauguration of a new $1 billion North Terminal with 35 gates designed to accommodate rising air traffic.
Interesting facts
- MSY is the third lowest-lying international airport in the world, behind only Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (11 feet below sea level) and Atyrau International Airport in Kazakhstan (72 feet below sea level).
- The airport's IATA code MSY was derived from Moisant Stock Yards, as Lakefront Airport retained the code NEW.
- The airport was renamed Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in 2001 on the occasion of its 100th birthday to honor the legendary jazz musician.
- The new North Terminal, which opened in November 2024, cost $1 billion and was designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli and Manning Architects in partnership with Crescent City Aviation Team.
- Prior to Hurricane Katrina, the airport handled 10 million passengers annually with 174 departures per day.
Tips for travelers
- Departures and ticketing are located on Level 3, TSA Security Screening on Level 2, and Arrivals and Baggage Claim on Level 1 of the terminal.
- International flights are processed in Concourse A, which contains the airport's customs facilities.
- Clear biometric security lanes are available in Concourse D for faster processing of eligible passengers.
- The Club MSY lounge is located on the third level of Concourse A and offers spa-inspired amenities and private restrooms.
- A new parking garage at the North Terminal can accommodate approximately 3,000 vehicles.
- Allow extra time during peak travel periods, as the new terminal experienced long queues and delays during its opening in November 2024.