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Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

New Orleans · United States · Updated Apr 20, 2026

Code
MSY
Size
Major Hub
Passengers a year
10.6M / year
Terminals
1
To downtown
18 km
To the cruise port
20 km
On this page
  1. Overview
  2. Getting to and from the airport
  3. Terminals and airlines
  4. Tips for travellers
  5. Good to know
  6. Climate, customs and advisory

Overview

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.

Getting to and from the airport

  • Taxi

    Taxis available from ground transportation level

    Approximately 20-30 minutes to downtown · Unknown

  • Rental Car

    Multiple rental car agencies available at the airport

    Immediate availability · Varies by company

  • Shuttle

    Shuttle services available for hotel and ground transportation

    Varies by destination · Unknown

The airport is located 18 km west of downtown New Orleans in Kenner. Rental cars are available from multiple agencies at the airport. Taxis and shuttle services provide alternative ground transportation options. The new North Terminal includes a parking garage with approximately 3,000 vehicle spaces. Road improvements for access and traffic management have been implemented to enhance ground transportation efficiency.

Security wait: Unknown

Terminals and airlines

  • North Terminal

    The operational terminal features three concourses (A, B, C) with a total of 35 gates. The terminal was inaugurated in November 2024 at a cost of $1 billion. Departures and ticketing are on Level 3, TSA Security Screening on Level 2, and Arrivals and Baggage Claim on Level 1. International flights are processed in Concourse A.

Airlines: Southwest Airlines

Tips for travellers

  • 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.

Good to know

  • 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.

Amenities: Lounges (The Club MSY in Concourse A), WiFi, Prayer room, Parking garage (3,000 vehicle capacity at North Terminal), Advanced check-in systems, Biometric security lanes (Concourse D)

Climate, customs and advisory

New Orleans has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The city experiences significant rainfall year-round and is prone to tropical storms and hurricanes, particularly during the Atlantic hurricane season from June through November.

Customs: International flights are processed in Concourse A, which contains the airport's customs facilities. The new North Terminal features a consolidated checkpoint equipped with advanced check-in systems and an inline explosive baggage system to enhance security screening.

Sources (10)

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