This is an educational overview based on the Wikipedia article for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Read the full source article here. (opens in new tab)

The Jazz Gateway

An academic exploration of Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), charting its evolution and operational significance.

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Airport Overview

Location & Significance

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), also known as Moisant Field, is the primary commercial airport serving the New Orleans metropolitan area and southeastern Louisiana. Situated in Kenner, Louisiana, it is located 11 miles (18 km) west of downtown New Orleans. The airport operates under Class B airspace regulations and is a critical hub for regional and international travel.

Physical Characteristics

MSY spans 1,500 acres (607 hectares) and features two runways and two helipads. Notably, it is situated at an average elevation of just 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) above sea level, making it one of the lowest-lying international airports globally, a characteristic that necessitates robust infrastructure management.

Ownership & Operations

The airport is owned by the City of New Orleans and managed by the New Orleans Aviation Board. It serves as an operating base for Breeze Airways and facilitates nonstop service to numerous domestic and international destinations, including Europe, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Historical Trajectory

Origins and Naming

The impetus for a new airport arose in 1940 due to the limitations of the older Shushan Airport. Originally named Moisant Field after aviator John Moisant, the airport's IATA code, MSY, derives from "Moisant Stock Yards." Commercial operations commenced in May 1946, following its use as a government air base during World War II.

  • 1946: Commercial service begins at Moisant Field.
  • 1959: A new terminal complex is inaugurated.
  • 1961: Renamed New Orleans International Airport.
  • 1970s-1990s: Significant expansions and terminal upgrades occur.
  • 2001: Renamed Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in honor of the jazz legend.
  • 2005: Reopens after Hurricane Katrina, with gradual resumption of services.
  • 2019: A new, modern $1.3 billion terminal opens, replacing the older facilities.

Post-Katrina Resilience

Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, MSY demonstrated remarkable resilience by reopening to commercial flights just weeks later. This period marked a significant recovery effort, with airlines gradually restoring services and rebuilding international connectivity.

Modernization and New Terminal

A major capital project culminated in the opening of a new, state-of-the-art terminal in November 2019. Designed by Cesar Pelli, this $1.3 billion facility significantly enhances passenger experience, capacity, and operational efficiency, reflecting the airport's commitment to future growth and service excellence.

Terminal Facilities

Terminal Structure

The current MSY features a single, modern terminal designed for efficiency and passenger comfort. It is organized across three levels: Level 3 for Departures and Ticketing, Level 2 for TSA Security Screening, and Level 1 for Arrivals and Baggage Claim.

Concourse Layout

The terminal comprises three concourses: A, B, and C, offering a total of 35 gates. Concourse A is specifically equipped to handle international flights and houses the airport's customs facilities, ensuring seamless processing for global travelers.

Ground Access

The airport is directly accessible via Interstate 10 (I-10). Public transportation options include bus services provided by the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (Airport Express Route 202) and Jefferson Transit (E-2). Airport Shuttle services are also available for transfers to hotels and hostels in downtown New Orleans. The rental car facility is conveniently located adjacent to the former terminal.

Airlines & Destinations

Passenger Services

MSY hosts a diverse range of major and low-cost carriers, providing extensive domestic and international connectivity. Key airlines include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, JetBlue, Frontier Airlines, and Breeze Airways.

Airlines operating at MSY and their primary destinations:

  • Air Canada Rouge: Toronto–Pearson
  • Alaska Airlines: Seattle/Tacoma, Portland (seasonal)
  • Allegiant Air: Cincinnati, Punta Gorda (seasonal)
  • American Airlines: Charlotte, Chicago–O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, New York–LaGuardia, Philadelphia, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Washington–National
  • American Eagle: Multiple hubs
  • Avelo Airlines: New Haven (seasonal)
  • Breeze Airways: Charleston (SC), Fayetteville/Bentonville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Myrtle Beach, Norfolk, Orlando, Raleigh/Durham, Richmond, Savannah, Tampa, Fort Myers (seasonal), Jacksonville (seasonal), Pittsburgh (seasonal)
  • British Airways: London–Heathrow
  • Delta Air Lines: Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York–JFK, New York–LaGuardia, Salt Lake City
  • Delta Connection: Austin
  • Frontier Airlines: Atlanta, Baltimore, Denver, Orlando, Philadelphia
  • JetBlue: Boston, New York–JFK
  • Southwest Airlines: Extensive domestic network including Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Cancún, Chicago–Midway, Dallas–Love, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Houston–Hobby, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York–LaGuardia, Orlando, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, San Antonio, San Diego, St. Louis, Tampa, Washington–National, Long Beach (seasonal), Raleigh/Durham (seasonal)
  • Spirit Airlines: Atlanta, Baltimore, Cancún, Charlotte, Chicago–O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Houston–Intercontinental, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, Newark, Orlando, San Pedro Sula, Raleigh/Durham, Tampa, Tegucigalpa/Comayagua, Boston (seasonal), Columbus (seasonal), Indianapolis (seasonal), Memphis (seasonal), San Antonio (seasonal)
  • Sun Country Airlines: Minneapolis/St. Paul (seasonal)
  • United Airlines: Chicago–O'Hare, Denver, Houston–Intercontinental, Newark, San Francisco, Washington–Dulles
  • United Express: Various hubs (seasonal)

Cargo Operations

The airport also supports significant cargo operations, serving major logistics providers and facilitating the movement of goods. Key cargo carriers include Amazon Air, DHL Aviation, FedEx Express, and UPS Airlines, connecting MSY to major distribution hubs.

  • Amazon Air: Cincinnati, Lakeland
  • DHL Aviation: Cincinnati, Houston–Intercontinental, Memphis
  • FedEx Express: Indianapolis, Memphis
  • UPS Airlines: Houston–Intercontinental, Louisville

Operational Statistics

Passenger Traffic Trends

MSY has experienced significant passenger growth, particularly in the post-Katrina era, setting new records in recent years. In 2023, the airport served over 12.7 million passengers, reflecting its increasing importance as a travel hub.

Annual Passenger Traffic at MSY (2017-Present)
YearPassengers% Change
201712,009,512
201813,122,7629.3%
201913,644,6664.0%
20205,278,75261.3%
20218,074,15852.8%
202211,895,98547.3%
202312,738,8477.1%
202413,201,4193.6%

Top Domestic Routes

The most significant domestic routes by passenger volume connect MSY to major hubs, facilitating regional and national travel. Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Houston consistently rank as the busiest destinations.

Busiest Domestic Routes (Jan 2024–Dec 2024)
RankCityPassengersCarriers
1Atlanta, Georgia692,000Delta, Southwest, Spirit
2Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas392,000American, Spirit
3Houston–Intercontinental, Texas370,000Spirit, United
4Orlando, Florida316,000Breeze, Frontier, Southwest, Spirit
5Denver, Colorado298,000Frontier, Southwest, United
6Charlotte, North Carolina275,000American, Spirit
7Dallas–Love, Texas253,000Southwest
8Houston–Hobby, Texas250,000Southwest
9Los Angeles, California234,000Breeze, Delta, Southwest, Spirit
10Chicago–O'Hare, Illinois214,000American, Spirit, United

Market Share

Southwest Airlines holds the largest market share at MSY, reflecting its extensive network and popular routes. Delta, American, United, and Spirit are also significant players in the airport's passenger market.

Largest Airlines at MSY (June 2023 – May 2024)
RankAirlinePassengersShare
1Southwest Airlines4,416,00035.15%
2Delta Air Lines2,084,00016.59%
3American Airlines1,772,00014.11%
4United Airlines1,585,00012.61%
5Spirit Airlines1,237,0009.84%
Other1,470,00011.70%

Safety Record

Historical Incidents

Like many major airports, MSY has been the site of several significant aviation incidents throughout its history. These events, while unfortunate, have contributed to advancements in aviation safety protocols and technologies.

  • November 16, 1959: National Airlines Flight 967 (Douglas DC-7B) crashed into the Gulf of Mexico en route from Tampa, resulting in 42 fatalities.
  • February 25, 1964: Eastern Air Lines Flight 304 (Douglas DC-8) crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all 58 occupants.
  • March 30, 1967: Delta Air Lines Flight 9877 (Douglas DC-8-51) crashed during a training exercise, causing 19 fatalities (6 crew, 13 on ground).
  • July 9, 1982: Pan Am Flight 759 (Boeing 727-200) crashed into a residential neighborhood shortly after takeoff due to microburst-induced wind shear, resulting in 153 fatalities. This incident spurred significant improvements in wind shear detection systems.
  • May 24, 1988: TACA Flight 110 (Boeing 737-300) made an emergency landing on a levee after engine flameouts in a thunderstorm, with no fatalities.
  • April 4, 2011: United Airlines Flight 497 experienced an erroneous smoke warning, leading to a runway excursion during an emergency landing. All 109 occupants evacuated safely.

Modern safety measures, including advanced weather detection systems and stringent operational protocols, are in place to mitigate risks.

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References

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport Wikipedia page

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Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI model for educational purposes, drawing upon publicly available data. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, it is intended as an informational resource and not a substitute for official documentation or professional consultation.

This is not professional advice. Information presented here should not be considered definitive guidance for travel planning, operational decisions, or historical interpretation without cross-referencing authoritative sources. The AI is not responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions.