Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
New Orleans, United States
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
Gateway to the Crescent City, serving the Gulf South.
- ›The airport is named after jazz legend Louis Armstrong, a native of New Orleans.
- ›A brand-new terminal opened in November 2019, replacing the former facility that dated to the mid-20th century.
- ›MSY is located in Kenner, Louisiana, approximately 15 miles west of downtown New Orleans.
- ›The airport was significantly impacted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, temporarily shutting down commercial operations.
- ›The IATA code MSY derives from 'Moisant Stock Yards,' the name of the land on which the original airport was built.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, opened in its current modern terminal in 2019, serves as the primary gateway to one of America's most culturally vibrant cities. Named after the legendary jazz musician and New Orleans native, the airport reflects the city's rich musical and culinary heritage throughout its concourses. It handles approximately 13 million passengers annually, connecting the Gulf South to major domestic and international destinations.
- North Terminal — The sole operational terminal, opened in November 2019, featuring two concourses, 35 gates, local dining concepts, and a dedicated live music stage celebrating New Orleans culture.
- Jefferson Transit Bus Route E-2 to downtown New Orleans
- Taxi and cab services available at the Ground Transportation Center
- Rideshare pickups (Uber, Lyft) at designated curb areas on Level 1
- Airport shuttle and shared-van services to major hotels
- Car rental facilities on-site at the Ground Transportation Center
- Private car and limousine services bookable in advance
- Hyatt Place New Orleans Airport
- Courtyard by Marriott New Orleans Airport Metairie
- Renaissance New Orleans Airport Hotel
- Hampton Inn New Orleans Airport
- Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans Airport
The North Terminal features a strong lineup of locally inspired dining concepts, including outposts of Emeril's Table and Café Du Monde, bringing authentic New Orleans flavors such as beignets and café au lait directly to travelers. Beyond the airport, the Metairie corridor and nearby Kenner neighborhoods offer a range of restaurants serving Creole and Cajun cuisine within minutes of the terminal. Travelers with time before their flight are encouraged to sample local airport vendors rather than national chain options, as MSY takes particular pride in its locally curated food program.
- Allow extra time during Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest seasons as the airport and roads become significantly congested.
- The streetcar and direct rail connection to downtown do not exist yet — budget 30 to 45 minutes by road for the roughly 15-mile trip to the French Quarter.
- Currency exchange and ATM services are available airside, but rates may be better in the city.
- MSY's curbside drop-off and rideshare zones are separated by level — confirm the correct level before your driver arrives to avoid confusion.
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Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is an international airport under Class B airspace 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.
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