Louisiana Airports: Complete Travel Guide 2024

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is Louisiana's largest and busiest airport, serving 13.2 million passengers in 2024. Located in Kenner in the New Orleans metropolitan area, MSY features a modern $1.01 billion terminal opened in 2019 with 35 gates. The airport has been named Best Airport in North America (5-15 million passengers category) for four consecutive years by Airports Council International. MSY offers service from 15 airlines to 56 domestic and 6 international destinations, making it the primary air travel gateway for Louisiana and the Gulf South region.

Louisiana has 7 commercial service airports providing scheduled passenger airline service: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), Baton Rouge Metropolitan (BTR), Shreveport Regional (SHV), Lafayette Regional (LFT), Alexandria International (AEX), Monroe Regional (MLU), and Lake Charles Regional (LCH). These airports combine to serve approximately 15 million passengers annually. The complete Louisiana aviation system includes 72 public airports total: 7 commercial, 3 reliever airports, 46 general aviation facilities, and 16 other public-use airports. The state also has 174 private airports, 221 heliports, 10 seaplane bases, and 17 ultralight facilities.

Louisiana airports are served by major domestic and international carriers. At New Orleans MSY, Southwest Airlines is the largest operator with over 3,000 monthly flights, followed by American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Spirit Airlines. International carriers include British Airways (London Heathrow service) and Air Canada (Toronto and Montreal). Regional airports are primarily served by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines operating through their regional partners (American Eagle, Delta Connection, United Express). Shreveport Regional also has Allegiant Air service to leisure destinations like Las Vegas, Destin, and Orlando. In total, 15 airlines operate scheduled service at Louisiana airports, connecting travelers to over 60 domestic and international destinations.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) offers nonstop international service to 6 destinations. British Airways operates daily flights to London Heathrow (LHR), the longest route at 4,617 miles with an 8 hour 40 minute flight time. Air Canada provides service to Canada with daily flights to Toronto (YYZ) and 4 flights weekly to Montreal (YUL). For tropical destinations, Spirit Airlines flies daily to Cancun, Mexico (CUN) starting in March, with Southwest also operating Saturday service to Cancun. Spirit additionally offers 3 weekly flights to San Pedro Sula, Honduras (SAP), serving Louisiana's large Honduran population. All international flights depart from MSY's modern terminal, which features duty-free shopping and U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities for returning international travelers.

Parking rates at Louisiana airports vary by facility and lot type. At New Orleans MSY (rates effective March 2024), economy parking costs $12 per day (best value), surface lot is $20/day, long-term garage is $22/day, short-term garage is $26/day, and valet parking is $36/day. The first half hour is free in short-term and surface lots, while long-term and economy lots charge $4 for the first half hour; additional half hours cost $3 each. Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) offers very affordable parking at $4.50 per day with a state contract rate. All Louisiana airports provide accessible parking spaces near elevators in compliance with ADA requirements. For extended stays, economy lots offer the best rates, while short-term parking is convenient for quick pickups and drop-offs.

TSA PreCheck expedited security screening is available at Louisiana's four busiest airports. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) offers TSA PreCheck at all concourses (A, B, C) and also has CLEAR enrollment services. Baton Rouge Metropolitan (BTR) has TSA PreCheck at its main checkpoint. Shreveport Regional (SHV) provides the service at Checkpoints B and C. Lafayette Regional (LFT) offers TSA PreCheck for passengers flying on American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. The smaller airports - Alexandria International (AEX), Monroe Regional (MLU), and Lake Charles Regional (LCH) - currently offer standard screening only. Over 10,000 Louisiana residents have enrolled in TSA PreCheck, which costs $78-85 for a 5-year membership and allows travelers to keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on during screening. Enrollment centers are available in New Orleans, Lafayette, and over 1,300 locations nationwide.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport's $1.01 billion terminal features over 40 local concessions celebrating Louisiana culture alongside national brands. Dining options include famous New Orleans establishments like Emeril's Table, Cafe du Monde (beignets), Leah's Kitchen (Creole cuisine), MoPho (Vietnamese fusion), Angelo Brocato (Italian gelato since 1905), Folse Market, and Lucky Dogs, plus national chains like Shake Shack, Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks. Shopping includes local favorite Fleurty Girl for souvenirs, Parish Provisions Co., Brighton, and duty-free shops for international travelers. The airport offers three lounges (Delta Sky Club, The Club at MSY, United Club), free Wi-Fi throughout, charging stations at 50% of gate seating and most restaurants, live music at the Heritage School of Music Stage (Jazz & Heritage partnership), mobile ordering via QR codes, pet relief areas, and family restrooms with adult changing tables. The terminal is fully ADA accessible with wheelchair assistance available from all airlines.

Multiple ground transportation options connect MSY Airport to downtown New Orleans (French Quarter is 25 minutes away). Rental cars are available from 8+ companies (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, Sixt, Thrifty, ACE) at the consolidated MSY Rental Car Center, accessible via free shuttle from the Long Term Parking Garage. Rideshare services Uber and Lyft have designated pickup zones at the terminal. Traditional taxis are available 24/7 outside the terminal. Airport shuttle services offer shared van rides to New Orleans hotels - reserve at 504-522-3500 or online at airportshuttleneworleans.com. Public transit is provided by Jefferson Parish Transit's JeT Express Bus Route E-2 connecting MSY to downtown New Orleans. All transportation options, including accessible vehicles for wheelchair users, are available. The airport is located at 1 Terminal Drive, Kenner, LA 70062. Note: There are no tolls in New Orleans, but northbound Causeway Bridge charges $5 for trips to the North Shore.

Louisiana's airport system is a critical economic engine for the state. According to the 2022 Louisiana Airports Economic Impact Study, the complete airport system supports approximately 58,000 jobs, generates $2.1 billion in annual payroll, and produces roughly $7 billion in annual economic output. General aviation airports specifically support more than 10,600 jobs with over $469 million in payroll and $1.1 billion in economic output annually. Individual airports also drive significant regional impact - Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport generates over $1 billion in annual economic impact for the capital region, while England Airpark adjacent to Alexandria International Airport contributes $276 million annually with 1 million square feet of commercial space. The aviation sector connects Louisiana to national and international markets, supports tourism, enables business travel, and provides essential services to the petroleum industry through helicopter operations. Recent federal infrastructure investments totaling over $50 million demonstrate continued commitment to Louisiana aviation growth.

Louisiana airports have significant expansion projects underway and planned through 2025 and beyond. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International is planning a second North Terminal with 15 additional gates and a new parking garage, needed by 2031 as the airport approaches its current capacity of 9.7 million annual passengers. Current MSY projects include Taxiway Sierra South rehabilitation (started May 2024), entrance/exit roadway widening connecting to a new DOTD flyover, baggage system enhancements increasing capacity from 25 to 32 bags per minute, and airfield lighting vault relocation. Shreveport Regional received $7 million in federal funding to relocate and rebuild its FAA Airport Traffic Control Tower. Ruston Regional Airport is expanding its apron and improving hangar access taxiways. Southwest Louisiana airports received over $7 million for improvements including Calcasieu Parish's $1.72 million for access road reconstruction and Chennault International's $630,000 for Taxiway G lighting. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has provided Louisiana airports with over $45 million in recent funding for terminal improvements, runway upgrades, and safety enhancements across the state's aviation system.