New Orleans Airport continues to operate at strong passenger levels in early 2026, serving as Louisiana’s busiest air travel hub with steady domestic routes, expanding international connections, and ongoing infrastructure improvements. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) remains fully operational, with airlines maintaining consistent schedules and the modern terminal supporting millions of annual travelers.
Located in Kenner, about 11 miles west of downtown New Orleans, MSY plays a central role in tourism, business travel, and cargo operations across the Gulf South. With Mardi Gras season approaching and convention traffic remaining steady, airport activity remains elevated compared to early winter averages.
Here is a comprehensive, up-to-date look at operations, airlines, passenger traffic, terminal services, and ongoing developments at the airport as of February 2026.
Table of Contents
Overview of Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
Official Name: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
IATA Code: MSY
Location: Kenner, Louisiana
Distance from Downtown New Orleans: Approximately 11 miles
Owner/Operator: City of New Orleans
The airport operates a single, modern terminal that opened in November 2019, replacing the former facility. The new terminal remains the primary passenger facility and continues to handle all commercial flights.
MSY serves as Louisiana’s busiest airport and ranks among the leading mid-sized airports in the southeastern United States.
Passenger Traffic and Travel Demand
New Orleans Airport handles more than 13 million passengers annually based on the most recent full-year reporting data. Passenger traffic has remained stable following post-pandemic recovery trends, with consistent domestic leisure and business demand.
Peak travel periods include:
- Mardi Gras season
- Spring festivals
- Summer tourism
- Major sporting events
New Orleans continues to attract visitors year-round, which directly supports strong passenger volume at MSY.
Daily departures connect the city to major airline hubs, allowing travelers one-stop access to nearly every U.S. region.
Airlines Operating at MSY in 2026
As of February 2026, the following major airlines operate at New Orleans Airport:
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- Frontier Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Allegiant Air
- Breeze Airways
These carriers provide extensive domestic service and select international routes.
Key Domestic Destinations
Nonstop flights from MSY serve major cities including:
- Atlanta
- Dallas/Fort Worth
- Houston
- Denver
- Chicago
- Charlotte
- Washington, D.C.
- New York City
- Orlando
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
Southwest Airlines maintains a strong presence at MSY, offering multiple daily departures to key markets.
Delta and American provide hub connectivity through Atlanta, Dallas, and Charlotte. United offers access via Houston and Denver.
International Service at New Orleans Airport
International travel options continue to operate from MSY through designated customs facilities within the terminal.
International destinations include:
- Cancún, Mexico
- Toronto, Canada
- Seasonal Caribbean routes
The airport’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility supports arriving international passengers with dedicated processing areas.
While MSY is primarily a domestic hub, leisure travel to Mexico and the Caribbean remains strong.
Terminal Layout and Amenities
The current terminal features three concourses:
- Concourse A
- Concourse B
- Concourse C
The modern design emphasizes natural light, open spaces, and New Orleans cultural elements.
Passenger Amenities Include:
- TSA PreCheck lanes
- CLEAR expedited security (where available)
- Local restaurants and national chains
- Live music performances in select areas
- Retail shops featuring regional brands
- On-site rental car center
- Short-term and long-term parking garages
Dining options highlight local cuisine, including seafood, po’boys, and Creole-inspired dishes. The airport showcases Louisiana culture through music, art, and culinary offerings.
Security wait times fluctuate based on departure volume, but standard weekday operations remain efficient.
Ground Transportation and Access
Travelers can access downtown New Orleans from MSY through:
- Taxi services
- Rideshare platforms
- Airport shuttle services
- Rental cars
- Public transit via Jefferson Transit Authority (JET)
The airport’s roadway system remains fully operational, with clearly marked signage directing arrivals and departures.
Parking facilities include:
- Short-term garage
- Long-term garage
- Surface economy lots
Real-time parking availability updates help travelers plan ahead.
Cargo Operations and Economic Impact
New Orleans Airport also plays a role in regional cargo logistics. The facility supports freight movement tied to Gulf Coast commerce and international trade.
Cargo carriers and integrated shipping services operate at MSY, contributing to:
- Local business supply chains
- Medical and industrial transport
- E-commerce distribution
The airport remains an economic driver for the Greater New Orleans region, supporting thousands of jobs in aviation, hospitality, and transportation.
Infrastructure and Ongoing Improvements
Since the 2019 terminal opening, airport leadership has focused on operational efficiency and maintenance.
Ongoing initiatives include:
- Runway maintenance programs
- Gate utilization optimization
- Technology upgrades for passenger processing
- Sustainability efforts focused on energy efficiency
The airport’s long-term development plans continue to prioritize capacity management and passenger experience improvements.
No major terminal relocations or closures are in effect as of February 2026.
Mardi Gras Travel Activity
With Mardi Gras season approaching, passenger traffic is trending upward. Airlines typically add capacity to accommodate festival-related travel.
Travelers heading to New Orleans for parades and celebrations are advised to:
- Arrive early for departures
- Allow extra time for rideshare pickup
- Monitor flight schedules during peak days
Airport staffing levels are adjusted to manage increased demand during this period.
Safety and Security Operations
New Orleans Airport operates under Transportation Security Administration guidelines. Security checkpoints remain fully staffed during peak travel windows.
Airport police patrol terminals and roadways. Emergency response teams remain on standby 24 hours a day.
No major operational disruptions or airport-wide alerts are active at this time.
Comparing MSY to Other Regional Airports
Within Louisiana, MSY handles significantly more passenger volume than other commercial airports in the state.
Key distinctions include:
| Feature | New Orleans Airport (MSY) |
|---|---|
| Annual Passengers | 13+ million |
| Terminal | Single modern terminal |
| International Service | Yes |
| Major Airline Presence | Strong multi-carrier base |
Other Louisiana airports, such as Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, operate at smaller scales.
MSY remains the state’s primary aviation gateway.
What Travelers Should Know Before Flying
Before heading to the airport:
- Check airline mobile apps for real-time gate information
- Review parking availability online
- Arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights
- Bring valid identification for TSA screening
Travel demand remains consistent throughout winter, particularly on Fridays and Sundays.
The Role of New Orleans Airport in Regional Tourism
Tourism remains central to the airport’s passenger base. Major annual events support steady traffic, including:
- Mardi Gras
- Jazz Fest
- French Quarter Festival
- Sporting events at Caesars Superdome
Visitors rely on MSY as their primary entry point to the city.
Business travel tied to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center also contributes to consistent weekday traffic.
New Orleans Airport continues to operate smoothly in early 2026, maintaining strong airline partnerships, reliable passenger volume, and efficient terminal operations. With a modern facility, broad domestic connectivity, and select international routes, MSY remains a key transportation hub for Louisiana and the Gulf Coast.
Have you recently traveled through New Orleans Airport? Share your experience and stay connected for more updates on flights, travel trends, and airport developments.
