GNO, Inc. Sunday Night Highlight – New Orleans International Airport Soars ✈️

On Friday, regional leadership came together at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to share details of a 20-year Airport Master Plan.

Before discussing the plan, MSY celebrated being named one of the Best Airports in North America for the fifth consecutive year. The recognition comes from Airports Council International’s Airport Service Quality survey, wherein travelers themselves rate their experience. With its fifth consecutive win, Louis Armstrong Airport has been inducted into the ACI World Director General’s Roll of Excellence, one of only eight airports worldwide to receive that honor.

The airport plan, presented by New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno alongside the region’s parish presidents, the Aviation Board, GNO, Inc., and New Orleans & Company, underscores that MSY is not just a transportation asset, but core economic infrastructure for Southeast Louisiana.

Developed over two years with input from airlines, economic development and hospitality partners, and the public, the Master Plan lays out a comprehensive approach to meeting future demand. It includes:

• Terminal Expansion (East & West) – Expanding the existing terminal to the east and the west, eventually connecting it to a second terminal on its west side
• Up to 60 New Gates – The airport will add 10 to 15 additional gates to support expanded airline operations, with the long-term full facility able to support up to 60 gates, up from 35 today
• Expanded Passenger Processing Space – 31,000 square feet of new ticket lobby space, 53,000 square feet of expanded security checkpoint space, and 78,000 square feet of additional baggage claim
• Roadway & Access Improvements – An improved roadway system to eliminate bottlenecks and allow better vehicle circulation
• New Parking Garage – An additional parking garage is planned where the current surface lot sits
• South Campus Aeronautical Redevelopment –  The redevelopment of the south campus will prioritize aeronautical uses, with cargo and private aviation terminals (FBOs) moved there, a new hangar for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), and eventually a school for aircraft mechanics
• Expanded Air Service –  The airport has already added new domestic and international routes, including flights to Portland, Tampa, Myrtle Beach, and destinations in Mexico and Honduras, with more nonstop routes planned

Financially, the plan relies on self-generated operating revenue, airline agreements, and federal grants, without requiring any direct public tax subsidy.  It now awaits final FAA approval.

You can see the press release here.
You can read an event recap here.

We know you have your choice of regions.  Thank you for flying with Greater New Orleans!