New Orleans airport outlines 20-year expansion plan

The airport released a 20-year master plan proposing a new parking garage, road changes, redevelopment of the old terminal and a second terminal, with the first phase targeted for 2031; the plan has been submitted to the FAA and awaits approval which could take weeks or months.

New Orleans officials announced a 20-year master plan for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). Officials said almost 85% of people flying into Louisiana use MSY. The plan outlines changes to parking, the road system, terminal space and business uses at the airport. Airport leaders have submitted the plan to the Federal Aviation Administration and say approval could take weeks or months. Planned changes: - Replace the surface parking lot with a new multi-level parking garage and complete related road improvements. - Add 15 gates in a first phase targeted for completion in 2031, with a second terminal and further expansions tied to passenger counts officials expect to reach within about ten years. - Redevelop the existing terminal to host new businesses and services. - Officials noted that adding gates does not automatically increase flights; flight frequency will reflect regional economic demand; Southwest is the airport's largest carrier and about 12.5 million passengers used MSY last year. - The city owns the airport, which sits on land in Kenner (Jefferson Parish) and has a runway that extends into St. Charles Parish; leaders from multiple parishes attended the announcement. Summary: The master plan would expand capacity and alter how the airport serves the region because MSY handles most inbound air traffic to Louisiana. FAA review is the next procedural step and could take weeks or months, while construction and later phases are tied to projected passenger growth and the 2031 target for the first phase.