A guide to NOLA airports

If you're wondering which of three New Orleans airports to fly into, the answer is straightforward:

• Fly into MSY for domestic or international commercial flights
• Consider NEW only if you are chartering a private plane or on a commuter service
• NAS JRB is a military facility and not an option for commercial flights

Traveling to New Orleans is unlike visiting any other city in the United States. Known as the Big Easy, it's a destination famous for its jazz clubs, Creole cuisine, Mardi Gras parades, and the historic French Quarter. You'll often hear the city called NOLA, a shorthand for New Orleans, Louisiana. Visitors from around the world come to NOLA for lively festivals, food, music, business events, and cruises departing from the Port of New Orleans.

When booking your flight to New Orleans, choosing the right airport is the first step for a smooth journey. Our guide to NOLA airports answers all your pressing questions about which New Orleans airport to fly into, along with useful information about the Big Easy. Whether you are visiting for leisure, nightlife, or a weekend escape, prepare to immerse yourself in its rich culture, take an airboat tour along the Bayou, and indulge in the beignets.

How many airports are there in New Orleans?

There are three airports in New Orleans; however, only one is used for commercial flights. In 2024, New Orleans welcomed 19 million visitors. An impressive 13 million of those arrived through Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), the region's largest and busiest airport. Conveniently located just 11 miles from the city center, MSY acts as the main gateway for both domestic and international travelers.

The two smaller airports include:

1. Lakefront Airport (NEW): A historic Art Deco airport mainly serving private aviation, charters, and limited commuter flights.
2. Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans (NAS JRB): Also known as Alvin Callender Field, is a military base not open to the public.

So, while there are technically three airports in the New Orleans area, MSY is the only true commercial hub welcoming visitors to the Big Easy.

Louis Armstrong International (MSY)

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport serves as the main gateway into the city for both domestic and international travelers. Situated in Kenner, Louisiana, it's approximately 11 miles west of downtown New Orleans, providing easy access by car, taxi, rideshare, or airport shuttle.

Why is New Orleans airport MSY?

If you are puzzled by the airport code and wondering why New Orleans airport is MSY – you're not alone. The letters originate from Moisant Stock Yards, named after aviation pioneer John Moisant, who tragically died in a plane crash on the land where the airport now sits. When the airport was built, the site was farmland called Moisant Stock Yards and the code MSY was adopted in his honor. So, if anyone asks what MSY stands for at New Orleans airport, the answer is rooted in local aviation history.

Facilities and services at MSY

MSY is equipped with modern facilities following a major terminal redevelopment completed in 2019. Travelers can expect:

• Multiple dining options featuring local cuisine such as gumbo and po’boys
• Duty-free shopping for international travelers
• Car rental desks and rideshare pick-up points
• On-site parking and shuttle services
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal

MSY is also renowned for its music. True to the city’s heritage, the airport frequently hosts live jazz performances in the terminals, setting the tone for your stay from the moment you touch down.

Airlines and destinations

MSY handles flights from major US carriers such as Delta, American, United, Spirit, and Southwest, along with international connections with airlines like British Airways and Air Canada. Non-stop routes serve cities like New York, Los Angeles, London, and Toronto. For most travelers, MSY is the New Orleans airport you will fly into.

Lakefront Airport (NEW)

Just five miles from the city center, Lakefront Airport (NEW) is located on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain and is famous for its striking Art Deco terminal. Opened in the 1930s, it operated as New Orleans’ main airport until Louis Armstrong International took over in 1946. Originally called Shushan Airport, it was renamed Lakefront Airport in 1939 following the Louisiana Scandals.

The terminal itself is a landmark, showcasing murals by Xavier Gonzalez and friezes by Enrique Alferez. During its heyday, the airport offered everything from tennis courts and a swimming pool to a post office and a surgical suite. Amelia Earhart even made a stop here during her transatlantic journey in the 1930s. Today, the restored Walnut Room is an event space and the elegant terminal makes the airport as much a destination for architecture enthusiasts as for aviation.

What to Expect at Lakefront Airport

Lakefront mainly caters to private planes, charters, air taxis, flight schools, and helicopter tours. Although it doesn't provide scheduled commercial airline services, it remains a convenient option for business travelers, heli tours, and those flying privately.

Facilities and Services

Lakefront Airport is a mix of historic charm and modern utility – a distinctive part of New Orleans aviation history that still serves the city today. NEW offers a solid mix of amenities, including:

• Messina’s Runway Café
• Car hire desks
• Charter flight operations
• Helicopter tours
• On-site event venues
• Flight schools and aviation services

Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans (NAS)

Located in Belle Chasse, about 15 miles southeast of downtown New Orleans, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS JRB) New Orleans is a major US military installation founded in 1957. Also known as Alvin Callender Field, NAS houses both active and reserve units from the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard, making it one of the few joint-service reserve bases in the country. It is also recognized for hosting the Blue Angels, the US Navy’s flight demonstration squadron, during airshows and training exercises.

What to Expect at NAS JRB

NAS JRB isn't a commercial airport and doesn't serve civilian passenger flights. Access is limited to military personnel, government officials, and authorized visitors. Although travelers heading to New Orleans won't pass through NAS JRB, the base remains an important center for military operations, disaster relief efforts, and community engagement across the Gulf South.

Facilities and Services

On base, NAS supports:

• Military and reserve aviation squadrons
• Training ranges and simulators
• Maintenance and support facilities
• Housing and family services for military members
• A small Navy Exchange (NEX) and commissary

Which airport should I fly into New Orleans?

If you are planning a vacation or business trip to NOLA and are not flying privately, you will always fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). It's the only major airport offering scheduled commercial services, international flights and modern passenger facilities.

Flying into New Orleans internationally

If you are traveling to New Orleans from outside the United States, you'll arrive at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), the city’s only airport handling scheduled international flights.

Direct international routes

The most reliable long-haul service is the non-stop flight from London Heathrow (LHR) operated by British Airways, making it simple for U.K. travelers to reach New Orleans without a layover. Additionally, there are seasonal and regional connections from Toronto (YYZ) with Air Canada, linking New Orleans to Canada and other global destinations.

One-stop connections

For most international travelers, particularly those flying from Europe, Asia, South America or the Middle East, the journey to New Orleans will involve a connection through a larger US hub. Common stopover airports include Atlanta (ATL), Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW), Houston (IAH), Miami (MIA), and New York (JFK/EWR). These hubs provide onward domestic flights directly into MSY.

Flying into New Orleans: What you need to know

While there are technically three New Orleans airports, there is only one that handles commercial flights – Louis Armstrong International (MSY). As the main hub for both international and domestic flights, MSY provides modern amenities, direct flights, duty-free shopping, and a range of dining options. Book early during festival seasons, allow plenty of time at the airport, and be sure to try the local cuisine before you fly out.

If you are flying on a private charter, Lakefront Airport (NEW) is your landing ground, while NAS New Orleans Airport is reserved for military personnel, government officials, and authorized visitors. Whichever way you arrive, the Big Easy offers an unforgettable experience filled with music, food, and vibrant culture. Choosing the right airport to begin your journey ensures a smooth start to your trip.