The City of New Orleans announced Friday that the new Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) will open to the public on Wednesday, November 6.
“The opening of the new terminal at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is a major milestone for the City of New Orleans and for our region,” said New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell in a press release. “The economy of the City is diversifying and thriving, and this new facility will accommodate the increased traffic being attracted to the area. The new airport terminal is the largest infrastructure project for New Orleans since the Superdome, and we look forward to providing our residents and visitors with a new and improved airport experience.”
“With modern conveniences like a consolidated security checkpoint and an inline baggage screening system, the new facility will be a major improvement for travelers. When we open the doors, passengers will feel the spirit of the New Orleans region throughout the facility through the presence of local restaurants and shops that characterize our distinct culture,” said Kevin Dolliole, Director of Aviation for MSY.
All flight operations will move to the new terminal on Nov. 6 and the old terminal located on Airline Highway will be closed to the public, though the soon-to-be former Long Term Parking garage will become a remote Economy Garage and passengers will be shuttled to the new terminal.
The new facility will have its own Short-Term (2,190 spaces) and Long-Term (2,750 spaces) garages. A nearby 685-space Surface Parking Lot will also be an option for travelers. The airport says with over 8,000 spaces, parking should not be an issue as it is with the current terminal, where parking frequently runs out.
Those who departed from the old terminal before Nov. 6 and return after that date will arrive at the new terminal.
As for how you will get to the new facility, according to the airport:
The new terminal is located in closer proximity to the region’s main thoroughfare, Interstate 10 (I-10). Travelers will exit Loyola Drive from I-10, cross over Veterans Boulevard and proceed on the new dedicated Airport roadway. The State’s Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) in close coordination with the City of Kenner recently completed improvements to the roadways to accommodate traffic flow through the Veterans/Loyola corridor.
From downtown New Orleans, take I-10 West and exit at Loyola Drive. Turn left at Loyola Drive and continue straight across Veterans Boulevard onto Terminal Drive, which is the Airport’s dedicated roadway system. From there, follow the signage to access the departures curb, arrivals curb, parking options, etc.
From west of the Airport, take I-10 East and exit at Loyola Drive. Turn right at Loyola Drive and continue straight across Veterans Boulevard onto Terminal Drive, which is the Airport’s dedicated roadway system. From there, follow the signage to access the departures curb, arrivals curb, parking options, etc.
From Airline Drive, turn onto the existing Airport Access Road, continue straight toward Veterans Boulevard. Turn left at Veterans Boulevard, and turn left onto Terminal Drive, which is the Airport’s dedicated roadway system. From there, follow the signage to access the departures curb, arrivals curb, parking options, etc.
Direct access to the new terminal from I-10 is still a work in progress.