Louisiana, known for its vibrant culture, jazz music, and Creole cuisine, relies on a network of airports to connect its communities to national and international destinations. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is the state’s primary hub, while regional airports support tourism, business, and cargo operations.
| City Served/Location | Region | IATA | Airport Name | Coordinates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | Southeastern Louisiana | MSY | Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport | 29.9934° N, 90.2580° W |
| Baton Rouge | Central Louisiana | BTR | Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport | 30.5325° N, 91.1568° W |
| Shreveport | Northwestern Louisiana | SHV | Shreveport Regional Airport | 32.4466° N, 93.8256° W |
| Lafayette | South Central Louisiana | LFT | Lafayette Regional Airport | 30.2053° N, 91.9877° W |
| Lake Charles | Southwestern Louisiana | LCH | Lake Charles Regional Airport | 30.1261° N, 93.2234° W |
| Alexandria | Central Louisiana | AEX | Alexandria International Airport | 31.3274° N, 92.5486° W |
| Monroe | Northeastern Louisiana | MLU | Monroe Regional Airport | 32.5109° N, 92.0377° W |
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
Located near New Orleans, MSY is Louisiana’s largest and busiest airport, serving as the primary gateway for tourists and business travelers alike.
Features:
- Passenger Services: Modern terminals with shopping, dining, and lounges.
- Connectivity: Direct flights to major U.S. cities such as Atlanta, New York, and Dallas, as well as international destinations like Mexico and Canada.
- Tourism Hub: A vital entry point for visitors to New Orleans and its world-famous festivals, including Mardi Gras.
Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR)
BTR serves Louisiana’s capital city, providing flights to major hubs like Atlanta, Dallas, and Houston, catering to both business and government travel.
Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV)
SHV connects northwestern Louisiana to larger hubs, supporting both passenger and cargo operations. It is a key airport for the Ark-La-Tex region.
Regional Airports
- Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT): Located in the heart of Acadiana, LFT is an important gateway for the oil and gas industry and serves the southern Louisiana region.
- Lake Charles Regional Airport (LCH): Supports the petrochemical and casino industries in southwestern Louisiana.
- Alexandria International Airport (AEX): Offers flights to Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta, serving central Louisiana.
- Monroe Regional Airport (MLU): Provides essential air service for northeastern Louisiana, with flights to Atlanta, Dallas, and Houston.
Importance of Louisiana’s Airports
Louisiana’s airports are crucial for connecting the state’s industries, such as energy, tourism, and agriculture, to global markets. They support the state’s vibrant cultural scene and enable residents to access national and international destinations.
Sustainability and Development
Louisiana airports are adopting sustainable practices:
- MSY’s modern terminal is designed with energy efficiency in mind.
- Regional airports are upgrading infrastructure to improve passenger experience and operational efficiency.
Louisiana’s aviation network plays a vital role in supporting its economy and preserving its status as a major cultural and economic hub in the southern United States.