7 of the Best Airports in Louisiana That You Should Know About

Louisiana is a state that is famous for its vibrant music scene, delicious cuisine, diverse culture, rich history, and unique attractions. It is home to several airports that play a vital role in the economy, transportation, and tourism industry.

In this informative blog, we are going to explore all the airports in Louisiana, from the largest commercial airports to the smaller general aviation, and public-use airfields.

We will discuss the airport information, services, amenities, travel tips, airlines, destinations, and all other essential details. If you’re planning to visit Louisiana soon, or are just curious about the state’s aviation industry, this article might be beneficial to you.

What are the major airports in Louisiana?

You can find airports with three categories in Louisiana state including Commercial Airports, General Aviation Airports, and Military Airfields.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, Lafayette Regional Airport, Lake Charles Regional Airport, and Shreveport Regional Airport are commercial airports in Louisiana.

General Aviation airports in Louisiana include Lakefront Airport, Hammond Northshore Regional Airport, Acadiana Regional Airport, Houma-Terrebonne Airport, and Alexandria International Airport.

Barksdale Air Force Base, Fort Polk Army Airfield, and Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base are the military airports in Louisiana.

Now, let’s explore Louisiana’s major airports in detail.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

Louis Armstrong New Orleans Int’l Airport (ICAO: KMSY, IATA: MSY, FAA LID: MSY) is the primary international airport located 11 miles west of downtown New Orleans. It serves the New Orleans metropolitan area and is the focus airport for Breeze Airways.

MSY is situated at an elevation of 4ft (1m) above mean sea level (AMSL). The airport is owned, and operated by the New Orleans Aviation Board.

A total of 14 commercial airlines, and 4 cargo operators operate regular commercial flights to and from the airport.

MSY Airport Infrastructure

Louis Armstrong New Orleans Int’l Airport occupies a total area of 1,500 acres (607 ha), and features two runways (RWY 11/29, and RWY 02/20).

MSY RUNWAYS	LENGTH	SURFACE
RWY 11/29	10,104 ft (3,080 m)	Asphalt/Concrete
RWY 02/20	7,001 ft (2,134 m)	Concrete

Regarding the terminal, MSY is equipped with only one terminal that holds three Concourses, and a total of 35 gates. You can find Arrivals, and Baggage Claim area on Level 1. 

Level 2 of the terminal building features TSA Security Screening while the departures and ticketing can be found on Level 3.

Services offered by MSY Airport

• Adult Changing Tables
• Charging Stations
• Facilities for the Disabled
• Financial Services
• Lost and Found
• Tax-Free Shopping for International Travelers
• Food & Shopping Options
• Airport Lounges
• Meet & Greet Services
• Mother’s Rooms
• Police Station
• Pet Relief Areas
• Designated Smoking Areas
• Visitor Information, and Assistance
• Water Bottle Filling Stations
• Free & Fast Wi-Fi Access
• Parking Facility
• Rental Car Center, and more.

Shopping Options – Parish Provisions, CNBC, The Advocate, Fluerty Girl, Tripadvisor, Brighton, Nola Couture, New Stand, InMotion Entertainment, Where Traveler, City Greens, Dirty Coast, The Scoreboard, Mosiant Market, and more.

Food Options – Great American Bagel Panini, Starbucks Coffee, Emeril’s Table, Dook’s Burgers, Bar Sazerac, Lucky Dogs, Panda Express, Dylan’s Candy Bar, Chick-fil-A, Ye Old College Inn, PJ’s Coffee, Peet’s Coffee, The Munch Factory, Cure, Folse Market, Leah’s Kitchen, Midway Pizza, Chili’s, Auntie Anne’s, Bourbon Sweets, MoPho, Angelo Brocato, Heritage School of Music Stage & Bar, Mondo, Cafe du Monde, Smoothie King, Shake Shack, and more.

Airport Lounge & Bar – The Club MSY, Vino Volo, Delta Sky Club, and United Club

Ground Transportation – Rental Cars, Public Transportation, Ride Apps, Shuttles, and Taxis.

Airlines Operating at MSY Airport

The airlines operating flights to and from MSY Airport include Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Breeze Airways, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Silver Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, and Vacation Express.

Top Destinations from MSY Airport

NON-STOP DESTINATIONS FROM MSY	OPERATING AIRLINES
Atlanta (ATL)	Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines
Houston–Intercontinental (IAH)	Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines
Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)	American Airlines, and Spirit Airlines
Denver (DEN)	Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines
Dallas Love Field (DAL)	Southwest Airlines
Orlando (MCO)	Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines
Charlotte (CLT)	American Airlines
Houston–Hobby (HOU)	Southwest Airlines
Chicago–O’Hare (ORD)	American Airlines, United Airlines, and Spirit Airlines
Miami (MIA)	American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines

Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR)

Baton Rouge Airport (ICAO: KBTR, IATA: BTR, FAA LID: BTR) is also among the major airports in Louisiana located 4 miles north of the central business district of Baton Rouge, the capital of the U.S. state of Louisiana.

BTR Airport is owned by the City of Baton Rouge/Parish of East Baton Rouge, and operated by Baton Rouge Airport Authority. A few U.S. airlines operate commercial flights to and from the airport.

BTR Airport Infrastructure

Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport occupies a total area of 1,250 acres (510 ha), and is equipped with three runways: RWY 4L/22R, RWY 4R/22L, and RWY 13/31.

BTR RUNWAYS	LENGTH	SURFACE
RWY 4L/22R	7,500 ft (2,286 m)	Concrete
RWY 4R/22L	3,799 ft (1,158 m)	Asphalt
RWY 13/31	7,005 ft (2,135 m)	Asphalt

The airport infrastructure holds a terminal building with two floors. The 1st floor contains baggage claim area, rental car center, ticket counters, gift shop, restaurant, restrooms, and lactation room.

Likewise, the 2nd floor of the terminal building features a business center, departure lounge, electronics charging lounge, lactation room, gift shop, security checkpoint, public parking, restrooms, and other basic facilities.

Services offered by BTR Airport

• Wi-Fi (Free)
• Restaurants
• Sports Bar
• Gift Shops
• Art Gallery
• ATMs
• Business Center
• Conference Room
• Nursing Rooms
• Non-Denominational Chapel
• Reading Room
• Kids Room
• Shoe Shine
• Vending Machines
• Courtesy Phones
• Lost and Found
• Parking Shuttle
• Passenger Paging
• Smart Carts
• Sky Caps
• Taxis
• Rideshare Companies (Uber & Lyft)

Shopping Options – Paradies Lagardere

Food Options – Wow Cafe, Full Service Bar, PJ’s Coffee, and Rosie’s Gourmet Popcorn

Airlines Operating at BTR Airport

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines are the major U.S. carriers connecting the airport to various domestic destinations.

AIRLINES AT BTR AIRPORT	DESTINATIONS
American Airlines (Gates B1 & B2)	Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), and Charlotte (CLT)
Delta Air Lines (Gates A2–A4)	Atlanta (ATL)
United Airlines (Gate A1)	Houston (IAH)

Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV)

Shreveport Regional Airport (ICAO: KSHV, IATA: SHV, FAA LID: SHV) is a public-use airport located in Shreveport, a city in the state of Louisiana. The airport is owned by the City of Shreveport, and operated by Shreveport Airport Authority.

Situated at an elevation of 258 ft (78.5 m) AMSL, SHV Airport facilitates flights to various domestic destinations operated by four airlines.

SHV Airport Infrastructure

SHV occupies a total area of 1,625 acres (658 ha), and features two runways: RWY 14/32, and RWY 6/24.

SHV RUNWAYS	DIMENSION	SURFACE
RWY 14/32	8,348 ft by 200 ft2,544 m by 61 m	Asphalt
RWY 6/24	7,002 ft by 150 ft(2,134 m by 46 m)	Asphalt

The airport infrastructure holds a renovated terminal that features all facilities, and services. The lower level of the terminal holds ticket counters, baggage claim, and vehicle drop-off locations.

The upper level of the airport terminal is equipped with gates, security checkpoints, restaurants, and airline operations.

Services offered by Shreveport Airport

• Ticket Counters
• Baggage Claim
• Security Screening
• Ground Transportation
• Airport Parking
• Lost & Found
• Food, and Shopping Options

Airlines Operating at SHV Airport

The major airlines operating flights to and from SHV Airport include Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.

AIRLINES AT SHV AIRPORT	DESTINATIONS
Allegiant Air	Los Angeles (LAX), and Las Vegas (LAS)Seasonal Route: Destin (VPS) & Orlando/Sanford (SFB)
American Airlines	Charlotte (CLT), and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
Delta Air Lines	Atlanta (ATL)
United Airlines	Houston (IAH), and Denver (DEN)

Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT)

Lafayette Regional Airport (ICAO: KLFT, IATA: LFT, FAA LID: LFT) is among the airports in Louisiana located 2 miles southeast of Lafayette, a city in the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is owned by the City & Parish of Lafayette, and operated by Lafayette Airport Commission.

LFT Airport is situated at an elevation of 42ft (13m) AMSL, and serves nonstop flights to some domestic destinations.

LFT Infrastructure

Lafayette Regional Airport covers a total area of 746 acres (302 ha), and features three asphalt runways with the designation RWY 04L/22R, RWY 04R/22L, and RWY 11/29.

LFT RUNWAYS	DIMENSION	SURFACE
RWY 04L/22R	4,099 ft by 75 ft1,249 m by 23 m	Asphalt
RWY 04R/22L	8,000 ft by 150 ft 2,438 m by 46 m	Asphalt
RWY 11/29(Used as a Taxiway)	5,400 ft by 148 ft1,646 m by 45 m	Asphalt

The airport is currently undergoing new terminal construction which will hold new concourse, terminal parking facility, new airfield pavement, and other advancements.

Services offered by Lafayette Airport

• Mother’s Rooms
• Service Animal Relief Area
• Wifi & Charging
• Food & Shopping Options
• Ground Transportation
• Airport Parking
• Lost & Found
• TSA Security Screening
• ATM
• Car Rentals
• Wheelchair Service, and more.

Shopping Options – The new terminal at LFT airport features an expanded gift shop that is located inside the secure area. You can get food, drink, news, gift, and specialty options.

Food Options – Acadiana Kitchen+Bar

Ground Transportation – Luxury Limo, Uber & Lyft, Taxis, and Shuttle Services.

Airlines Operating at LFT Airport

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines connect LFT to some domestic destinations.

AIRLINES AT LFT	DESTINATIONS
American Airlines	Charlotte (CLT), and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
Delta Air Lines	Atlanta (ATL)
United Airlines	Houston–Intercontinental (IAH)

Lake Charles Regional Airport (LCH)

Lake Charles is one of the airports in Louisiana that serves Lake Charles, the fifth-largest city in the state of Louisiana. It is located at an elevation of 15 ft (5 m) AMSL.

LCH Airport covers a total area of 1,878 acres (760 ha), and features two runways: RWY 5/23, and RWY 15/33.

LFT RUNWAYS	DIMENSION	SURFACE
RWY 5/23	5,200 ft by 100 ft1,585 m by 30 m	Asphalt
RWY 15/33	6,500 ft by 150 ft1,981 m by 46 m	Concrete

Regarding the terminal infrastructure, LCH Airport is equipped with a terminal building that holds 2 floors.

The 1st Floor contains baggage claim, parking, shuttle services, airport security, TSA, Rental Car Counters, Ticketing/Check-in, restrooms, and so on.

Likewise, the 2nd floor of the terminal building features wheelchair seating, TSA Security Screening, Food & Beverage, Gate, Gift Shops, Business Lounge, and other basic terminal services.

Airlines Operating at LCH Airport

American Eagle (a regional branch of American Airlines), and United Express (a regional branch of United Airlines) are the two airlines operating out of Lake Charles Regional Airport.

AIRLINES AT LCH AIRPORT	DESTINATIONS
American Eagle	Direct service to Dallas-Fort Worth, TX (DFW) with connections to over 170 destinations.
United Express	Direct service to Houston, TX (IAH) with connections to over 163 destinations.

Alexandria International Airport (AEX)

Alexandria Int’l Airport (ICAO: KAEX, IATA: AEX, FAA LID: AEX) is located 4 miles west of the central business district of Alexandria, the 9th largest city in the state of Louisiana. It is owned by England Authority and serves Alexandria city with some domestic connections.

Situated at an elevation of 88ft (27m) AMSL, AEX Airport is equipped with two runways: RWY 14/32, and RWY 18/36.

AEX RUNWAYS	DIMENSION	SURFACE
RWY 14/32	9,352 ft by 150 ft2,850 m by 46 m	Concrete
RWY 18/36	7,001 ft by 150 ft 2,135 m by 46 m	Asphalt/Concrete

The airport terminal Building holds three Levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3.

AEX Terminal Level 1 holds baggage claim, car rental, restrooms, a ticket queue section, and other basic terminal services. Level 2 of the terminal building accommodates Gate 1–4, TSA Security Screening, Concessions, and Restrooms.

Likewise, you can find an airport conference room, public observation deck, and elevators on Level 3.

Airlines Operating at AEX Airport

American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines are the two airlines connecting AEX Airport to two of the busiest domestic destinations (DFW, and ATL).

AIRLINES AT AEX	DESTINATIONS
American Airlines	Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
Delta Air Lines	Atlanta (ATL)

Monroe Regional Airport (MLU)

Monroe Rational Airport (ICAO: KMLU, IATA: MLU, FAA LID: MLU) is also among the airports in Louisiana located 3 miles east of its central business district. The airport is owned by the City of Monroe, and serves Monroe, the 8th largest city in the state of Louisiana.

MLU Airport occupies a total area of 2,660 acres (1,076 ha), and features three asphalt runways: RWY 4/22, RWY 14/32, and RWY 18/36.

MLU RUNWAYS	DIMENSION	SURFACE
RWY 4/22	7,505 ft by 150 ft2,288 m by 46 m	Asphalt
RWY 14/32	4,999 ft by 150 ft1,524 m by 46 m	Asphalt
RWY 18/36	5,001 ft by 150 ft1,524 m by 46 m	Asphalt

The former terminal was torn down and replaced with a modern passenger terminal that incorporates a fresh baggage claim and car rental facility. Positioned adjacent to the previous establishment, the updated terminal boasts novel ticket counters, a cocktail lounge, and a restaurant that provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It also has six gates, four of which are equipped with jet bridges.

Airlines at Monroe Regional Airport 

The two major airlines operating at MLU Airport are American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.

AIRLINES AT AEX	DESTINATIONS
American Airlines	Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
Delta Air Lines	Atlanta (ATL)

Other airports in Louisiana

In addition to the airports we discussed above, there are more airports in the state of Louisiana.

Some other key airports in the state are listed below.

• Alexandria Esler Regional Airport (ESF)
• South Lafourche Leonard Miller Jr. Airport (GAO)
• Acadiana Regional Airport (ARA)
• Hammond Northshore Regional Airport (HDC)
• Houma-Terrebonne Airport (HUM)
• Ruston Regional Airport (RSN)
• Chennault International Airport (CWF)
• Natchitoches Regional Airport (IER)

Conclusion on Airports in Louisiana

As we come to the end of this blog, we explored all the important airports in Louisiana with their location, infrastructure, services, amenities, airlines, destinations, travel tips, and more.

Airports in Louisiana serve as key transportation hubs for both commercial and private travel. From the bustling Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to the quieter Hammond Northshore Regional Airport, Louisiana’s airports connect people and goods across the state and beyond.

If you’re planning a trip to Louisiana, you can refer to this blog, and find out the best airports that can meet your travel needs. Besides, check flight schedules, and prices well in advance to get the best deals, and avoid any last-minute surprises.

You can rent a car, or use public transportation to get around the airports in Louisiana. Also, don’t forget to take the advantage of the unique food, and culture that Louisiana has to offer.

FAQs on Airports in Louisiana