 Photo by George Long Mayor Moreno, Regional Leaders Share Details of Master Plan for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
NEW ORLEANS –
NEW ORLEANS – Today, Mayor Helena Moreno and the New Orleans Aviation Board (NOAB) joined the Parish Presidents from the parishes in the Greater New Orleans Region, Greater New Orleans, Inc., and New Orleans & Co. to discuss Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport’s Master Plan, which outlines the strategic vision for its long-term growth.
“MSY continues to perform at a high level, serving nearly 12.5 million passengers and earning national recognition for excellence,” said New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno. “The Master Plan will guide the next phase, keeping our airport efficient, modern, and ready for New Orleans’ continued growth.”
Developed over a two-year period with input from airlines, regional leaders, economic development and hospitality partners, and the public, the Master Plan outlines the investments needed to ensure MSY can meet future demand while maintaining the high-quality experience travelers expect.
“We are taking a proactive approach to growth by planning ahead rather than reacting to it,” said Honorable Michael Bagneris, Chair of the New Orleans Aviation Board. “This Master Plan reflects strong collaboration across our region and ensures that our Airport remains competitive, efficient, and ready to support future generations of travelers and businesses.”
Current forecasts indicate that by the time the Airport reaches 8.6 to 9.7 million departing passengers within the 10-year planning period, the following additional infrastructure investments are needed:
• A second terminal facility to process the growing volume of passengers
• 10 to 15 additional gates to support expanded airline operations
• An improved roadway system to eliminate bottlenecks and allow better access and vehicle circulation
• An additional parking garage where the surface lot currently sits.
“With this Master Plan, we are positioning ourselves to ensure the Airport is ready with the necessary space as our region continues to grow the economy and attract new businesses and visitors,” Kevin Dolliole, Director of Aviation MSY. “We’re not only improving the travel experience for millions of visitors but also creating jobs and positioning our region as a leader in innovative transportation infrastructure.”
In addition, the plan outlines redevelopment of the Airport’s South Campus, including demolition of the older parts of the former terminal to open up opportunities for aeronautical uses such as aircraft maintenance operations, air cargo expansion, hangar development and other aviation-related uses.
The Airport has submitted its Master Plan to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and is working with the agency on gaining final acceptance.
“We are so proud that the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is located in Jefferson Parish and recognize the economic impact it brings to our residents, businesses, and the entire region,” said Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng. “The MSY Master Plan represents important investments that will strengthen both our infrastructure and our economy. Jefferson Parish is committed to working alongside airport leadership, the City of Kenner, and our neighboring parishes to support the airport’s continued growth, while also improving our residents’ quality of life, and building a more resilient parish and region.”
The Airport is also currently undergoing several capital improvement projects, including the $84.5 million Express Shuttle Connector Road, the expansion of the Airport’s checked baggage screening system, and a $27.1 million project to rehabilitate the North-South Runway. It will soon begin construction of 400 additional parking spaces to increase parking inventory near the terminal.
“In St. Charles Parish, we’ve seen firsthand how access and connectivity influence investment decisions,” said St. Charles Parish President Matthew Jewell. “This new terminal will not only enhance travel, but also strengthen logistics, workforce mobility, and our ability to attract and retain major companies. This is a win for the entire Southeast Louisiana region.”
The Airport has also earned national and international recognition for excellence, including induction into the Airports Council International (ACI) World Roll of Excellence after five consecutive years ranking as Best Airport in North America in its size category by ACI World’s Airport Service Quality survey program. MSY was ranked the number 1 Large Airport in North America by J.D. Power in 2021, and received the Best Customer Experience Programs award from ACI-North America in 2025 for its Music @ MSY program supporting local musicians.
“Regions that compete and win economically are ones that invest in connectivity, and this Master Plan reflects what’s possible when this region is aligned across all ten parishes,” said Michael Hecht, President and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. “The proposed plan ensures the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport can support business growth, access to talent, and the level of national and international access that companies demand when they choose where to invest. This is how Greater New Orleans builds a more competitive regional economy and expands opportunity for the people and businesses that call this region home today and in the future.”
“Modern economies compete on connectivity,” said Walt Leger III, President and CEO of New Orleans & Company, the official destination marketing and sales organization for the New Orleans tourism industry. “More efficient air connectivity to our city, region and state, means we will welcome more visitors, more conferences, conventions and major events, and more business investment. Expanding our airport strengthens New Orleans’ role as a global city, a hub for visitation and talent attraction and ultimately helps us to become an even better place to live, work, learn and visit.”
Click here for Master Plan renderings.
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Pictured above, left to right: Robby Miller, President Tangipahoa Parish, Walt Leger, CEO New Orleans & Company, Pete Dufresne, President St. James Parish, Michael Hecht, CEO GNO, INC., Roger H. Odgen, Board Member New Orleans Aviation Board, Matthew Jewell, President St. Charles Parish, Cynthia Lee Sheng, President Jefferson Parish, Mike Cooper, President St. Tammany, Helena Moreno, Mayor City of New Orleans, Gary Smith Sr., Board Member New Orleans Aviation Board, Jaclyn Hotard, President St. John the Baptist, Louis Pomes, President St. Bernard, J. Douglas Thornton, Board Member New Orleans Aviation Board, Hon. Michael Bagneris, Chariman New Orleans Aviation Board, W. Keith Hinkley, President Plaquemines Parish, Ryan B. Seal, President Washington Parish, Kevin Dolliole, Director of Aviation New Orleans Aviation Board. |
