KEY TAKEAWAYS: Master plan calls for second terminal, 10–15 new gates, roadway upgrades, and expanded parking Airport projects up to 9.7 million departing passengers within the next decade Plan includes South Campus redevelopment for cargo, maintenance, and aviation operations Officials say expansion will support regional economic growth, tourism, and job creation   Regional and aviation leaders have unveiled a long-term master plan for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, outlining major expansions that officials say are needed to keep pace with projected passenger growth and strengthen Southeast Louisiana’s economic competitiveness. The plan, announced by New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno alongside the New Orleans Aviation Board, parish presidents, and regional economic and tourism leaders, calls for a second terminal, additional gates, roadway upgrades, and expanded parking capacity over the coming years. Officials said the master plan is intended to guide the airport’s development as passenger demand continues to rise and as airlines and businesses expand service in the region. The airport currently serves roughly 12.5 million passengers annually, according to city officials. “MSY continues to perform at a high level, serving nearly 12.5 million passengers and earning national recognition for excellence,” Moreno said. “The Master Plan will guide the next phase, keeping our airport efficient, modern, and ready for New Orleans’ continued growth.” Developed over two years, the master plan incorporated input from airlines, regional leaders, economic development groups, hospitality organizations and members of the public, officials said. It focuses on preparing infrastructure ahead of demand rather than reacting to congestion after it occurs. “We are taking a proactive approach to growth by planning ahead rather than reacting to it,” said 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.” Under current projections, the airport is expected to reach between 8.6 million and 9.7 million departing passengers within the next decade. To accommodate that growth, the plan identifies several major infrastructure needs, including construction of a second terminal facility, 10 to 15 additional gates, improved roadway systems to reduce traffic bottlenecks, and a new parking garage to replace existing surface lots. Airport Director Kevin Dolliole said the expansion is designed not only to improve passenger experience but also to support broader regional economic development. “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,” Dolliole said. The plan also outlines redevelopment of the airport’s South Campus, including demolition of portions of the former terminal. That space would be repurposed for aviation-related uses such as aircraft maintenance, cargo operations, and hangar development, officials said. The airport has submitted the master plan to the Federal Aviation Administration and is working through the review process for final acceptance. Local parish leaders emphasized the regional economic impact of the airport’s expansion. Cynthia Lee Sheng said the airport is a key economic driver for Jefferson Parish and the broader region, and that coordinated investment is essential. “This MSY Master Plan represents important investments that will strengthen both our infrastructure and our economy,” she said. “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.” St. Charles Parish President Matthew Jewell said improved airport connectivity influences business investment decisions and workforce mobility across Southeast Louisiana. The airport is also moving forward with several capital improvement projects already underway, including an $84.5 million Express Shuttle Connector Road, expansion of its checked baggage screening system, rehabilitation of the North-South Runway at a cost of $27.1 million, and construction of 400 additional parking spaces near the terminal. Beyond infrastructure growth, officials highlighted the airport’s national recognition for customer experience and operational excellence. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport has been inducted into the Airports Council International World Roll of Excellence after five consecutive years ranking as the Best Airport in North America in its size category in ACI World’s Airport Service Quality survey. It was also ranked the No. 1 large airport in North America by J.D. Power in 2021 and received a 2025 ACI-North America award for its Music @ MSY program. Economic development and tourism leaders said the expansion is critical to sustaining regional growth. Michael Hecht, president and CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc., said the plan strengthens the region’s ability to attract investment and talent by improving connectivity. Walt Leger III, president and CEO of New Orleans Company, said expanded air service will help increase tourism, conventions, and major events while supporting New Orleans’ global competitiveness. “Modern economies compete on connectivity,” Leger said. “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.” Airport officials said the master plan is designed to ensure the facility can handle future demand while supporting jobs, tourism, and long-term regional economic development across Southeast Louisiana. ...read more read less