Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) in Louisiana is a primarily air carrier airport 11 miles west of downtown New Orleans. MSY has two runways and two FBOs serving visiting business and GA aircraft as well as a new passenger terminal on the north side of the airport. View a printable Pilot Handbook of the MSY information found on this Web page.
Know Before You Go
MSY ATCT Operates: 0500L-0000L Daily
Administrative Office: Open 0700L to 1500L M-F
Business Phone: 504-471-4300
The RWY configuration consists of RWYs 2/20 and 11/29.
The airspace at MSY is Class B (See Sectional Chart).
Hot Spots
HS 1: Limited wingtip clearance on TWY G near Concourse Bravo due to aircraft pushbacks. Maintain vigilance exiting RWY 11/29 on TWY G8 and when taxiing on TWY G. High Traffic area.
- RWY 11 is the primary runway and TWY G8 is the primary turnoff for air carrier traffic inbound to the new terminal. The close proximity of TWY G to the new terminal can be a source of delays for arriving and departing aircraft trying to get to/from the terminal.
HS 2: Green painted over-run for RWY 11/29 can be misinterpreted for TWY E when landing RWY 2/20.
- RWY 11/29 and RWY 2/20 are physically close to one another, but they do not intersect. The pavement between RWY 11/29 and RWY 2/20 is painted green. Pilots still mistake this area for TWY E. Mistakenly turning into this area may cause a conflict with aircraft operating on RWY 11/29
HS 3: RWY 11/29 and TWY G6, high number of RWY crossings.
- Hot Spot 3, at the intersection of TWY G6 and RWY 11/29, is a busy crossing location on a busy RWY.
- The TWR is normally aware of your parking request but due to congestion, you may have to initially turn in a direction away from your parking location.
- If you are unsure of your position or instructions, ask the tower.
Surface Movement Area Cautions
- Pilots rolling out on RWY 20 may encounter remnants of a decommissioned runway that is marked with surface painted “Xs” indicating a closure. Do not use this surface as a turnoff when exiting RWY 2/20.
- Pilots rolling out on RWY 11 will encounter a similar closed portion of pavement near TWY D.
General
- MSY has the capability of Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC).
- Flight Notification Service (ADCUS) available.
- International Airport of Entry - US Customs available.
- For Customs it is suggested that you reach out to them at least 30 minutes prior to arrival to avoid delays.
- Please read back all hold short instructions with your callsign in the same transmission.
Ground Control (GC)
- Airport Surface Surveillance Capability (ASSC) in use. Operate transponders with altitude reporting mode and ADS-B (if equipped) enabled on all airport surfaces.
- 180 degree and locked wheel turns prohibited on asphalt surface by aircraft 12,500 lbs. and over.
- The TWR is generally aware of your parking request but due to congestion, you may have to initially turn in the direction away from your parking location.
Takeoff/Departure
- RWY 11 noise sensitive for departure, available for operational necessity.
- Initial altitude will depend upon type of aircraft. Informal Noise Abatement procedures in effect for turbojet aircraft. Pilots should review NOTAMS for the Letter to Airmen LTA-MSY-15 Aircraft Informal Noise Abatement Program for specific information.
Arrival/Landing
- To the maximum extent possible, New Orleans Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) will provide IFR separation for VFR aircraft conducting practice instrument approaches.
- Pilots should review NOTAMS for the Letter to Airmen LTA-MSY-18 VFR Practice Instrument Approaches for specific information.
Special Traffic/Additional Information
- MSY does not allow fixed-wing Special VFR operations.