Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in Louisiana is a medium size, primarily air carrier airport 11 miles west of downtown New Orleans. The airport 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
- The airport has two RWYS. RWY 11/29 and RWY 02/20.
- Hot Spot 1 is located at the intersection of TWY G, TWY G8 and the Terminal Ramp.
- Runway 11 is the primary RWY and TWY G8 is the primary turnoff for air carrier traffic inbound to the new terminal. The close proximity of the TWY to the new terminal can be a source of delay for arriving and departing aircraft trying to get to/from the terminal.
- The TWR is normally aware of your parking request but due to congestion, you may have to initially turn in the direction away from your parking location.
- Hot Spot 2 is located on the east end of the field.
- RWY 11/29 and RWY 02/20 are physically close to one another, but they do not intersect.
- The pavement between RWY 11/29 and RWY 02/20 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.
- Hot Spot 3, at the intersection of TWY G6 and RWY 11/29, is a busy crossing location on a busy RWY.
- The pavement south of TWY U and between TWY S and RWY 02/20 is closed – do not use this surface as a turnoff when exiting RWY 02/20.
- Operate transponders with altitude reporting mode and ADS-B (if equipped) enabled on all airport surfaces.
Below find various MSY-specific information and things to be aware of, as well as general information to inform your preflight planning. This will be reviewed quarterly and updated as needed. This information is to supplement the From the Flight Deck Videos that are produced by the FAA Runway Safety Group. Here you will also find information provided by the local air traffic controllers at the airport where you intend to fly. The information is subject to change. Not for navigation or legal* pre-flight action. Always refer to official pre-flight materials such as, but not limited to, NOTAMs, airport diagrams, VFR charts and airport construction notices for the latest airport-specific details.
MSY Tower Administrative Office
Business Phone 504-471-4300
Open 0700L to 1500L M-F
The airspace at MSY is Class B. (Refer to the Sectional Chart.)
Class B Airspace Requirements (CFR §91.131 and AIM 3-1-4; 3-2-3)
| Visibility | 3 statute miles |
| Distance from Clouds | Clear of Clouds |
| Communications | Must obtain ATC clearance prior to entering/departing |
| Pilot | Private Pilot Certificate (see AIM for alt requirements) |
| Equipment | Two-way radio, operable transponder with automatic altitude reporting and ADS-B Out |
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.
- HS 2 Green painted over-run for RWY 11/29 can be misinterpreted for TWY E when landing RWY 02/20.
- HS 3 RWY 11/29 and TWY G6, high number of RWY crossings.
Departure
- Verify proper heading prior to starting takeoff roll on all intersection departures.
- RWY 11 noise sensitive for departure; available for operational necessity.
Landing
- All RWYs noise sensitive for arrivals.
- Arriving turbojets must make 5-mile final approach to minimize noise.
- The TWR is normally aware of your parking request but due to congestion, you may have to initially turn in the direction away from your parking location.
- The pavement south of TWY U and between TWY S and RWY 02/20 is closed – do not use this surface as a turnoff when exiting RWY 02/20.
Surface Risk – Movement Area
- The pavement between RWY 11/29 and RWY 02/20 is painted green and is not TWY E. Turning onto this area may conflict with aircraft operating on RWY 11/29.
- Pavement north of the RWY 11/29 and TWY D intersection is closed.
Additional Cautions
- Class B Airspace
MSY TWR operates from 0500L – 0000L Daily.
When TWR is closed:
- The airspace becomes Class E.
- Specific procedures will be defined on the ATIS.
- If MSY Approach and TWR are both closed, specific procedures will be laid out in the NOTAM. If additional assistance is required, contact Houston Center on 126.35 or 281-230-5551.
- Use CTAF 118.45.
- Clearance Delivery available with Houston Center (ARTCC) on 126.35.
- Clearance Delivery Phone: 281-230-5622.
- Use CTAF to control Runway lighting when TWR is closed.
- Cancel flight plan via 281-230-5551.
General
- MSY has Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) capability.
- Flight Notification Service (ADCUS) available.
- International Airport of Entry – US Customs available.
- For Customs, suggest reaching out to them at least 30 minutes prior to arrival to avoid delays.
Ground
- 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.
Arrival/Landing
- Landing Fee
- All RWYS noise sensitive for arrival. Arriving turbojets must make 5-mile final.
Special Traffic (Military / Commercial / Helicopter, etc.)
- MSY does not allow fixed-wing SVFR operations.
- RWY 29 threshold displaced 304’
- RWY 11 is noise sensitive for departures – available for operational necessity.
- All RWYs are noise sensitive for arrival.
- Arriving turbojets must make 5-mile final approach to minimize noise.