List of airports in Louisiana
Introduction
Louisiana is a travel hotspot, known for its vibrant culture, historic cities, and booming oil and gas industry. Whether you’re heading to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, Baton Rouge for a round‑the‑world meeting, or a small town in the heart of Acadiana, a strong aviation network keeps the state connected. In this guide we’ll explore the major hubs, regional airports, and general aviation facilities that make flight into Louisiana easy and efficient.
Key Airports in Louisiana
- Louisiana International Airport (MSY) – Located just three miles from downtown New Orleans, MSY is the state’s busiest commercial gateway. With nonstop flights to over 70 cities in the U.S. and 10 international destinations, it’s a convenient choice for travelers and cargo alike.
- Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) – Serving Louisiana’s capital, BTR connects Baton Rouge with major West Coast and Midwest hubs. It’s also the main facility for the state’s military air force base, Fort Jackson.
- Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV) – This mid‑size airport links Shreveport to the Northeast, Southwest, and a handful of global cities. SHV is also a favored stopover for freight and private aviation.
Regional & General Aviation Airports
Louisiana’s spread of smaller airports supports a thriving general aviation community. These facilities cater to business jets, private pilots, flight schools, and emergency medical transport. Notable regional airports include:
- Lake Charles Regional Airport (LCH) – Known for its efficient runway and proximity to the Gulf Coast’s oil fields.
- Houma Bayou Airport (HOU) – A hub for agriculture and air ambulance operations in Acadiana.
- Baton Rouge Regional Airport (BTR) – While its passenger services are modest, it houses one of the largest business jet communities in the state.
Airport Services & Facilities
Across the state, airports offer a mix of standard and specialized services:
- Jet‑bridge lounges at MSY and BTR for premier travelers.
- Relief flights and charter options at LCH and SHV.
- Cargo handling – Louisiana’s ports and airports collaborate to streamline freight logistics.
- Flight training schools especially at smaller fields, building future pilots for the industry.
How to Plan Your Flight to Louisiana
- Choose the right airport – New Orleans is ideal for international travelers; Baton Rouge works best for business or local trips.
- Check airline partnerships – MSY has strong ties with Delta Air Lines and Southwest, offering numerous low‑fare options.
- Consider weather patterns – Coastal Louisiana can experience thunderstorms from May to October; interior states like Shreveport are less prone to severe weather.
- Review baggage allowances – Especially at regional airports, where smaller carriers may impose stricter limits.
List of Airports in Louisiana
| Airport Name | IATA | ICAO | FAA Code | City/Location | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana International Airport | MSY | KMSY | 3KMS | New Orleans | Commercial |
| Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport | BTR | KBTR | 1BTR | Baton Rouge | Commercial |
| Shreveport Regional Airport | SHV | KSHV | 5SHV | Shreveport | Commercial |
| Lake Charles Regional Airport | LCH | KLCH | 1LRJ | Lake Charles | Commercial |
| Houma Bayou Airport | HOU | KHOU | 36L | Houma | Public Use |
| New Orleans–Lakefront Airport | NOL | KNOL | 4NOL | New Orleans | General Aviation |
| Arcadia Airport | ACA | KACA | 0ACA | Arcadia | General Aviation |
| Opelousas Airport | OPL | KOIP | 7OPL | Opelousas | General Aviation |
| Alexandria Municipal Airport | XLM | KXLM | 3XLM | Alexandria | General Aviation |
| Madisonville Municipal Airport | MDV | KMDV | 4MDV | Madisonville | Public Use |
| Boudreaux Field | BBQ | KBBQ | 3BBQ | Lafayette | General Aviation |
| DeQuincy Airport | DQY | KDQY | 4DQY | DeQuincy | Public Use |
| St. Charles Airport | SCS | KSCS | 3SCS | New Orleans | General Aviation |
| Plaquemine Airport | PLQ | KPLQ | 0PLQ | Plaquemine | Public Use |
Note: The table focuses on the most commonly used airports; additional private and military fields exist throughout the state.
FAQ
Q1: Which airport is best for international flights to Louisiana?
A1: Louisiana International Airport (MSY) in New Orleans offers the most nonstop international services, including direct flights to Paris, London, and Mexico City.
Q2: Are there low‑cost carriers at Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport?
A2: Yes, major discount airlines such as Southwest and Frontier occasionally operate routes from BTR, especially for domestic leisure travel.
Q3: How do I find private jet charter services in Louisiana?
A3: Most regional airports like Lake Charles Regional (LCH) and Shreveport Regional (SHV) have partnered charter operators; you can book online via platforms like NetJets or local brokers.
Q4: Does Louisiana have any airports dedicated to cargo transport?
A4: MSY and SHV both have cargo terminals featuring container handling, air freight offices, and logistics support for both domestic and international shipments.
Q5: Are small general aviation airports equipped for emergency medical air transport?
A5: Airports such as Houma Bayou and Opelousas have been outfitted with emergency medical air transport (EMAT) equipment, ensuring quick patient transfer during critical situations.
Resources
- Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development – Aviation – Official overview of state airports and facilities.
- National Aviation System Plan (NASP) – In-depth analysis of airport operations and development.
- FAA Airport Data & Information Portal – Up‑to‑date flight charts and services for all public airports.
- AirNav.com – Airport directory with user reviews and operational details.
- TravelLouisiana.com – State tourism portal featuring transportation links and travel tips.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler, a business executive, or a pilot preparing for your next flight, Louisiana’s network of airports provides reliable, high‑quality connections to every corner of the state and beyond. Happy flying!
