Here’s how to get to the new MSY airport terminal

After years of delays and costly setbacks, It’s finally happening—the new airport terminal is opening Wednesday, November 6. While officials did mount several “dress rehearsals,” there are bound to be a few snags as the 35-gate, $1 billion terminal at 1 Terminal Drive in Kenner gets up and running.

Not the least of which is the possibility of delays due to traffic. An Interstate 10 interchange from Loyola Avenue isn’t expected to finish until 2023, according to the Times-Picayune-New Orleans Advocate. In the meantime, here’s the best way to get to the brand-new, shiny airport.

1. Give yourself extra time to get there. Airport officials suggest arriving at the new terminal at least two hours prior to your flight’s scheduled departure time.
2. Take I-10 west, exit Loyola Drive from I-10, cross Veterans Memorial Boulevard and drive down the new airport roadway.
3. Follow signage to access the departures, arrivals, and parking areas.

All 16 commercial airlines will be operating from the new terminal as of November 6. Ride-hailing app Lyft has released a “Fast Match” service for curbside pickup at the new terminal.

“When we open the doors, passengers will feel the spirit of the New Orleans region throughout the facility through the presence of local restaurants and shops that characterize our distinct culture,” said Kevin Dolliole, Director of Aviation for MSY, in a press statement.

Photo courtesy Sean Matthews