Flying Private Into New Orleans Lakefront Airport: A Ground Transportation Guide

Most travelers to New Orleans land at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) in Kenner. But private aircraft, charters and general aviation have another option: New Orleans Lakefront Airport, on the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain in eastern New Orleans. It's smaller, quieter and, for many destinations in the city, closer. Here's what to know about Lakefront and how to plan a smooth ride from the ramp to your hotel, meeting or event.

Lakefront Airport at a Glance

Lakefront Airport (airport code NEW) opened in 1934 as Shushan Airport, named for Abraham Shushan, then president of the Orleans Levee Board. It was built on a peninsula created by dredging land out into Lake Pontchartrain, so on approach the runways appear to float on the lake. It served as the city's main airport before commercial airline traffic shifted to what is now MSY, and today it functions primarily as a general aviation airport, serving private and corporate aircraft, charters and flight training.

The airport is owned by the Orleans Levee District. It sits about five miles northeast of downtown, just east of the Industrial Canal along the lakefront.

The Art Deco Terminal

Lakefront's terminal building is one of the great Art Deco landmarks of the South. For decades, its original facade was hidden behind a plain concrete exterior added during the Cold War era, when the building was adapted for use as a fallout shelter. After Hurricane Katrina damaged the airport in 2005, a major restoration uncovered and restored the original exterior and its interior details, and the terminal was rededicated in 2013. Even if you're only passing through on the way to a car, it's worth a look — and the building also hosts private events.

How Lakefront Differs From MSY

For private travelers, the differences matter:

• No commercial terminal crowds. There's no airline ticket counter or security checkpoint to work around, and pickups are usually arranged through the FBO serving your aircraft.
• Location. MSY is west of the city in Kenner; Lakefront is on the east side, closer to the French Quarter, the Marigny and Gentilly. MSY is often the better choice for destinations in Jefferson Parish or toward Baton Rouge.
• Scale. Lakefront's runways and facilities suit many private and corporate aircraft, but operators decide which airport fits a given aircraft and mission. Your pilot or charter company will make that call.

If your aircraft is landing at MSY's general aviation side instead, our MSY private jet and FBO transportation page covers how planeside and FBO pickups work there.

Drive Times From Lakefront

Under normal traffic, approximate drive times from Lakefront Airport:

• French Quarter: roughly 15 to 20 minutes.
• Central Business District and Warehouse District: roughly 20 minutes.
• Uptown and the Garden District: roughly 25 to 30 minutes.
• MSY: roughly 30 minutes, useful when a passenger is connecting to a commercial flight.

Times vary with traffic, weather and events. Big days — Mardi Gras parades, Saints games at the Superdome, festivals and major conventions — can add significant time or require a different route into the city, and your chauffeur will plan around closures in advance.

Coordinating With the FBO

At Lakefront, as at most general aviation airports, ground transportation is coordinated with the fixed-base operator (FBO) handling your aircraft. When you book, share:

• Which FBO your aircraft is using, if you know it.
• Tail number and estimated arrival time, so the arrival can be tracked.
• Lead passenger's name and phone number.
• Passenger count and luggage, including golf bags, equipment or cases.
• Any ramp access arrangements the FBO or operator has made.

Whether a vehicle can meet the aircraft planeside depends on the FBO's procedures and airport security rules, and arrangements are made through the FBO. If planeside access isn't arranged, your chauffeur will meet you at the FBO lobby or curb. For international arrivals, confirm customs and immigration arrangements with your operator well before the flight.

When Plans Change

Private flight schedules shift: early departures, weather holds, fuel stops and last-minute changes are part of private aviation. Keep us informed, and we'll adjust. Our dispatch team is available 24/7 at (877) 609-1919. For non-airline airport pickups, tell us when you book how much flexibility you'd like built in, so the plan fits your flight rather than the other way around.

Flying In for Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest or a Big Game

Private aviation traffic into New Orleans rises sharply around the city's biggest weekends — Mardi Gras, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, major games and concerts at the Superdome, and large conventions. On those dates, FBO ramps get busy, ground transportation books up early and city streets close for parades and events. Lakefront's east-side location can be an advantage: the Fair Grounds in Gentilly, home of Jazz Fest, is a short drive away, and approaches to the French Quarter from the east avoid some of the traffic coming in from Kenner. Still, book ground transportation as early as your flight, and expect your chauffeur to plan a route around that day's closures rather than the usual one.

Choosing the Right Vehicle

For executives and VIPs, the most common choices are:

• Mercedes-Benz S-Class or BMW 7 Series: up to three passengers with two bags, for a quiet, private ride.
• Lincoln Navigator: up to six passengers with five bags, for small groups with luggage.
• Chevrolet Suburban: up to five passengers with five bags.
• Mercedes Sprinter: up to thirteen passengers with thirteen bags, for a full charter group or crew.

Larger parties sometimes book two vehicles — one for principals and one for luggage or staff. Our New Orleans black car service page covers executive vehicles in more detail. Vehicles are reserved by class, and if a reserved vehicle is ever unavailable, you'll receive a comparable or upgraded vehicle at no extra cost.

Discretion and Privacy

Many private flyers choose Lakefront because it's quieter and lower-profile than a commercial terminal. If privacy matters for your trip, say so when you book: tell us whether you'd prefer no name sign, a different name on the reservation, or a specific meeting point inside the FBO, and we'll note it on the reservation so your chauffeur knows exactly what to expect.

Business Travel From Lakefront

Lakefront is popular with corporate flight departments visiting New Orleans for meetings, conventions at the Morial Convention Center and site visits across the region. For multi-stop business days — FBO to office, office to lunch, then back to the airplane — hourly, as-directed service keeps one vehicle and one chauffeur with you all day. Our New Orleans corporate car service page covers corporate travel, including accounts with consolidated billing for companies that fly in regularly.

Booking Your Lakefront Pickup

Book as soon as your trip is scheduled, even if the time may change; it's easy to adjust. Rates are flat and confirmed before you book, with any parking, tolls, gratuity and extra waiting disclosed up front. Sedans and SUVs can be cancelled free up to 3 hours before pickup, and Sprinter vans up to 12 hours before. Call (877) 609-1919 or book online.