The North Terminal at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, opens the front door to a beloved city

New Orleans, LA, USA

The new Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport presents an innovative and functional approach to air travel with a design that reflects the vibrant culture of New Orleans. Symmetrical in plan, its gentle arc form evokes the geography of the Delta region and soft curves of the nearby Mississippi River.

5 million
passengers a year

Bringing the outdoors inside  

Upon arrival, travelers will be greeted with an interior design that alludes to the culture, ecology, and urban fabric of New Orleans. Drawing colors and patterns from the famous New Orleans neighborhood and indoor green spaces that recall the public squares and courts essential to the city are integrated into the airport experience. Skylights brighten the public spaces and filter daylight, filling the interiors with the dappled light often seen in the city’s many courtyards and shaded parks.

Travelers can enjoy marketplace shopping and the occasional impromptu live musical performances that made the city famous. 
Featuring James Beard award-winning restaurants, a sampling of the city’s iconic food is found in light-filled retail and concession areas.  
“This airport terminal will immerse our guests in the spirit of New Orleans upon arrival and will also give our residents a welcome reminder of how nice it is to return home to New Orleans.” 
— Stephen Perry, President and CEO of New Orleans & Company 
This new world-class airport features convenient access, intuitive wayfinding, spacious departures and arrivals halls, and increased international capacity. 

A grand and welcoming arrival 

Arriving passengers enter at the second floor, moving from the concourses through the main terminal before reaching a central atrium that connects and unites the three floors of the terminal. Continuing to the first level, travelers are then greeted by a spacious and inviting arrivals hall featuring an indoor sculpture garden and impressive views of the central skylight above. 

30
gates

More About the Project

Project Team

Principal Collaborators

  • Architect of Record: Manning Architects / Crescent City Aviation Team (Leo A. Daly and Atkins North America, Inc. JV)
  • Structural Engineer: Walter P. Moore and Associates, Inc.
  • MEP: Syska Hennessy Group

Project Information

  • Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
  • Client: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
  • Size: 650,000 sq. ft. / 60,387 sq. m.
  • Completion: 2019
  • Firm Role: Design Concept Architect
  • Principal Project Photography: Jason O'Rear