New Orleans Lakefront Airport (NEW): Ultimate Travel and Aviation Guide

New Orleans Lakefront Airport (NEW) is a secret airport in case you want to experience a combination of history, architecture, and modern aviation. This airport is only a few minutes away, and it is a different kind of travel experience, unlike the big commercial airports such as the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

This guide will cover all the details of Lakefront Airport, including its interesting history, its modern activities, and attractions for visitors.

Overview Of New Orleans Lakefront Airport (NEW) 

Lakefront Airport (NEW) is a public-use airport located approximately 5 miles northeast of downtown New Orleans in Orleans Parish, Louisiana. It is a general aviation reliever airport, which is to assist in the reduction of congestion in the major airports due to the presence of private, charter, and small aircraft.

Today, the airport serves:

• General aviation flights

• Private and charter services

• Does NOT have regular commercial airline service.

• Military operations occasionally.

Although Lakefront Airport is not a significant business aviation center, it serves as a significant regional aviation center in the Gulf South.

History of Lakefront Airport 

The history of Lakefront Airport is one of the most interesting among the airports in the United States.

Origins in the 1930s

Its construction started in 1929 and was directed by one of the most influential political figures in Louisiana, Huey Long. The airport was constructed on an artificial peninsula that jutted into Lake Pontchartrain and was an engineering wonder of its era.

It was named Shushan Airport after Abraham Shushan. The airport was, however, renamed as New Orleans Airport in 1939 after political scandals in the late 1930s.

Transition To Secondary Airport

In 1946, the commercial airline service was transferred to the current Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Since then, Lakefront Airport has become a general aviation airport, which it continues to be to this day.

World War II and Cold War Era

The U.S. Army & Air Forces used the airport during World War II. The terminal was later, in the 1960s, reinforced with thick concrete to serve as a Cold War bomb shelter, radically changing its appearance.

Hurricane Katrina and Recovery

The airport was severely damaged by the 2005 Hurricane Katrina. High winds and storm surge ruined hangars and buildings, leaving most of the airport in shambles.

The devastation was compensated for by a relatively quick resumption of operations. The city was resilient, and it took several years to restore the historic terminal (and the entire terminal) fully.

Stunning Architecture: Art Deco Beauty Restored

The architect Leon C. Weiss created one of the most remarkable elements of the Lakefront Airport, the so-called Art Deco terminal.

What Makes It Special?

• Original interior design of the 1930s.

• Beautiful detailing in the terminal.

• Reconstructed exterior following decades of changes.

One of the key attractions outside the terminal is the Fountain of the Four Winds, designed by sculptor Enrique Alferez, and since then it has become a local landmark.

You can also find the popular Walnut Room restaurant inside, which is a favorite among both locals and visitors.

Hollywood Connection

Lakefront Airport has even penetrated Hollywood. The terminal was also used as a movie set in the 2011 superhero film Green Lantern, featuring Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively.

The old-fashioned look of the airport was an ideal setting of a fictitious aviation corporation in the movie.

Events: WWII Air, Sea, and Land Festival

The WWII Air, Sea, and Land Festival has been held at Lakefront Airport since 2014.

This is a thrilling three-day affair consisting of:

• Airshows of vintage aircraft.

• Military vehicle displays

• Live reenactments

• Tributes to WWII veterans

It is held in conjunction with such institutions as the National WWII Museum and the Commemorative Air Force.

Airport Facilities and Runways 

The Lakefront Airport covers an area of 473 acres and is only 7 feet above sea level.

Runways

There are three runways in the airport, which are asphalt:

• 18R/36L – 6,879 ft (primary runway)

• 18L/36R – 3,697 ft

• 9/27 – 3,114 ft

These runways accommodate a great variety of aircraft, including small personal aircraft and business jets.

Aviation Operations and Traffic

For the year ending December 31, 2022:

• Total operations: 78,080 annually

• Daily average: 214 flights

Breakdown:

• 88% General aviation

• 9% Air taxi

• 3% Military

Based Aircraft:

• 62% Single-engine aircraft

• 18% Multi-engine

• 15% Jets

• 6% Helicopters

This is a clear indication that the airport is concentrated on private and business aviation, but not on commercial airline traffic.

Why Visit Lakefront Airport?

Although you may not be flying, Lakefront Airport is worth visiting because of:

• Aviation fans and plane spotting.

• Lover of Art Deco architecture.

• Dining at the Walnut Room

• Lake scenic photography.

• Visiting aviation festivals and events.

Final Thoughts

New Orleans Lakefront Airport (NEW) is not merely an airport but a living history of Louisiana. Since its inception with Huey Long, the airport has become an icon of strength, culture, and aviation history.

Lakefront Airport will provide you with a history, architecture, and aviation charm all within minutes of downtown New Orleans, should you be heading there or just sightseeing.