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Lakefront Airport

New Orleans, United States

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KNEW

ICAO

8 ft

Elevation

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Historic New Orleans lakeside general aviation airport.

Opened

1934

Location

New Orleans, United States

New Orleans Lakefront Airport (IATA: NEW, ICAO: KNEW) is a public airport situated on the southern shore of Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans, Louisiana. Originally opened in 1934, it served as the primary commercial airport for the city before Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport took over that role. Today, Lakefront primarily serves general aviation, charter flights, and corporate aviation. The airport's Art Deco terminal building, designed by architects Weiss, Dreyfous & Seiferth, is a National Historic Landmark recognized for its architectural significance. The airport suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which flooded much of the facility. It underwent significant reconstruction and reopened for general aviation operations in 2006, with restoration of the historic terminal completed in subsequent years.

Terminals

The airport features a single historic Art Deco terminal building that primarily serves general aviation and charter passengers.

Getting to & from

The airport is accessible by private vehicle and taxi, located approximately 6 miles northeast of downtown New Orleans.

Airlines here

No major commercial airlines operate scheduled service from Lakefront Airport; it serves primarily charter, corporate, and private aviation.

Notable facts

›The terminal building is a designated National Historic Landmark known for its Art Deco architecture.
›It was severely flooded during Hurricane Katrina in August 2005.
›The airport served as New Orleans' primary commercial airport before the current international airport opened.
›Designed by the architectural firm Weiss, Dreyfous & Seiferth in the 1930s.
›It sits directly on the southern shore of Lake Pontchartrain.

Official website Wikipedia

This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

Airlines serving this airport

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City & Place Guide

Jazz, Creole flavor, and carnival spirit on the Mississippi.

New Orleans is one of America's most culturally distinct cities, shaped by French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences that show up in its architecture, music, and cuisine. The city pulses with live jazz nearly every night of the year, and its ornate iron-lace balconies and colorful shotgun houses give neighborhoods an atmosphere found nowhere else in the country.

The city sits along a dramatic bend of the Mississippi River and is divided into vibrant neighborhoods, from the rowdy French Quarter to the elegant Garden District and the artistic Marigny. Despite its festive reputation, New Orleans also carries deep history tied to slavery, Creole heritage, and resilience through natural disasters, giving visitors much to reflect on alongside the revelry.

•French Quarter — the historic heart of the city with jazz clubs, architecture, and Bourbon Street energy.
•Jackson Square — iconic plaza flanked by St. Louis Cathedral and street performers.
•Garden District — grand antebellum mansions and oak-shaded streets perfect for a walking tour.
•National WWII Museum — one of the finest war museums in the United States.
•Frenchmen Street — local favorite strip of live music venues away from the tourist crowds.
•City Park — sprawling green space with the New Orleans Museum of Art and ancient live oaks.

Getting around: The historic St. Charles streetcar line is the most scenic and practical way to travel between the French Quarter, Central Business District, and Garden District. The RTA also operates bus routes covering the broader metro area. Taxis are available but rideshares like Uber and Lyft are widely used and often faster. The compact French Quarter and Marigny are very walkable, and bike rentals are popular for exploring flat neighborhoods.

Best time: The best time to visit is from October through March, when temperatures are mild, humidity drops, and the city celebrates its famous Mardi Gras season leading into February or early March.

Local food: Do not leave without trying a classic crawfish étouffée, a steaming bowl of gumbo, beignets dusted in powdered sugar at Café Du Monde, a muffuletta sandwich, and fresh Gulf oysters at a local raw bar.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.

Passport, Visa & Immigration

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Encyclopaedia

Lakefront Airport is a public airport five miles northeast of downtown New Orleans, in Orleans Parish, Louisiana, United States. The National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2011–2015 categorized it as a general aviation reliever airport.

Read full article on Wikipedia