Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has a rich history dating back over a century. What is now one of America’s busiest airports began as Speedway Field in 1919, when several local groups took control of the former bankrupt Twin City Speedway race track. The first wooden hangar was constructed in 1920 to accommodate airmail services. In 1923, the airport was renamed “Wold-Chamberlain Field” in honor of two local World War I pilots, Ernest Groves Wold and Cyrus Foss Chamberlain.
The Minneapolis Park Board took possession of Speedway Field on June 1, 1928, and passenger services began the following year. In 1944, the airport was renamed to “Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Airport/Wold-Chamberlain Field,” with “International” replacing “Metropolitan” four years later. Today, while its official name is Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, it’s also known by its historical name, Wold-Chamberlain Field, though this usage is rare.
A significant milestone in MSP’s development came on October 26, 1958, when ground was broken for the current Terminal 1 building. The $8.5 million, 600,000 square foot terminal with 24 gates on two concourses was designed by Lyle George Landstrom, who worked for Cerny Associates. The terminal was completed on January 13, 1962, and operations began on January 21 of that year.
Further expansion continued throughout the decades, with Concourse G (formerly known as the Gold Concourse or Pier D) completed in 1971 and Concourse C (formerly the Green Concourse or Pier A) in 1972. In 2002, Concourses A and B were opened, significantly expanding the airport’s capacity. Terminal 2, originally built in 1986, was later rebuilt in 2001 to accommodate growing passenger numbers.
MPS Quick Facts and Statistics
- IATA Code: MSP
- ICAO Code: KMSP
- FAA Location Identifier: MSP
- Location: Fort Snelling Unorganized Territory, Minnesota, approximately 10 miles from both downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul
- Area: 3,400 acres
- Runways: Four
- Passenger Traffic: Approximately 34 million passengers annually (pre-pandemic)
- Aircraft Operations: Among the top in the nation with 600+ daily flights
- Ranking: 18th busiest U.S. airport for passengers and 21st for aircraft operations
- Destinations: Serves 125 domestic and 29 international destinations
- Gates: 131 total gates (117 in Terminal 1 and 14 in Terminal 2)
- Recognition: Ranked the best airport in the US and Canada in a 2022 J.D. Power survey with a score of 800 on a 1,000-point scale
- Punctuality: Recognized as the world’s most punctual international airport in 2023 by analytics company Cirium, with on-time departure and arrival rates of 84.44% and 84.62% respectively
- Economic Impact: Supports over 86,900 jobs, $15.9 billion in business revenue, and $3.7 billion in personal income
Terminal Layout and Facilities
Terminal 1 – Lindbergh
Named after famous aviator Charles Lindbergh, who was raised in Minnesota, Terminal 1 is the larger of MSP’s two terminals and serves as a major hub for Delta Air Lines. The terminal features:
- Seven concourses (A through G) with 117 gates
- Check-in facilities on Level 2 for most airlines and Level T for Delta
- Baggage claim on Level 1
- International arrivals processing in Concourse G
- North Star Crossing – a major shopping and dining area connecting the airport’s concourses
- Multiple dining options ranging from fast food to full-service restaurants featuring local and international cuisine
- Retail shops offering everything from travel necessities to luxury items
- Escape Lounge – a premium lounge overlooking the airfield and city skyline, located above the entrance to Concourse E
- Delta Sky Club lounges in several locations throughout the terminal
- Nursing rooms for traveling mothers
- Children’s play areas to keep young travelers entertained
- Pet relief areas for traveling animals
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
- Charging stations for electronic devices
- Art displays and exhibitions showcasing both permanent and temporary installations
Terminal 2 – Humphrey
Named after former Vice President Hubert Humphrey, who represented Minnesota in Congress, Terminal 2 is the smaller of MSP’s two terminals. Originally built in 1986 and rebuilt in 2001, this 450,000 square foot terminal serves several airlines and features:
- Concourse H with 14 gates (H1 to H6, H7A, and H7 to H14)
- International arrivals facility
- Ticketing and baggage claim on Level 1
- Car rental services on Level 1
- Dining options that, while fewer than Terminal 1, still offer a variety of choices
- Retail shops for travel essentials and souvenirs
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
- Charging stations for electronic devices
- Art displays reflecting the vibrant cultural scene of the Twin Cities
Airlines and Destinations
MSP serves as a major hub for Delta Air Lines, which accounts for approximately 70% of the airport’s passenger traffic. It is also the home airport for Minnesota-based Sun Country Airlines and Endeavor Air, a Delta subsidiary.
Airlines Using MSP as a Hub:
- Delta Air Lines (Terminal 1) – MSP serves as Delta’s second-largest hub after Atlanta
- Sun Country Airlines (Terminal 2) – MSP is the home base and primary hub for this Minnesota-based carrier
- Endeavor Air (Terminal 1) – A Delta Connection carrier that is headquartered in Minneapolis and uses MSP as a major operational base
MSP offers nonstop service to 125 domestic and 29 international destinations, with over 600 daily departures. When compared to other metro areas, only one other U.S. city serves more nonstop markets per capita, making MSP a crucial connecting point for travelers.
Ground Transportation
MSP offers a variety of ground transportation options to connect passengers to the Twin Cities and beyond:
Light Rail Transit (LRT)
The METRO Blue Line provides a convenient connection between the airport, downtown Minneapolis, and the Mall of America:
- Trains operate 24 hours a day between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 with no fare required for inter-terminal travel
- Service to downtown Minneapolis takes approximately 25 minutes
- Trains depart every 10 minutes during peak times and every 10-15 minutes during off-peak hours
- Passengers can transfer to the Green Line at Downtown East Station to reach downtown St. Paul
Buses
- Metro Transit Bus 54 provides service from Terminal 1 to St. Paul, with connections to downtown Minneapolis
- Jefferson Lines offers scheduled bus service to Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin from the Terminal 1 transit area
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
- Taxi stands are located outside the baggage claim areas at both terminals
- Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft operate at designated pick-up areas
- The typical ride to downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul takes 15-30 minutes, depending on traffic
Car Rentals
Major car rental companies have counters at both terminals, including:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Thrifty
Parking
MSP offers a variety of parking options at both terminals:
Terminal 1 Parking:
- Green Ramp (Daily)
- Gold Ramp (Hourly and Daily)
- Blue Ramp (Daily)
- Red Ramp (Daily)
- Silver Ramp (Daily)
- Pink Ramp (Daily)
- Brown Ramp (Daily)
- Valet Parking for added convenience
Terminal 2 Parking:
- Orange Ramp (Hourly and Daily)
- Purple Ramp (Hourly and Daily)
Additionally, the Quick Ride Ramp offers economical parking with shuttle service to the terminals.
Airport Amenities and Services
MSP is known for its exceptional amenities that enhance the travel experience:
Dining and Shopping
With over 100+ shops and restaurants across both terminals, MSP offers a wide range of options:
- Local favorites like Ike’s Food & Cocktails, Black Sheep Coal Fired Pizza, and Surdyk’s Flights
- National chains such as Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Chili’s
- Quick-service restaurants for travelers on the go
- Full-service dining for a more leisurely meal
- Duty-free shopping for international travelers
- Minnesota-themed gift shops offering local products and souvenirs
- Tech stores selling gadgets and travel accessories
- Bookstores and newsstands for reading materials
Art and Culture
MSP showcases Minnesota’s vibrant arts scene through:
- Permanent art displays throughout both terminals
- Temporary exhibitions that rotate regularly
- Live music performances featuring local talent
- Colorful mosaics and sweeping sculptures
- Displays celebrating the state’s natural beauty, including the Northern Lights
Special Services
- Nursing rooms for traveling mothers
- Children’s play areas in both terminals
- Pet relief areas for traveling animals
- Quiet seating zones for relaxation
- Business centers with workstations
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport
- Charging stations for electronic devices
- Information desks staffed by knowledgeable volunteers
- Medical services for health emergencies
- Religious facilities for spiritual needs
Future Development Plans
MSP continues to evolve with several significant projects planned or underway:
Terminal 1 Modernization
The Airport Modernization Program (AMP) represents the single largest interior makeover of concourses since Terminal 1 opened in 1962. This comprehensive renovation includes:
- Updated interiors with modern aesthetics
- Enhanced passenger amenities
- Improved wayfinding and signage
- Upgraded technology infrastructure
- Expanded retail and dining options
Terminal 2 North Expansion
The Terminal 2 North Expansion project will add 168,000 square feet to the north end of Terminal 2, featuring:
- Two new airline gates
- Additional concession spaces
- New restrooms
- Expanded support facilities
Runway Reconstruction
MSP’s south parallel runway (12R-30L) will undergo a phased reconstruction project, ensuring the continued safe operation of the airfield.
Long-Term Planning to 2040
The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) is developing a long-term plan that will:
- Evaluate facility requirements to accommodate projected demand through 2040
- Enhance the customer experience and facilitate a seamless “one-journey” experience
- Position the MAC to meet future demand levels while enhancing financial strength
- Leverage environmental stewardship and infuse sustainable thinking
- Include meaningful stakeholder engagement processes
The MAC recently approved $571.5 million in funding for the 2025 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), demonstrating its commitment to maintaining MSP as a world-class facility. Projects include new boarding bridges for passenger aircraft, a new ground service equipment maintenance facility, and continued work on the iconic folded plate roof at Terminal 1.
Environmental Sustainability
MSP is committed to reducing its environmental impact through various initiatives:
- Energy-efficient building designs and practices that minimize resource consumption
- Comprehensive recycling programs that divert waste from landfills
- Water conservation efforts that reduce the airport’s water footprint
- Noise mitigation programs for surrounding communities
- Clean energy initiatives including solar installations
- Sustainable transportation options for passengers and employees
Economic Impact
As a vital economic engine for the region, MSP:
- Supports over 86,900 jobs
- Generates $15.9 billion in business revenue
- Produces $3.7 billion in personal income
- Contributes $2.5 billion in local purchases
- Provides $546 million in tax revenue
The airport’s central location and extensive network of connections make it an essential hub for business and leisure travel, supporting the economic vitality of the Twin Cities and the entire Upper Midwest region.
Administration and Management
MSP is managed and operated by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), a public corporation established in 1943 by the Minnesota State legislature to provide coordinated aviation services throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The MAC is a self-funded organization, using rents and fees paid by airport users rather than general tax dollars to fund operations.
The MAC also manages six reliever airports in the Twin Cities area:
- St. Paul Downtown Airport
- Flying Cloud Airport
- Anoka County-Blaine Airport
- Crystal Airport
- Lake Elmo Airport
- Airlake Airport
This system of airports ensures that the region’s aviation needs are met efficiently and effectively, from commercial passenger service to general aviation and cargo operations.
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