The opening of New Orleans’ Louis Armstrong International Airport’s new terminal has been delayed again, marking the fourth postponement for the project now estimated at $1 billion.
Officials announced that the facility, which had been slated to open on May 15, will not be ready until this fall.
“The fact is: it is not ready, and there is more work to be done to get us there,” said New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell.
City planners estimate the terminal is roughly 95 percent complete, but several elements remain unfinished. Work is still required on some concessions and security checkpoints, and a new highway ramp linking the terminal to Interstate 10 has yet to be completed.
Construction began in January 2016. The original schedule aimed for an opening in time for the city’s tricentennial in 2018, but the timeline slipped when planners increased the number of gates from 30 to 35, pushing the debut to February 2019.
As the scope expanded, estimated costs climbed from $598 million to more than $1 billion, reflecting changes in scale and the rising expenses associated with the extended project timeline.
While officials emphasize the progress made and the safety and operational checks still required, travelers and local stakeholders face continued uncertainty about the terminal’s final completion date. The new fall target leaves time to address outstanding construction, systems testing and roadway connections before the terminal becomes fully operational.
Until the terminal opens, airport administrators will continue to coordinate construction schedules, contractor work and security certifications to ensure the facility meets regulatory and operational standards. With the project now in its final stages, the focus remains on completing the remaining items efficiently while minimizing disruption to airport operations and travelers.