Minneapolis, the largest city in the state of Minnesota, is known for its thriving arts scene, beautiful parks, and numerous lakes. It also boasts a well-connected transportation system, including highways, railroads, and airports. In this article, we will focus on the airport infrastructure of Minneapolis and explore the largest airport in the city.
Overview of Minneapolis airports
Minnesota is served by several airports, but the two major ones are located in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, which includes Minneapolis and St. Paul. The first airport, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), is located in the suburb of Bloomington and is the primary commercial airport in the region. The second airport, St. Paul Downtown Airport (STP), is a smaller general aviation airport located near the downtown area.
Ranking of airports by size
When it comes to airport size, there are several metrics to consider, such as total land area, number of runways, passenger traffic, and cargo volume. Let’s take a look at how the airports in Minneapolis rank according to these criteria.
Top 3 largest airports in Minneapolis
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Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP): With a land area of 2,930 acres and four runways, MSP is the largest airport in Minneapolis and in the Upper Midwest region. It serves as a hub for Delta Air Lines and is also a focus city for Sun Country Airlines.
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Flying Cloud Airport (FCM): Located in the suburb of Eden Prairie, FCM is the second-largest airport in Minneapolis with a land area of 535 acres and two runways. It primarily serves general aviation and corporate traffic.
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Anoka County-Blaine Airport (ANE): Located in the suburb of Blaine, ANE is the third-largest airport in Minneapolis with a land area of 1,400 acres and two runways. It also serves general aviation and corporate traffic, as well as some military operations.
Detailed information on the first two airports
MSP and FCM are the two airports that are most relevant to commercial passengers, so let’s take a closer look at their histories, features, and traffic statistics.
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
MSP was first opened in 1920 as a small airfield called Wold-Chamberlain Field, named after two local pilots who died in World War I. Over the years, the airport underwent several expansions and upgrades, including the construction of a new terminal complex in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, MSP has two terminals (1 and 2) that serve more than 160 nonstop destinations worldwide.
Some of the notable features of MSP include its on-site mall, which has over 50 shops and restaurants; its solar farm, which generates enough electricity to power 20,000 homes; and its art collection, which includes more than 80 works by local and national artists.
In terms of traffic, MSP served over 39 million passengers in 2019, making it the 17th busiest airport in the United States. It also handled over 240,000 metric tons of cargo, making it the 17th busiest cargo airport in North America.
Flying Cloud Airport (FCM)
FCM was first established in 1949 as a grass airstrip called Flying Cloud Field. It was named after the Dakota Indian chief who lived in the area in the 1800s. Over the years, the airport underwent several upgrades, including the construction of a new terminal building in 2009. Today, FCM serves as a reliever airport for MSP and handles a mix of general aviation, corporate, and charter flights.
Some of the notable features of FCM include its FAA control tower, which operates from 6 am to 10 pm daily; its 24-hour self-serve fuel station, which offers both aviation gasoline and jet fuel; and its close proximity to several major highways, including Interstate 494 and Highway 212.
In terms of traffic, FCM handled over 100,000 aircraft operations in 2019, making it one of the busiest general aviation airports in the Midwest.
History of the largest airport
As mentioned earlier, MSP was first established in 1920 as Wold-Chamberlain Field. Its name was changed several times over the years, reflecting its expanding role as a commercial airport. In 1944, the airport was renamed Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Airport to reflect its regional importance. In 1963, the airport underwent a major renovation and expansion, which included the construction of a new terminal complex and a parallel runway system. In 2001, the airport was renamed Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport to emphasize its role as an international gateway.
Features of the airport
MSP has several features that make it a convenient and enjoyable airport for passengers. These include:
- Two terminals (1 and 2) connected by a tram and skyway system
- More than 130 restaurants, bars, and shops
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport
- Art installations, including sculptures, murals, and photography exhibits
- A full-service spa and salon
- A children’s play area and video arcade
- Conference rooms and business centers
- Several lounges, including Delta Sky Club and Escape Lounge
Airlines and destinations served
MSP is served by over 20 airlines, including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. It offers nonstop service to over 160 destinations worldwide, including Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Some of the most popular domestic destinations from MSP include Atlanta, Denver, Chicago, Dallas, and Phoenix.
Passenger and cargo traffic statistics
In 2019, MSP handled 39,292,841 passengers, making it the 17th busiest airport in the United States and the 41st busiest airport in the world. It also handled 240,225 metric tons of cargo, making it the 17th busiest cargo airport in North America.
Future expansion plans
MSP has several expansion and improvement projects in the works, including:
- A new $1.6 billion terminal expansion that will add 16 gates to Terminal 2
- A new parking ramp and skyway to Terminal 1
- Renovations to existing terminals and concourses, including new restaurants and retail spaces
- Upgrades to the runway and taxiway systems, including a new deicing pad and a new south runway
Conclusion: Why the largest airport matters
The largest airport in Minneapolis, MSP, is a vital transportation hub for the Upper Midwest region and a gateway to the world. It serves millions of passengers every year and handles a significant amount of cargo and business traffic. Its size, features, and amenities make it a convenient and enjoyable airport for travelers, while its expansion plans ensure that it will continue to meet the needs of the region for years to come.
References and further reading
- Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport official website: https://www.mspairport.com/
- "Flying Cloud Airport: A Rich History of Aviation Innovation" by William Doherty. Sun Sailor, April 2020:
- "Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport: A History of Airport Development" by Anne Quinn. Minnesota Historical Society, 2001:
