Airport Overview
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport is a civil-military airport in Louisville in Jefferson County, Kentucky. The IATA airport code, SDF, is based on the airport's former name, Standiford Field.
Louisville airport has three runways and covers an area of 1,500 acres. SDF is owned and operated by the Louisville Regional Airport Authority (LRAA).
Airport Stats & Facts
- Louisville Airport SDF is the second-busiest in the United States in terms of cargo traffic, and the fourth-busiest for the same in the world.
- For 2011-2015, The National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems categorized it as a primary commercial service airport.
- On June 6, 2019, the airport unveiled its new logo, featuring Ali's silhouette, arms up and victorious, against the background of a butterfly.
- In 2019, SDF served more than 4 million passengers.
Airport Traveling Tips
- To account for TSA security wait times and any possible delays, show up at least 2 hours early for domestic and 3 for international flights.
- Don’t forget to print your boarding pass the night before and contact your airline with any questions or concerns. Also, visit the SDF Airport map before heading to the airport.
- If you have checked in online, the automated baggage check-in process is a great option. Follow the on-screen instructions and be sure to place your printed baggage tags on all of your items.
- In order to travel hassle-free, all passengers 18 years of age and older must show valid identification at authorized checkpoints.
Passenger Pickup and Drop-off
- If you’re just going by for a quick pickup, enjoy any of the designated curbside areas.
- Curbside passenger drop-offs and pick-ups are available at SDF, but vehicles should NOT be left unattended at any time.
- If you are waiting on a call from the person you are picking up from the Louisville airport, you can wait in the free cell phone waiting area.
- For meet & greet, follow the orange-and-blue signs from the Departure Level to the free, short-term waiting area.
Flight Status
- For arriving flights: Arrival flight status provides the arrival times, gate information, delays, and time to land for the Louisville Airport.
- For departing flights: At Departing flight status you can have a look at the scheduled vs actual departure, gate information, map tracking, and flight delays.
- For the best deals, book a flight at SDF.
Airport Terminals
Louisville Airport has a main commercial terminal - The Jerry E. Abramson Terminal. It has two floors with ground transportation and baggage claim services on the first floor and ticketing, passenger drop-off, and concourse access on the second floor. There are 2 concourses at the terminal.
Concourse A - 12 gates
Concourse B - 11 gates
For more information, and to see the terminal location, please have a look at the SDF Airport Terminal Map.
Airlines Served
The Louisville Airport serves various airlines including United Express, Southwest Airlines, Delta Connection, American Eagle, plus more.
View the full list of airlines served at SDF Airport here.
Airport Parking
There are several parking options at Louisville Airport.
Parking Garage
Visitors can use the parking garage at level 2-4 for short-term parking and long-term parking.
0 - 1 hour: $2
Each additional hour: $2
Weekly rate: $78 (7th day free)
Surface Lot Parking
This is a convenient option for visitors who want to park for the long-term. This lot doesn’t offer any hourly rates.
Weekly rate: $54 (7th day free)
Off-site Parking
Off-Airport parking is available in various parking lots near the Louisville Airport. Most of the off-site lots allow 24/7 access.
Ground Transport
To travel from SDF Airport, passengers have a variety of options including public and private for ground transportation after arriving at the airport.
Car Rentals
Rental Cars counters are easily accessed on the lower level of the airport, near baggage claim. You can choose among the highly-rated transportation options to find an option that best fits your needs.
Limos & Taxis
Passengers can choose between limos and taxis according to their preferences. To ride in style, choose from any of the luxury limousines at SDF. Rides are available by the yellow curb just outside the lower-level. Some of the renowned providers include Bluegrass Executive, Fan-Van Limousine, and many more. For those who want to use the taxi service, catch a cab at the traffic island.
Buses
Public transport is one of the economical options to travel from Louisville Airport. You can travel like a local with Louisville’s very own Transit Authority of River City (TARC). Schedules can be found at the airport information booth.
Amenities & Services
Louisville Airport provides plenty of amenities and services for visitors to have a great time at the airport.
- Store, gift shops, and local souvenir shops.
- Restaurants, bars, and cafes.
- Shoeshine stations, and massage bars.
- Free Wi-Fi internet throughout the airport.
- Multiple art installations and exhibits on display.
- Vending machines, and banks/ATMs.
Contact Information
Address: 600 Terminal Dr, Louisville, KY 40209, USA
Website: http://www.flylouisville.com
Contact: http://www.flylouisville.com/contact-us/contact-information/
Phone: (502)367 4636
Louisville Airport: A Brief History Timeline
- In 1941, Standiford Field was built by the Army Corps of Engineers on a parcel of land south of Louisville.
- In 1947, the airfield opened to the public and all commercial services.
- In April 1957, the Official Airline Guide showed 45-weekday departures.
- In 1970, the terminal was expanded again.
- In the 1990s, most of the improvements were completed and the airport was totally renewed.
- In 2005, a $26 million terminal renovation was completed.
- On January 16, 2019, the Louisville Regional Airport Authority voted to rename the airport Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, after boxing legend Muhammad Ali, a Louisville native.