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long term comprehensive plan

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) is in the midst of updating the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport's (MSP) Long Term Comprehensive Plan (LTCP). The updated plan, when approved, will assist the MAC in determining priorities for facility improvements over the next several years.

MSP Airport's current LTCP was published in 1996. Much has changed in the aviation industry since then. Taken together, changes like airline consolidations and dissolutions, changes in the types of aircraft in use at MSP, new technologies, and evolving security regulations stemming from the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks have had a significant impact on how airlines operate and passengers are processed.

The Plan

The goals of the LTCP Update are to:

  • Provide sufficient, sustainable facilities to serve existing and future travel demand
  • Ensure the airport's facilities (airfield, terminal, cargo, general aviation, roadways, and parking) are in balance
  • Provide improved energy efficiency
  • Minimize confusion associated with having two independently located terminals and multiple airport access points
  • Allow flexibility in growth so development can occur in phases as demand warrants
  • Use existing facilities to the fullest extent possible
  • Enhance aircraft operational safety and efficiency
The Metropolitan Airports Commission is currently circulating a draft preferred plan for public input.

Process and Timeline

The LTCP Update is being completed in two phases. The first phase is complete. This phase included:

  • an inventory of the airport’s facilities
  • updating forecasts for long term airport and airline activities
  • identification of issues 
  • creation of initial, preliminary options for future expansion

In the second phase, the MAC will undertake a more detailed analysis, including:

  • using updated forecasts to determine long term facility needs
  • developing and evaluating the revised concepts
  • selecting a preferred LTCP

Phase II is scheduled to be complete in the fall of 2009, at which time the preferred plan will be submitted to the Metropolitan Council for approval.

Public Involvement

Find out more about MSP Airport's Long Term Comprehensive Plan Update at one of these public meetings:

September 28, 2009

October 6, 2009

October 8, 2009

  • Community Briefing: 7 - 8:30 pm, Nokomis Community Center (2401 E Minnehaha Pkwy, Minneapolis)

October 13, 2009

October 14, 2009

  • Community Briefing: 7 - 8:30 pm, Eagan Community Center (1501 Central Pkwy, Eagan)

Contact: 
Jenn Felger
612-726-8189