Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is the primary commercial airport serving the Twin Cities metropolitan area and one of Delta Air Lines' most important domestic hubs. Located between Minneapolis and Saint Paul in Hennepin and Dakota counties, MSP connects the Upper Midwest to domestic destinations across the United States and to international routes reaching Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport operates two terminals: the Lindbergh Terminal (Terminal 1), which handles the majority of commercial operations including Delta Air Lines' hub, and the Humphrey Terminal (Terminal 2), which primarily serves low-cost carriers and charter operations. Both terminals are served by the METRO Blue and Green Line light rail, giving MSP one of the most comprehensive transit connections of any U.S. airport.
Delta Air Lines is the overwhelmingly dominant carrier at MSP, using the Lindbergh Terminal as a major hub in its domestic network. The MSP hub provides Delta with strong connectivity across the Midwest and serves as an important connecting point for transcontinental routes and international service to Europe.
MSP is known for operational efficiency, and regularly scores above average among large U.S. airports for on-time performance and customer satisfaction. Its winter weather preparedness — essential given Minnesota's harsh climate — is considered best-in-class among northern U.S. airports, with heated jetways, indoor people-movers, and operational protocols designed to maintain schedules in snow and ice conditions.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport traces its origins to 1920 when Charles 'Speed' Holman established Speedway Field, a private airstrip. The airport was developed on its current site through the 1920s and 1930s and named Wold-Chamberlain Field after two World War I aviators from Minnesota. Northwest Orient Airlines, which would eventually become Northwest Airlines and later merge with Delta, established Minneapolis as a hub in the early jet age.
The airport was renamed Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport in 1948. The Lindbergh Terminal, named for aviator Charles Lindbergh who was a Minnesota native, opened in 1962 and has been expanded several times. The Humphrey Terminal opened in 1992. The METRO Blue Line light rail connection opened in 2004, and the Green Line was added later. Delta's 2008 merger with Northwest transferred MSP's hub operations to Delta.
MSP's Lindbergh Terminal (Terminal 1) is the main facility, housing Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and other carriers. The terminal has four concourses: C, D, F, and G. Concourses C and D are the primary Delta concourses. Concourse F handles international operations for Terminal 1. Concourse G is used by additional carriers.
The Humphrey Terminal (Terminal 2) primarily serves low-cost carriers including Spirit, Frontier, and Sun Country charter operations. An inter-terminal bus connects the Lindbergh and Humphrey terminals. Both terminals have direct access to the METRO Blue Line light rail — Terminal 1 via an indoor station at the main terminal, and Terminal 2 via its own adjacent station.
Delta Air Lines operates MSP as one of its primary domestic hubs, providing nonstop service to major cities across the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, and Japan. Delta's MSP hub is particularly strong for domestic Midwest connections and transpacific service to Tokyo.
Other significant carriers at MSP include American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines (which is headquartered in Minneapolis). International service includes routes to Amsterdam, London, Paris, Reykjavik, Tokyo, Seoul, Cancun, and select other destinations. Spirit and Frontier operate from the Humphrey Terminal.
The Lindbergh Terminal offers a strong selection of dining and retail options across its four concourses, with local Minnesota brands well-represented. Delta Sky Club lounges are located in Concourses C and F. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout both terminals. The airport features a well-regarded art program with works by local and national artists throughout the terminal.
MSP's indoor walkways, heated jetways, and enclosed connections between terminal areas are particularly appreciated during Minnesota winters. Nursing rooms, interfaith chapels, and pet relief areas are available across the terminal complex. The airport's connection to the METRO light rail makes it easy for passengers to commute from the cities without driving.
MSP is directly connected to the METRO light rail network at two stations. The Lindbergh Terminal station on the Blue Line provides service to downtown Minneapolis (Target Field Station) in approximately 25–30 minutes. Trains also connect to the Green Line, providing access to the University of Minnesota and downtown Saint Paul. Both the Blue and Green Lines operate every 10–15 minutes during peak hours and run from approximately 4 AM to 1 AM.
Rideshare services operate from the lower level of the Lindbergh Terminal. Taxis are available on the ground transportation level. The Rental Car Center is located on the MSP campus and is accessible via a free shuttle. The airport is accessible via I-494 and MN-5.
MSP provides parking in garages at both terminals and in remote economy lots served by shuttle buses. The Lindbergh Terminal parking ramp offers the most convenient access. Remote economy lots provide lower-cost alternatives. The METRO Blue Line makes parking unnecessary for travelers from along the light rail corridor, and the airport encourages transit use.
Winter conditions can affect outdoor parking areas, though the airport maintains them well. Indoor parking structures are heated and accessible year-round. Advance reservations are recommended during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring and summer peak travel periods.
The METRO Blue Line from downtown Minneapolis to MSP is one of the most reliable transit connections to any U.S. airport — it runs on dedicated tracks and is rarely affected by traffic. The train takes about 25–30 minutes from Target Field in downtown Minneapolis to the Lindbergh Terminal station. It's the strongly recommended option for travelers originating from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul core.
Winter weather at MSP is managed exceptionally well compared to many northern airports — the airport rarely closes for snow and maintains reliable operations through Minnesota's harsh winters. That said, winter storms can delay individual flights even when the airport is open, so monitor your flight status and build in connection buffer time during January through March.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is the economic backbone of the Twin Cities' air transportation system and a critical enabler of the upper Midwest's economy. MSP supports hundreds of thousands of jobs in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area and generates tens of billions in annual economic output. Delta Air Lines' hub at MSP gives the Twin Cities connectivity far exceeding what the region's population would typically support, benefiting the area's large corporate presence including Target, Best Buy, 3M, and major healthcare and financial services companies.
Sun Country Airlines, headquartered in Minneapolis, adds a local airline dimension to MSP's economic role. The airport also supports the region's significant convention and meeting business, which is anchored by the Minneapolis Convention Center.
MSP is pursuing capital projects to modernize Lindbergh Terminal facilities and expand international gate capacity. The airport authority has worked on concourse improvements and technology upgrades throughout the terminal. Sound Transit and Metro Transit expansions of the light rail network will further improve regional transit connectivity to MSP. Sustainability programs targeting energy efficiency are being implemented given the airport's exposure to extreme winter temperatures.
MSP is a primary commercial airport and major hub in the Midwest. It functions as one of Delta Air Lines' principal domestic hubs and provides the Twin Cities region with strong domestic and international connectivity.
There are no Airports within approximately 60 miles of Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport that may provide additional scheduled commercial or regional access.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is one of America's most efficiently run large airports — a testament to Midwest practicality, Delta Air Lines' hub investment, and Minnesota's commitment to managing harsh winter operations without disrupting the travel economy. For the millions of travelers who move through MSP each year, the airport offers strong connectivity, convenient light rail access, and an operational reliability that is the envy of many larger competing hubs.
Board the METRO Blue Line from the Lindbergh Terminal (Terminal 1) station. Trains run to Target Field Station in downtown Minneapolis in approximately 25–30 minutes. The Green Line also runs from MSP to the University of Minnesota and downtown Saint Paul.
Delta Air Lines operates MSP as one of its major domestic hubs and is by far the largest carrier at the airport. Delta uses Concourses C, D, and F in the Lindbergh Terminal.
Lindbergh Terminal (T1) handles most major airline operations including Delta, American, United, and Alaska. Humphrey Terminal (T2) primarily serves low-cost carriers including Spirit and Frontier, and charter operations.
Yes — MSP is one of the best large U.S. airports for winter operations. The airport maintains heated jetways, indoor walkways, and strong snow removal protocols. While individual flights can be delayed by storms, MSP rarely closes for weather.
For the most current flight schedules, parking availability, terminal maps, and ground transportation updates, visit the official Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport website.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport Official Site