Airports

Uncovering the History of the Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (MSP)





The Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport, also known as Wold-Chamberlain Airport, is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is the primary airport serving the Twin Cities area. It is one of the busiest airports in the United States and is the 15th busiest airport in the world according to the Airports Council International.

The airport was originally established in 1920 by two local businessmen, Floyd Wold and Charles Chamberlain, who wanted to create a dedicated airport for the Twin Cities area. It was originally known as Speedway Field and was used for general aviation and military purposes. In 1944, the airport was renamed Wold-Chamberlain Field in honor of its founding fathers.

In 1954, the airport underwent a major expansion to accommodate the increasing number of flights. The airport was renamed Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport and was given the airport code MSP, which stands for Minneapolis-St Paul. The airport has continued to expand and modernize over the years, adding new terminals, runways and other facilities.

Today, MSP serves over 39 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest airports in the United States. It has over 350 daily departures to over 130 destinations across the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. The airport is served by all major US carriers, including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines.





In addition to its commercial flights, MSP also serves as a hub for cargo operations, private jets, and general aviation. The airport is home to the Minneapolis/St. Paul Air Reserve Station, a major United States Air Force Reserve base. The station is also home to the Minnesota Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing, which provides airlift support for the US military and other government agencies.

Overall, MSP is a major transportation hub for the Twin Cities area and beyond. It has played an important role in the economic development of the region and continues to be a vital link for connecting people and goods to the rest of the world.