Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is in Kenner, about 18 km (11 mi) west of downtown New Orleans. There are nonstop flights from New Orleans to Cancun with Southwest Airlines and Breeze Airways, taking about 2 hours.
Quick facts (checked October 2026)
- Codes: IATA MSY · ICAO KMSY
- Location: in Kenner, about 18 km (11 mi) west of downtown New Orleans
- Terminals: 1 terminal (opened 2019) with 3 concourses
- Traffic: about 12.4 million passengers (2025)
- Official website: flymsy.com
- Distance to Cancun: 1,052 km (654 miles) in a straight line
- Nonstop to Cancun: Yes – about 2 hours
- Time difference: Same time as Cancun during US daylight saving time (March to early November); 1 hour behind in winter
Flights from New Orleans to Cancun
| Airline | Season | Arrives at Cancun | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Airlines | Seasonal | Terminal 4 | Not operating in October 2026 – check Southwest for winter and spring dates |
| Breeze Airways | Seasonal | See terminal guide | Launched February 2026, about two flights a week in season |
Flight time is about 2 hours. Airlines change their schedules every season, so check current dates on the airline’s website and confirm your Cancun terminal on your boarding pass (Cancun Airport terminals).
When no nonstop operates, connect via Houston (United, Southwest), Atlanta (Delta), Dallas/Fort Worth or Charlotte (American) – about 4–6 hours in total.
Arriving at Cancun Airport
International arrivals clear immigration and customs in Cancun, which usually takes 30–60 minutes. After customs you walk through the “shark tank” of timeshare sellers – if you have booked a transfer, go straight outside to meet your driver. See Cancun Airport arrivals for what to expect step by step, and check your flight on the live arrivals board.
| From Cancun Airport to | Drive time | Private transfer from |
|---|---|---|
| Cancun Hotel Zone | 20–30 min | 44 USD per vehicle |
| Playa del Carmen | 45–60 min | 89 USD per vehicle |
| Tulum | about 1 h 45 min | 165 USD per vehicle |
Book your Cancun Airport transfer
About Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
New Orleans’ airport, formerly Moisant Field (hence the code MSY), is owned by the city and has had a new single terminal since 2019. Southwest is its largest airline and Breeze Airways has a base here.
New Orleans to Cancun – FAQ
Is there a direct flight from New Orleans to Cancun?
Yes. Southwest Airlines and Breeze Airways fly nonstop (October 2026); see the table above for seasons and frequency.
How long is the flight from New Orleans to Cancun?
About 2 hours nonstop.
How far is New Orleans from Cancun?
About 1,052 km (654 miles) in a straight line.
How do I get from Cancun Airport to my hotel?
A private transfer is the easiest option: from 44 USD to the Hotel Zone, 89 USD to Playa del Carmen and 165 USD to Tulum per vehicle. See Cancun Airport transportation.