Summer Travel Underway at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport

Recently launched routes provide more nonstop options than ever

Summer travel season is underway at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), where travelers now have more nonstop flight options than ever before. The airport is entering what is expected to be another busy summer with a record 41 nonstop destinations now available from Louisville, including four new routes launched in recent weeks.

“We are confident this will be another strong and busy year, much like what we experienced in 2025,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, which owns and operates Louisville’s airport. “Flight volume is near identical to last year’s levels, driven by additional nonstop service and increased frequencies to many of our most popular destinations. Heading into the summer, SDF is well-positioned to offer travelers more choices and greater convenience than ever before.”

The four new markets at SDF include the launch of Allegiant Air’s service to Gulf Shores (GUF) and Breeze Airways’ service to Los Angeles (LAX), Pittsburgh (PIT) and Hartford, CT (BDL). Breeze’s new Hartford service takes off this week on Friday, May 29.

I-65 Central Corridor Project

“With the busy summer travel season ahead, we want to remind passengers departing from SDF to plan ahead for the upcoming I-65 closure,” added Mann. “While the airport’s main access ramps will remain open throughout the project, travelers should expect heavier-than-normal traffic in and around the airport. We encourage passengers to closely monitor traffic conditions and allow extra travel time to ensure a smooth trip to the airport.”

Ramps providing access to SDF will remain open and available to travelers and visitors during the I-65 central corridor closure project in June and July 2026. While no impacts are anticipated to the day-to-day operations of the airport, those on departing flights are strongly encouraged to closely monitor traffic conditions the day of their travel and plan their route to SDF accordingly.

Airport access will continue as normal from I-264/Watterson Expressway via Exit 11 for both east and westbound traffic. From I-65 northbound, the airport will remain accessible via Exit 131A and following July 1, it will be accessible via Exit 131B for southbound traffic. Prior to July 1, southbound traffic should follow the detour signs.

An alternative option for airport access is the West Entrance located directly off Crittenden Drive, near the I-264/Watterson Expressway entrance and exit ramps and USPS Air Mail Facility and Post Office (4440 Crittenden Drive).

Travel Tips

Below are several helpful tips for SDF travelers to make their journey a smooth experience when traveling this summer.

• Arrive 2 hours in advance of the flight’s departure. This allows plenty of time to park, check-in and go through the security checkpoint before boarding begins. Remember, most airlines begin boarding 30 minutes before the flight’s scheduled departure time.
• Temporary parking closures are possible as parking areas become full, especially in the Garage and Surface Lot. Travelers are encouraged to take advantage of convenient parking in the Premier East or Premier West Lots as well as the Express Shuttle Lot. Detailed information is available at SDFPark.com, including real-time status updates for each parking area.
• Save on parking with SDF’s Express Shuttle Lot. The Express Shuttle Lot is only $5 a day with advanced registration at least four hours prior to arrival at SDFPark.com ($8 without advanced registration). Shuttle Lot users can now take advantage of real-time tracking to see the exact location of the shuttles by simply scanning the QR code at the designated pick-up areas.
• Travelers can also save $5 on their rideshare to SDF through Uber or Lyft. Click here for details and promo code information.
• Check-in before leaving home and closely monitor the flight’s status through the airline’s website or mobile app.
• Remember the 3-1-1 rule when packing – no more than 3.4 oz of liquids, gels, creams and aerosols are allowed per container and all must be placed in one, clear 1-quart size bag in a carryon. Anything larger than 3.4 oz must go in a checked bag.
• If traveling with any food items or beverages – including alcohol – travelers should visit TSA.gov for more information on how to secure their goods in your checked bags.