Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF)

Louisville, US πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Large International Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

KSDF

IATA

SDF

Elevation

501 ft

Region

US-KY

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: KSDF

Local Code: SDF

Location: 38.1744Β° N, -85.736Β° E

Continent: NA

Type: Large International Airport

Keywords: Louisville International Standiford Field

External Links

Links verified by AI β€’ Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Recent traveler sentiment at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) is mixed, with passengers often appreciating its smaller size and ease of navigation, but recent complaints highlight significant issues with cleanliness and baggage handling. Despite some operational challenges, the airport has seen record-setting passenger numbers in 2023 and 2024, indicating growing traffic.

What Travelers Love
  • Ease of Navigation: SDF's single-terminal layout makes it straightforward and less daunting than larger airports, with clear signage. Travelers appreciate not getting lost and easily finding what they need.
  • Manageable Security Wait Times: Security lines are often relatively quick, especially during off-peak hours or for those with TSA PreCheck (typically under 5 minutes) or CLEAR service, which has been a "phenomenal success" since its permanent installation.
  • Local Art and Design: The airport features local-specific public art, which is attractively positioned.
  • Growing Air Service: SDF has seen increased flight frequencies and capacity growth on many routes, connecting to over 35 nonstop destinations.
  • Sustainability Efforts: The airport powered up the largest geothermal heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system of its kind in the US in late 2023, significantly reducing carbon emissions.
Common Complaints
  • Cleanliness: Multiple recent reviews describe the airport as "disgusting" and "filthy," particularly citing mens' restrooms near gate A-12 and worn-out carpets that "stunk to high heaven".
  • Baggage Claim Delays: Travelers have reported "terrible wait[s]" for baggage, sometimes exceeding 45 minutes with no belts running, and a general impression of slow baggage handling.
  • Inconvenient Ground Operations: Some travelers complain about slow ground crew operations for parking planes and an inconveniently relocated Uber pickup area, alongside the removal of covered parking spots for car rentals.
  • Limited Direct Connections: While growing, some travelers still find the airport lacks sufficient direct flight options compared to larger hub airports.

Overall, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport offers a generally convenient and growing travel experience, especially for those who value a smaller, easy-to-navigate airport. However, improvements in terminal cleanliness and baggage claim efficiency are critical areas for enhancing overall traveler satisfaction.

Generated False weeks ago
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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Popular Flight Routes
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Top Airlines

Operating at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
57 145 57 Nov 25, 2025
Republic
RPA / YX
7 22 7 Jul 27, 2025
Southwest
SWA / WN
9 18 9 Jul 27, 2025
SkyWest
SKW / OO
4 11 4 Jul 25, 2025
Envoy Air
ENY / MQ
2 11 2 Jul 25, 2025
Mesa
ASH / YV
2 9 2 Jul 27, 2025
Spirit
NKS / NK
5 8 5 Jul 27, 2025
6 8 6 Jul 26, 2025
3 8 3 Jul 27, 2025
1 7 1 Jul 27, 2025
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
11/29 7250 ft 150 ft CON Active Lighted
17L/35R 8579 ft 150 ft CON Active Lighted
17R/35L 10850 ft 150 ft CON Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
APP APP 123.675 MHz
ATIS ATIS 118.725 MHz
CLD CLNC DEL 126.1 MHz
DEP DEP 123.675 MHz
GND GND 121.7 MHz
OPS ANG OPS 26.81 MHz
TWR TWR 124.2 MHz
UNIC UNICOM 122.95 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Taxi services, including Ready Cab and Yellow Cab, are available on the lower level outside of baggage claim. Walk-up service is standard. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft also have designated pickup zones on the lower level.

Rental Cars

The rental car facility is conveniently located on the lower level of the terminal. Counters for major agencies such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National are situated in the baggage claim area, with vehicles parked in the attached garage.

Public Transportation

Public transit is provided by the Transit Authority of River City (TARC). Bus Route #2 (Second Street) connects the airport directly to downtown Louisville. The bus stop is located on the arrivals level (lower level) at the east end of the terminal on island 3.

Nearby Airports

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Central Kentucky Regional Airport
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Churchill Downs Heliport
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~4 km away
Norton Audubon Hospital Heliport
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~5 km away
University Hospital Heliport
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Heliport
~8 km away
Norton Children's Hospital Heliport
9KT0
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Heliport
~8 km away
UofL Health - Jewish Hospital Heliport
41KY
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~9 km away
Wlky-Tv Studios Heliport
43KY
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~10 km away
Central Government Center Heliport
40NK
Louisville, US
Heliport
~10 km away
Southwest Hospital Heliport
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Louisville, US
Heliport
~11 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.