Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF)
Louisville, US 🇺🇸 Large International Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
KSDF
IATA
SDF
Elevation
501 ft
Region
US-KY
Local Time
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GPS Code: KSDF
Local Code: SDF
Location: 38.1744° N, -85.736° E
Continent: North America
Type: Large International Airport
Keywords: Louisville International Standiford Field
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
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.
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Airport Routes
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) offers 128 flight routes operated by 10 airlines. Major carriers include United Parcel Service, Republic, Southwest and others. Popular destinations from Louisville include Chicago O'Hare Intl, Charlotte/Douglas Intl, Detroit Metro Wayne Co, Newark Liberty Intl and Philadelphia Intl.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
- Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) 4
- Charlotte/Douglas Intl (CLT) 4
- Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) 3
- Newark Liberty Intl (EWR) 3
- Philadelphia Intl (PHL) 3
- Indianapolis Intl (IND) 3
- Hartsfield-Jackson Intl (ATL) 3
- Denver Intl (DEN) 3
- Dallas-Fort Worth Intl (DFW) 3
- Washington Dulles Intl (IAD) 2
- Houston Bush Int'ctl (IAH) 2
- Jacksonville Intl (JAX) 2
Newly Discovered
- Vancouver International Airport (YVR) new
- Chicago/Rockford Intl (RFD) new
- Luis Munoz Marin Intl (SJU) new
- Southwest Georgia Rgnl (ABY) new
- Albuquerque Intl Sunport (ABQ) new
- Charlotte/Douglas Intl (CLT) new
- Washington Dulles Intl (IAD) new
- Huntsville International Carl T Jones Field (HSV) new
- John F Kennedy Intl (JFK) new
- Hartsfield-Jackson Intl (ATL) new
- Orlando Intl (MCO) new
- LaGuardia (LGA) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Louisville Muhammad Ali International AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
United Parcel Service
UPS
/ 5X
|
58 | 150 | 58 | Jan 17, 2026 |
Republic
RPA
/ YX
|
7 | 24 | 7 | Jan 2, 2026 |
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 |
PSA Airlines
JIA
/ OH
|
3 | 8 | 3 | Jul 27, 2025 |
|
Air Cargo Carriers
SNC
/ 2Q
|
6 | 8 | 6 | Jul 26, 2025 |
Delta Air Lines
DAL
/ DL
|
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 |
Ground Transportation
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.
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