Only 2 US Airports Made ACI's Most Exclusive 2026 Excellence List (And They're Both In The South)

Each year, the Airports Council International (ACI) recognizes airports that deliver strong passenger experiences through its Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Customer Experience Awards. For 2026, only eight airports worldwide earned a spot on the organization's Director General's Roll of Excellence —and just two were in the U.S.: Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) in South Carolina and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) in Louisiana. Unlike awards based on a single year of results, the Director General's Roll of Excellence highlights airports that have consistently landed a spot on ASQ's lists over time. The organization surveys roughly 700,000 passengers at more than 400 airports across over 100 countries, making this one of ACI's most selective honors.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport has maintained a multi-year winning streak, including a 2025 ASQ award for its Customer Experience Program for a Medium Airport connected to its Music @ MSY live performance series. Similarly, Greenville-Spartanburg has also received multiple ASQ titles, including one of America's "Most Enjoyable," "Best Small Airport," and "Cleanest Airport." 

While the airports differ in size, their focus on local identity and passenger experience is something they have in common. Greenville-Spartanburg features artwork from regional artists and offers a smaller-scale terminal environment with amenities designed around traveler comfort. The New Orleans terminal incorporates local music and cultural programming that reflects the city's identity before visitors even leave the airport. Both airports show how thoughtful amenities and a strong sense of place can help smaller and mid-sized airports stand out.

A bright smile from airport security and the ability to zip through a TSA line might be enough for any first-time or frequent flyer, but Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport deliver much more than the average. The South Carolina hub has an art gallery that features work from across the region, escape pods that provide private workspaces for busy travelers, and a tranquil Airside Garden with fountains that put visitors at ease. These amenities help create a calmer airport environment while highlighting the airport's connection to those who make the South what it is today.

Louis Armstrong leans into New Orleans' deep-rooted culture. Its highlight is the Music @ MSY residency program. Local musicians rotate throughout the year, and during peak travel season, bands play across three different stages throughout the terminal, turning a layover into something closer to a mini New Orleans experience. Those arriving or departing can get a glimpse of some of the unmissable things to do in New Orleans without ever stepping out of the building. The New Orleans airport also offers Mother's Rooms for those nursing, pet relief areas for those traveling with their furry friends, and free Wi-Fi for the one who needs to stay connected. Together, these two Southern hubs demonstrate how passenger experience can come from a combination of thoughtful design, local identity, and services that make time at the gate more comfortable.