Strong Southerly Winds May Lead to Uncommon MSP Runway Use

Today’s forecast includes strong and gusty winds out of the south/southwest this afternoon. This may cause uncommon runway use at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP).

Air Traffic Controllers assign runways that provide the greatest amount of headwind for aircraft takeoffs and landings, especially when wind speeds exceed 10 miles per hour. 

The parallel runways (Runways 12L/30R and 12R/30L) are the most frequently used at MSP. Today however, aircraft may be directed to use Runway 22 because it is the best runway for the anticipated conditions -- wind blowing about 15-25 miles per hour from the southwest, with gusts up to 40 miles per hour at times. Runway use at MSP is expected to change as wind conditions change. Air Traffic Control will transition back to the use of the parallel runways as soon as the winds allow.

View up-to-date runway use information and flight activity on the MAC FlightTracker.