LOUISVILLE, Ky. — On this day 56 years ago, Muhammad Ali fought for the World Heavyweight title. 

What You Need To Know

  • Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport has served the Louisville area for 75 years 

  • The airport authority unveiled a banner exhibit to celebrate the milestone 

  • It also announced a new air service offering nonstop trips to Minneapolis 

  • The airport now offers 37 nonstop destinations 

“Muhammad Ali knocked out Cleveland Williams, providing one of the many iconic photos of the champ,” said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer.

Nineteen years before that fight, the first passenger traveled from Standiford Field, now known as the Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF). 

Featured in its logo is a recreation of a picture from that knockout win. 

“We like to brag about our airport and it was Ali who said it ain’t bragging if it’s true and we have seen just amazing growth taking place at the airport,” says Fischer. 

On Tuesday, the airport unveiled “SDF Through the Years”, a banner exhibit showcasing the transformation of the airport over the past 75 years. 

The exhibit will be on display in the Jerry E Abramson terminal through the end of the year. 

Airport authority board chair, Dale Boden, said while many airports face losing service, SDF has continued to grow with more airlines and nonstop destinations. 

The airport authority also announced that starting in May 2023, Sun Country Airlines will offer nonstop service to Minneapolis. 

This makes SDF’s third new airline and 15th new route added since last year. 

Boden says the connection will allow travelers the chance to experience the unique offerings of twin cities, bourbon city, and beyond. 

“Sun Country operates 102 routes, services 82 airports across the. U.S., Mexico, Central America, Canada, and the Caribbean, which gives SDF travelers even more ways to reach their favorite vacation destinations,” says Boden. 

Between May 4 and 6 of this year, SDF saw over 27,000 arrival seats reaching 98% of the pre-pandemic capacity. 

“It’s fair to say that travel is back, especially tourism and hospitality travel is back beyond 2019 levels and in fact, we’re setting records with our hotel occupancy as well for right now, so that’s a great thing to see with our city and really points out the great quality product we have here,” says Fischer. 

The airport now has a record high of 37 nonstop destinations on eight airlines. 

“Just as Ali labored in his life to be the greatest athlete later, a greater humanitarian, the airport that proudly bears his name works toward greatness each and every day,” says Fischer.

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