Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) is a major air transportation hub located in Louisville, Kentucky, serving both passenger and cargo flights. It is named in honor of Louisville native and boxing legend Muhammad Ali, a change officially made in 2019 to reflect the city’s pride and Ali’s global legacy[2]. SDF operates primarily through its main commercial terminal, the Jerry E. Abramson Terminal, which features 24 gates split evenly between two concourses connected by a central rotunda and unified security checkpoint[2]. The airport plays a critical role in regional and international connectivity, offering nonstop service to over 35 destinations, with many routes experiencing increased flight frequencies due to growing demand[1]. Its infrastructure includes three concrete runways, notably the 11,887-foot westernmost runway extended in 2007 to accommodate large, long-haul aircraft serving destinations as far as Asia and the Pacific Rim[2]. SDF has seen remarkable growth in recent years, setting consecutive all-time passenger records with over 4.8 million travelers in 2024, marking one of the busiest periods in its history[1]. This growth is supported by ongoing investments and partnerships with airlines, demonstrating the airport’s importance in the aviation industry and its strong community backing[1]. Currently, SDF is undergoing a transformative $1 billion redevelopment plan called SDF Next, which began in 2024 and includes extensive enhancements to passenger facilities, such as terminal upgrades, baggage claim improvements, security system updates, and modernization of rental car counters. This ambitious project aims to elevate passenger experience and operational efficiency, incorporating technology-driven improvements like additional charging stations and new airline podiums at gates[2][4][5]. Beyond transportation, the airport is a significant economic engine for the region, supporting approximately 89,357 direct and indirect jobs, equivalent to one in eight jobs in Louisville, underscoring its role as an economic powerhouse for Kentucky[6]. Despite occasional operational challenges such as the Novembe