MSP Airport ticketed over 2,000 drivers at terminals in 2024

• Readers responding to an informal Axios survey on the issue cited a lack of enforcement as a point of frustration.

By the numbers: Airport police issued 2,387 citations at Terminals 1 and 2 in 2024, data obtained by Axios via a public records request shows.

Yes, but: The vast majority — 2,125— went to drivers who left their cars parked and unattended in the loading zone. About 50 more left their cars there with the keys in the ignition.

• Just 200 tickets went to drivers who were idling or stopped in the loading zone, an infraction many Axios readers say is to blame for the traffic issues.

The big picture: MSP estimates that roughly 12.2 million vehicles a year move through the two terminals.

• Airport spokesperson Jeff Lea says police "actively patrol these zones to ensure a safe and efficient experience for all passengers."

💭 Torey's thought bubble: As a driver, it costs you nothing to do the right thing by helping keep traffic moving, regardless of the risk of getting a ticket.

• In fact, waiting in a cell phone lot until your traveler is ready, instead of idling while blocking the curb, will save you some gas!

Go deeper: Who, me? The MSP Airport traffic blame game