The Master Plan and Noise Compatibility Studies are updates of similar studies Lambert has conducted over the last 15-20 years. To understand the current studies and some of the areas they will entail, it is useful to briefly look at significant events that have shaped Lambert and its previous studies.
| 1929 | Lambert becomes first municipally owned airport in the country |
| 1956 | Main Terminal opens |
| 1960/70s | Lambert expands airfield, terminal, and concourses |
| 1982 | Lambert designated large hub with TWA operation |
| Early 1980s | Ozark Air Lines expands St. Louis operations |
| 1985 | Southwest Airlines begins operations at Lambert |
| 1986 | TWA merges with Ozark Air Lines |
| 1993 | Master Plan identifies need to expand airfield to address capacity and delay issues |
| 1996 | Master Plan Update recommends new runway |
| 1997 | FAA completes Environmental Impact Statement for Airport Expansion Program |
| 1998 | Airport Expansion Program commences |
| 1998 | East Terminal Complex opens |
| Late 1990s | TWA reduces number of flights |
| 2001 | American Airlines acquires TWA |
| 2001-03 | American Airlines reduces number of flights, introduces Regional Jets to the market |
| 2003 | Lambert becomes medium-size hub |
| 2006 | Runway 11-29 becomes operational |
| 2007 | Airport Experience Program begins renovating portions of the terminal complex |
| 2008 | Master Plan Update commences |
| 1979 | Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act establishes Part 150 program |
| 1982 | St. Louis Airport Environs Plan recommends noise abatement procedures |
| 1982 | Lambert becomes large hub with TWA |
| 1987 | Noise Compatibility Study recommends additional noise abatement acquisitions |
| 1995 | Noise Compatibility Study Update recommends additional noise abatement actions |
| 1996 | FAA accepts Part 150 Update Noise Exposure Maps (for 1994, 1999) |
| 1997 | FAA completes Environmental Impact Statement for Airport Expansion Program |
| 1997 | FAA approves Noise Compatibility Program Update |
| 1998 | Airport Expansion Program commences |
| Late 1990s | TWA reduces number of flights |
| 2001 | American Airlines acquires TWA |
| 2001-03 | American reduces number of flights, introduces Regional Jets to the market |
| 2003 | Lambert becomes medium-size hub |
| 2005 | Military announces realignment of 131st Fighter Wing and pending closure of air operations of Lambert base |
| 2006 | Runway 11-29 becomes operational |
| 2008 | Noise Compatibility Study Update commences |