Tennessee has several major airports that make travel easy for residents and visitors. Whether someone is headed to the lively streets of Nashville, planning a business trip to Memphis, or exploring the Smoky Mountains near Knoxville, these airports connect people to cities across the country.
Nashville International Airport, Memphis International Airport, McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, and Tri-Cities Airport are some of the leading travel hubs in Tennessee. Each airport offers different routes and services, so travelers can choose the option that best fits their plans. For a complete list and details, visit this list of airports in Tennessee.
Contents
- 1 Major Airports in Tennessee
- 2 Regional and Local Airports
- 3 Tennessee Airports: Domestic and International Connections
- 4 Airport Services and Amenities
- 5 Travel Tips for Tennessee Airports
- 6 Accessibility and Facilities
- 7 Future Developments and Expansion
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions – Tennessee Airports
- 8.1 What are the primary international airports in Tennessee?
- 8.2 Which airports in Tennessee are serviced by Southwest Airlines?
- 8.3 Where should I fly into to visit the Great Smoky Mountains?
- 8.4 What are the most cost-effective airports to utilize within Tennessee?
- 8.5 Which airport is the most convenient for reaching Nashville, Tennessee?
- 8.6 How many major airports across Tennessee, and where are they located?
- 8.7 Related
Major Airports in Tennessee
Tennessee has several airports serving as main travel hubs for visitors and residents. Each has its strengths, from wide connections to strong amenities and services.
Nashville International Airport
Nashville International Airport (BNA) is the largest airport in Tennessee. It is located a few miles east of downtown Nashville and serves as a major gateway for both domestic and international flights.
BNA hosts airlines such as Southwest, Delta, American, and United. It offers non-stop flights to cities across the United States and direct routes to a few international destinations. Many use Nashville International for business trips, tourism, and country music events.
Amenities at BNA include a range of restaurants, shops, live music stages, and free Wi-Fi. The airport recently finished an expansion project that added more gates and improved parking facilities. For more details, visit the Nashville International Airport website.
Memphis International Airport
Memphis International Airport (MEM) is known for its strong cargo operations, serving as the main global hub for FedEx. It also offers many passenger flights, especially to cities in the South and Midwest.
MEM is about seven miles south of downtown Memphis. Airlines here include Delta, Southwest, American, and United. Both travelers and businesses rely on MEM for quick access to important markets.
The airport has restaurants, shops, and car rentals. Its recent renovations have focused on speeding up security and updating waiting areas. Memphis International was a top-ten U.S. airport for total cargo handled last year. This guide to airports in Tennessee has more facts.
McGhee Tyson Airport
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is in Alcoa, near Knoxville. It serves as the main airport for East Tennessee, including the Great Smoky Mountains area. TYS provides several daily flights to hubs like Atlanta, Charlotte, and Dallas.
American, Delta, United, and Allegiant are among the airlines operating at TYS. Many visitors use the airport to access national parks, universities, and the city of Knoxville.
The airport features comfortable seating, food options, and a quick baggage claim. Car rentals and parking are available on site. McGhee Tyson is smaller than BNA or MEM, but it is important for both local travelers and tourists heading to eastern Tennessee. For a full list of Tennessee airports, visit this airport guide.
Regional and Local Airports
Tennessee is home to many active airports beyond its large international and metropolitan locations. These serve important roles by supporting local economies, offering connections to larger hubs, and improving access across the state.
Notable Regional Hubs
Several cities have regional airports that handle commercial flights and business aviation. Tri-Cities Airport in Blountville serves the Kingsport, Bristol, and Johnson City area with connections to major airlines. McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport in Jackson provides scheduled service to hubs like Atlanta and is essential for business travel and cargo.
McGhee Tyson Airport near Knoxville is a key regional airport offering flights to several major US cities. It has facilities for both commercial airlines and private aircraft. These regional hubs help people in smaller towns reach national networks more easily, and they often support charter services, air freight, and aviation training.
Most airports feature runways long enough for regional jets and have full terminal services. Their presence supports local businesses, tourism, and regional development by making travel convenient for people and goods. See the Tennessee airport directory for a complete list of regional airports.
Key Local Airfields
Local airfields in Tennessee focus on small aircraft, flight schools, emergency services, and private aviation. Many are public-use and managed by cities or counties. Dickson Municipal Airport and Cleveland Regional Jetport are examples that offer services for general aviation pilots and support community events.
John C. Tune Airport serves as a reliever airport near Nashville, which means it helps reduce congestion at larger airports by handling private and corporate flights. These local airfields often provide hangars, aircraft maintenance, and refueling. Some have unique roles, such as supporting agriculture, medical flights, or firefighting.
Local airports make it possible for rural and suburban areas to connect quickly with the rest of the state. This boosts local business opportunities and ensures emergency response is available when needed. Visit the list of Tennessee airports for details on local facilities.
Tennessee Airports: Domestic and International Connections
Tennessee airports give travelers a wide choice of destinations, both within the United States and abroad. The flight options available can help visitors plan trips for work or fun and connect to locations worldwide through major airports.
Domestic Flight Networks
Tennessee’s main airports provide direct flights to dozens of U.S. cities. The largest option is Nashville International Airport (BNA), which has the most connections in state history, serving over 114 nonstop domestic destinations. Many airlines operate out of BNA, including Southwest, Delta, American, and United.
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in East Tennessee near Knoxville offers nonstop service to about 25 cities. Memphis International Airport is another busy option with several direct flights within the United States. These airports help people connect quickly to major business centers and tourist spots like New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Dallas.
For ease, most Tennessee airports have real-time flight status updates and terminal maps available on the Internet. This helps travelers plan trips and check for delays. Frequent flights and online information make travel convenient for locals and visitors.
| Airport | Approx. Domestic Destinations | Major Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| BNA (Nashville) | 114+ | Southwest, Delta, AA, UA |
| TYS (Knoxville) | 25 | Delta, American, United |
| MEM (Memphis) | 30+ | Delta, AA, UA, Frontier |
International Routes
While most flights out of Tennessee are domestic, there are a few direct international routes, especially from the largest airports. Nashville International Airport offers trips to Canada, Mexico, Europe, and the United Kingdom. Memphis International and Knoxville also sometimes have flights to Mexico and the Caribbean.
International flights benefit business travelers and people visiting family overseas. As the region grows, larger airports like Nashville International are working to increase the number of international routes.
Common airline partners for international trips include British Airways, Air Canada, and WestJet. Visitors can use the Internet to check passport rules and customs information and book connecting flights easily. This makes traveling from Tennessee to almost any major country easier with just one stop if no nonstop option is available.
Airport Services and Amenities
Tennessee airports focus on helpful services for travelers, including easy ways to get around and good options for food and shopping. Visitors often have access to free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and comfortable waiting areas.
Ground Transportation – Tennessee Airports
Travelers at Tennessee airports can use several types of ground transportation. Taxis, ride-share services, and rental car desks are usually easy to find just outside the main terminal buildings. Some airports, like Nashville International Airport, offer clear signs to help visitors reach shuttles or public buses.
Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga airports have designated pick-up spots for Uber and Lyft. Parking options range from short-term lots near the terminal to long-term lots with shuttle service. Many airports also have ADA-accessible shuttles and drop-off areas, making it easier for travelers with mobility needs.
Here’s a simple table of common options:
| Service | Availability |
|---|---|
| Taxis | Yes |
| Ride-Shares | Yes |
| Rental Cars | Yes |
| Public Transit | Varies by city |
| Private Shuttles | Often available |
Dining and Shopping – Tennessee Airports
Most larger Tennessee airports offer a range of places to eat and shop. For example, Nashville International Airport has local restaurants, national chains, coffee shops, and live music areas. Visitors can choose from fast food, sit-down meals, and snack bars, so it’s easy to eat before or after a flight.
Shopping includes local gift stores, souvenir stands, newsstands, and travel supply shops. Chattanooga Airport provides restaurants, bars, and charging stations close to waiting areas. Many airports also provide free Wi-Fi, making it easier for visitors to relax and stay connected.
Travelers with support needs can find accessible dining spaces and service animal relief areas at most major airports. These services aim to make every visit comfortable for all travelers.
Travel Tips for Tennessee Airports
Travelers going through Tennessee airports should pay attention to each terminal’s layout and how security works. Fast navigation and good prep can help visitors make their flights and avoid common problems.
Tennessee’s main airports, like Nashville International (BNA), Memphis International (MEM), and Knoxville McGhee Tyson (TYS), have clear terminal signs. Most airports have color-coded areas or labeled concourses. Maps are often posted inside the terminal, and airport websites offer printable maps and real-time updates.
Some airports in Tennessee offer free Wi-Fi, so travelers can check flight times or airport maps online. Information desks are near the baggage claim or the main entrances if visitors need extra help. Moving walkways make it easier to reach distant gates in larger airports.
Booking in advance saves time for quick parking, and off-site valet parking is often faster at Nashville International Airport. Shuttle buses run from lots to terminals, helping people carry a lot of luggage. Accessible routes and elevators make it easier for visitors with mobility needs.
Security and Check-In Guidance
Security at Tennessee airports follows TSA rules. Packing properly speeds up the process. All travelers need to show a government ID and a boarding pass. Keep these ready before reaching the front of the line.
Most airlines let travelers check in online and get a mobile boarding pass. Checking in early online can help skip long lines at the airport. Passengers should arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international ones.
Carry-on bags will go through X-ray scanners. All liquids must fit in a quart-sized bag and be under 3.4 ounces. Large electronics, like laptops and tablets, need to be placed in a separate bin.
Checked bags can be weighed at the counter. Airlines may charge extra for any bag over 50 pounds, so it is smart to weigh bags at home as suggested by Nashville airport travel guides. If there are questions or if something is unclear, travelers can ask the security staff for help.
Accessibility and Facilities
Tennessee airports offer many features for travelers with disabilities, families, and anyone with support needs. Services include accessible parking, elevators, visual paging, and special relief areas for service animals.
Accessible Travel Options
Large airports in Tennessee, including Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga, provide a range of accessible features. Passengers who use wheelchairs can expect elevator access throughout the terminal buildings. For example, Chattanooga Airport has public elevators on each concourse to help travelers reach the boarding areas.
Nashville International Airport stands out for its accessible parking program. Registered individuals with disabilities may receive complimentary parking when flying out of the airport. At Memphis International Airport, 134 accessible parking spaces are close to walkways and elevators for easy terminal access.
At Nashville International Airport, visual paging systems are available for visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing, making flight information accessible for everyone. Wide entranceways, accessible restrooms, and signage in large print are also available at most major Tennessee airports.
Family and Support Needs Services
Tennessee airports aim to support families and travelers with special requirements. McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville has dedicated service animal relief areas for passengers traveling with assistance animals. These spaces help passengers meet their pets’ needs before or after flights.
Restrooms with family changing tables are common in the terminals. Many airports provide free Wi-Fi and charging stations in public areas, making it easier for travelers to stay connected while waiting. In larger airports, quiet spaces and nursing rooms are also available, which benefit parents with young children or anyone seeking extra privacy.
Most airports offer wheelchair assistance for passengers who need help getting around, and staff are available to guide travelers to gates or baggage claim areas. These services help make the airport experience easier for all travelers.
Future Developments and Expansion
Airports in Tennessee are planning new projects to handle more travelers and bring updated technology for better service. Major renovations aim to improve comfort, capacity, and efficiency at the state’s largest airports.
Upcoming Airport Projects
Tennessee’s largest airports are expanding. At Nashville International Airport, the New Horizon plan includes adding new gates, updating older terminals, and improving passenger and car traffic flow. The airport is also rebuilding parts of Concourse A and expanding Concourse D.
- Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport has launched the “Flight Plan,” which aims to add more gates, restaurants, and shops over the next decade.
- These projects focus on handling increased passenger numbers and making airports more comfortable and accessible.
The goal is to keep up with Tennessee’s fast-growing population and booming tourism industry by providing modern travel options and smoother airport experiences.
Technology Enhancements
Tennessee airports are updating technology to speed up check-ins, security, and boarding. Many now use touchless check-in kiosks, digital boarding passes, and real-time flight updates on screens throughout terminals.
High-speed internet access is available at most large airports. This helps travelers stay connected, stream entertainment, or get work done while they wait for their flights.
New technology, such as automated screening lanes and advanced baggage scanners, also benefits security. These upgrades allow faster processing times, shorter lines, and improved safety for passengers and staff.
Frequently Asked Questions – Tennessee Airports
Tennessee offers several airport options, including international hubs and regional facilities. Southwest Airlines flies to select cities, and certain airports offer better access to specific destinations and attractions.
What are the primary international airports in Tennessee?
Tennessee has two main airports with international flights: Nashville International Airport (BNA) and Memphis International Airport (MEM). Both offer non-stop flights to several major cities in the United States and select international destinations.
Which airports in Tennessee are serviced by Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines operates flights out of Nashville International Airport. This makes it a convenient choice for those looking for more budget-friendly fares and a wide selection of routes throughout the country. For more details, check the official Nashville airport website.
Where should I fly into to visit the Great Smoky Mountains?
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville is the closest major airport to the Great Smoky Mountains. It is about an hour’s drive from the park, making it the preferred gateway for most visitors to this area. You can find more travel information on the Knoxville airport FAQ.
What are the most cost-effective airports to utilize within Tennessee?
Nashville International Airport often has the most competitive airfares due to its size and the number of airlines offering service there. Memphis International Airport also offers affordable flights, especially for travelers flying on larger carriers. Smaller regional airports may have higher fares due to limited airline choices.
Which airport is the most convenient for reaching Nashville, Tennessee?
Nashville International Airport (BNA) is the main airport for traveling to and from Nashville. It is located about eight miles from downtown, which makes it easy for visitors and locals to reach the city center. More details can be found on the Nashville International Airport website.
How many major airports across Tennessee, and where are they located?
Tennessee has three major airports: Nashville International Airport in Nashville, Memphis International Airport in Memphis, and McGhee Tyson Airport near Knoxville. These airports serve most of the state’s air travel needs and are spread across the central, western, and eastern regions.
