The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) has reported record passenger traffic and continued progress on major infrastructure projects during the 2026 financial year.
During this period, Nashville International Airport (BNA) and John C. Tune Airport (JWN) have expanded operations and advanced long-term development plans.
Nashville International Airport
For the financial year ending 30 June 2026, BNA handled 26.7 million passengers, representing a 7.7% increase compared with the previous year. The airport also reached 115 nonstop destinations in June 2026, the highest number in its network to date.
The airport recorded its busiest single day on 5 October 2025, when 116,047 passengers travelled through the terminal. October 2025 also became the airport’s busiest month, with 2.55 million passengers and 13,804 commercial flights during the autumn holiday period.
BNA added Porter Airlines to its list of carriers, with the airline launching nonstop flights to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport in May 2026. The airport also hosted the 22nd Airport Experience Conference, which attracted attendees from across the United States.
Alongside passenger growth, work continued on the airport’s 3 billion USD New Horizon expansion programme, which is intended to increase capacity to accommodate up to 40 million annual passengers in the future.
A key milestone during the year was the opening of the Concourse D extension, the first completed project under the programme. The extension includes five additional gates, new food and retail outlets, public artwork, a moving walkway and an outdoor viewing terrace. The project also received LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Construction also advanced on several other projects. Demolition and reconstruction of Concourse A continued ahead of its planned opening in July 2028, when it will provide 16 gates, expanded passenger facilities, airline lounges and new concessions. American Airlines has confirmed it will open a new Admirals Club lounge in the rebuilt concourse.
Elsewhere, work progressed on the Central Ramp Expansion, with more than one million cubic yards of fill placed to create additional space for aircraft movements, overnight parking and de-icing operations.
Furthermore, construction began on a six-storey rental car facility and parking structure that will provide space for 4,700 rental vehicles alongside a 3,000-space public car park. In addition, a 40 million USD refurbishment of the terminal’s central core was launched to expand entrances and increase lift and escalator capacity.
MNAA President and CEO Doug Kreulen said:This has been a year defined by bold growth, major investments and partnerships that strengthen our role as a gateway to one of the nation's most dynamic’s regions. From record passenger activity, new air service and major infrastructure investments, BNA and JWN are positioning Nashville for the future. Our work this year reflects not only the pace of growth in Middle Tennessee, but also our commitment to building airports ready to meet the region’s needs for decades to come.
MNAA also outlined early planning for a future Terminal II development under its proposed Over the Horizon programme, which is intended to support longer-term growth beyond the completion of New Horizon.
John C. Tune Airport
At John C. Tune Airport, the authority reported growth in business aviation activity. The airport handled 18,547 jet operations during FY26, an increase of 7.5% compared with the previous year, while fuel sales rose by 11.5% to 3.8 million gallons.
During October 2025, the airport recorded 1,954 business jet movements and delivered almost 390,000 gallons of fuel. The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department also opened a new aviation unit hangar at the airport during the year.
MNAA also highlighted a number of operational and community initiatives, including the introduction of the GoodMaps indoor navigation app to improve accessibility for passengers who are blind or have low vision, the continuation of international services launched by Aer Lingus and Icelandair, and business engagement events linked to the airport’s expansion programme.
