Jazmin Li
Knoxville Airport, also known as McGhee Tyson Airport, is located 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville. It offers nonstop flights to over 30 destinations and is the premier air facility in East Tennessee. Knoxville also has a smaller airport called Downtown Island Airport, which is Knoxville's oldest airport, founded in 1930. It is a general aviation airport that is user-friendly and offers freshly baked cookies in its small terminal. Both airports are operated by the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority. Visitors can watch planes at the Knoxville Downtown Island Airport for free.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the airport | Knoxville Downtown Island Airport (DKX Airport) |
| Location | Dickinson Island on the Tennessee River, three miles from downtown Knoxville |
| Accessibility | Free |
| Aircraft operations in 2023 | 104,458 |
| Annual flights | 72,000 |
| Based aircraft | 172 |
| Year founded | 1930 |
| Lounge | No |
| Distance from the city | 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville |
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What You'll Learn
Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport
McGhee Tyson Airport provides nonstop flights to over 30 destinations through six airlines, including new routes to Sarasota, Florida; Gulf Shores, Alabama; and Washington D.C./Dulles, Virginia. The airport handles commercial and cargo airline services, military and general aviation operations. In 2023, the airport recorded 104,459 aircraft operations, averaging 286 flights per day.
The airport has two levels, with the top level accessible via curbside drop-off and the parking garage. This level features ticket counters, security checkpoints, gates, restaurants, and shops, all designed with a Smoky Mountain theme, including faux waterfalls and wood carvings of bears. The bottom level houses car rental counters, baggage claims, airline offices, and airport offices. There are currently 12 gates, with plans for a six-gate expansion announced in 2023, targeting completion by 2028.
McGhee Tyson Airport provides various amenities to ensure a comfortable and efficient travel experience. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, along with convenient plug-in stations for charging devices. The airport also offers a user-friendly terminal map to help travellers easily navigate their way around. Additionally, several rental car companies, ride-sharing services, taxis, charters, and hotel shuttles serve the airport, making it convenient for passengers to arrange transportation upon arrival.
The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA), which owns and operates McGhee Tyson Airport, is dedicated to providing exceptional services to all customers, including those with accessibility and mobility requirements. The authority has also invested in infrastructure improvements, such as the recent runway expansion project, to enhance the airport's capacity and functionality.
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Downtown Island Airport
Knoxville is served by McGhee Tyson Airport, which offers nonstop flights to over 30 destinations. The airport is located just 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville and is the premier air facility in East Tennessee. It handles commercial and cargo airline services, military aviation, and general aviation.
However, if you are interested in watching planes, Knoxville's Downtown Island Airport is the place to go. This general aviation airport is Knoxville's oldest, dating back to 1930, and it served as a pilot training site during World War II. It is located on Dickinson Island in the Tennessee River, just three miles from downtown Knoxville. With 172 based aircraft and around 72,000 annual flights, it is the third busiest general aviation airport in the state.
The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, which owns and operates both the Downtown Island Airport and McGhee Tyson Airport, recently completed a $12 million runway reconstruction project at the Downtown Island Airport. The airport is known for its user-friendly atmosphere, offering freshly baked cookies in its small terminal. Visitors are welcome to come and watch planes take off and land for free at any time. The airport also hosts community events, such as the DKX Airport Open House, which features food and drinks, demonstrations by the Flying 99's Women's Aviation Group, and STEM activities for all ages.
So, if you are an aviation enthusiast or just looking for something fun to do, a visit to the Knoxville Downtown Island Airport is a great option. You can enjoy the sights and sounds of planes taking off and landing while also partaking in the airport's community events and treats.
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Aviation services
Knoxville has two airports: McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and Knoxville Downtown Island Airport (DKX). Both airports offer a range of aviation services.
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
McGhee Tyson Airport is Knoxville's primary airport, offering commercial and cargo airline services, as well as military and general aviation. It is located 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville and serves as a gateway to East Tennessee, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge. The airport offers nonstop flights to over 30 destinations through six airlines, including new routes to Sarasota, Florida, and Washington D.C./Dulles, Virginia. The airport is easily accessible by various transportation options, including rental cars, ride-shares, taxis, charters, and hotel shuttles. It provides a seamless and accommodating experience for all travelers, with a commitment to accessibility and mobility requirements.
The airport has two levels, with the top level housing ticket counters, security, gates, restaurants, and shops. It features a unique Smoky Mountain theme with faux waterfalls and wood carvings. The bottom level includes car rental counters, baggage claims, airline offices, and airport offices. McGhee Tyson Airport provides free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal and convenient plug-in stations for charging devices.
The airport has undergone various improvements over the years, including the addition of new concourses, gates, and ticket counters. In 2024, the airport set a record with 3.3 million passengers, reflecting a significant increase in traffic. To accommodate this growth, a six-gate expansion to the terminal is planned for completion by 2028.
Knoxville Downtown Island Airport (DKX)
Knoxville's oldest airport, founded in 1930, Knoxville Downtown Island Airport is a general aviation airport operated by the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority. It is located on an island near downtown Knoxville and is known for its user-friendly atmosphere. This airport is a great place to watch planes take off and land and hosts community events, such as the DKX Airport Open House, which features demonstrations, STEM activities, and more.
In summary, both McGhee Tyson Airport and Knoxville Downtown Island Airport offer a range of aviation services, from commercial flights to general aviation needs. Knoxville's airports are committed to providing efficient, accessible, and accommodating experiences for travelers and the community.
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Airport history
Knoxville Airport, officially known as McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), is located 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. It is the premier air facility in East Tennessee, serving as a gateway to the region, including Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The airport covers 2,250 acres of land and sits at an elevation of 986 feet.
The airport has a rich history dating back several decades. Knoxville's oldest airport, Downtown Island Airport (also known as DKX), was founded in 1930 and served as a pilot training site during World War II. This airport is located on Dickinson Island in the Tennessee River, just three miles from downtown Knoxville. In 1974, Tac Air's Knox-Air began operating at TYS, and in 2005, Tac Air purchased Cherokee Aviation, combining the two fixed-base operators (FBOs) under its name and becoming the sole supplier of aviation fuel for commercial, corporate, and general aviation aircraft.
McGhee Tyson Airport itself was established later, with a new passenger terminal opening in 1974. In 1990, runway 5R/23L was rebuilt to 9,000 feet, and two years later, a new 21-acre cargo facility was constructed on the north side of the airport to serve major carriers like UPS and Federal Express. In 2000, significant improvements were made to the passenger terminal, including the addition of two new concourses and twelve new gates, at a cost of $70 million. These enhancements were designed to accommodate increasing passenger numbers, with the terminal initially designed to handle up to 2.6 million passengers annually. By 2024, the airport set a new record, handling 3.3 million passengers, reflecting a significant 17.8% increase from the previous year.
To meet the growing demand, the airport has continued to expand its facilities. In 2021, the north runway, 5L/23R, was lengthened to 10,000 feet as part of a multi-year runway expansion project, the most expensive in the airport's history. Additionally, in 2023, plans were announced for a six-gate expansion to the terminal, with a targeted completion date of 2028. These ongoing developments reflect the airport's commitment to providing a seamless and accommodating experience for travellers, including those with accessibility and mobility requirements.
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Airport facilities
Knoxville has a few airports, each with its own unique facilities and offerings. Here is an overview of the airport facilities at each:
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
McGhee Tyson Airport is Knoxville's primary commercial airport, located 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville. It offers nonstop flights to over 25 destinations through partnerships with six airlines. The airport handles commercial and cargo airline services, as well as military and general aviation. The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority manages the airport and is dedicated to providing a seamless and accommodating experience for all travelers.
The airport features a user-friendly terminal with clear signage and color-coded areas to help travelers easily navigate to gates, restrooms, dining options, and other essential services. Free Wi-Fi and plug-in stations for charging devices are available throughout the terminal. A live arrivals and departures schedule helps with pick-up and departure tracking. The airport also has a third bag belt to facilitate quicker baggage processing during busy times.
Transportation options at McGhee Tyson Airport include rental car companies, ride-shares, taxis, charters, and hotel shuttles. The Phone & Wait Lot behind the Airport Hilton is designated for vehicles waiting for arriving guests. The Hilton Knoxville Airport is conveniently located within walking distance of the terminal.
Knoxville Downtown Island Airport (DKX)
Knoxville Downtown Island Airport, also known as Dickinson Island Airport, is located on an island just three miles from downtown Knoxville. This airport primarily serves general aviation and is a popular spot for plane watching. It is Knoxville's oldest airport, founded in 1930, and was once a pilot training site during World War II. The airport has a small terminal known for its user-friendliness and freshly baked cookies. The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, which also operates McGhee Tyson Airport, manages it.
Knoxville Municipal Airport
Knoxville Municipal Airport, also known as "Jim Bellamy Field," serves a variety of users, including Knoxville businesses, medical emergency services, and recreational flyers. It features a 4,000 x 75 ft concrete runway with an adjacent parallel taxiway. The airport includes 34 T hangar facilities, a maintenance facility, two community hangars, a fuel farm, and ramp space with 18 tie-down areas. The terminal area provides a lobby, conference room, pilot lounge, restrooms, office space, and a kitchenette. A courtesy vehicle is available for quick trips into town, and there are no overnight or tie-down fees. Knoxville Aviation, based at the airport, offers fuel sales, helicopter and fixed-wing maintenance, and flight instruction.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can watch planes at the Knoxville Downtown Island Airport any time for free.
The airport hosts community events and has an open house with food and drinks, demonstrations by the Flying 99s Women's Aviation Group, STEM activities, and more.
Knoxville's main airport is called McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS).
The McGhee Tyson Airport offers free Wi-Fi, charging stations, restaurants, shops, and baggage claim.
