Knoxville, Tennessee: Airport Accessibility And Travel Options

Knoxville, Tennessee is served by the McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), a public/military airport located 12 miles south of the city in Alcoa, Tennessee. The airport is named after United States Navy pilot Charles McGhee Tyson, who was killed in World War I. McGhee Tyson Airport offers non-stop flights to over 30 destinations through six airlines and is the premier air facility in East Tennessee, handling commercial and cargo airline services, as well as military and general aviation.

McGhee Tyson Airport is 12 miles south of Knoxville, TN

Knoxville, Tennessee is served by McGhee Tyson Airport, a public/military airport named for United States Navy pilot Charles McGhee Tyson, who was killed in World War I. The airport is located 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville in Alcoa, Tennessee. It is the premier air facility in East Tennessee, offering nonstop flights to 30+ destinations through six airlines.

McGhee Tyson Airport is easily accessible, being a 30-minute drive to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The airport is committed to providing a seamless and accommodating experience for all travellers, including those with accessibility and mobility requirements. It offers a range of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, charging stations, a service animal relief area, and accessible parking spaces.

The airport has a rich history, with the original McGhee Tyson airport opening in 1930, built on 60 acres in West Knoxville. In 1935, the city purchased land in Blount County for the current airport site. Over the years, the airport has undergone various improvements, including the addition of new runways, a control tower, and a new passenger terminal. The airport covers 2,250 acres and has two parallel runways, with the north runway being extended to 10,000 feet in a recent expansion project.

McGhee Tyson Airport is also home to a variety of airline operations and facilities. It serves as a base for several airlines, including Allegiant Air, American, Delta, and United. The airport handles commercial and cargo airline service, military aviation, and general aviation. It is also the site of a maintenance base for Endeavor Air and delivery, maintenance, and training centres for Cirrus Aircraft.

The airport offers nonstop flights to 30+ destinations

Knoxville, Tennessee is served by the McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), a public/military airport located just 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville. The airport is named for United States Navy pilot Charles McGhee Tyson, who was killed in World War I.

As the premier air facility in East Tennessee, McGhee Tyson Airport handles commercial and cargo airline service, military operations, and general aviation. The airport is home to a diverse range of airlines, including major carriers such as Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta, and United, as well as cargo operators like UPS and Federal Express.

The airport has undergone significant improvements over the years, including the addition of new concourses, gates, and improved amenities. The terminal offers free Wi-Fi, charging stations, a variety of dining and retail options, and accessible facilities for travellers with special needs.

With its convenient location, efficient operations, and a wide range of nonstop flight options, McGhee Tyson Airport provides Knoxville residents and visitors with seamless connectivity to destinations across the country.

It is named after Charles McGhee Tyson, a US Navy pilot

Knoxville, Tennessee is served by the McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), a public/military airport located 12 miles (19 km) south of the city, in Alcoa, Tennessee. The airport is named after Charles McGhee Tyson, a US Navy pilot and Knoxville native.

Charles McGhee Tyson was born on August 10, 1889, in Clifton Springs, New York, and moved with his family to Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1891. His father, Lawrence D. Tyson, was a prominent Knoxville businessman, philanthropist, Army General, and State Senator. Charles himself became an American businessman and Naval aviator. He attended boarding school at St. Paul's School in New Hampshire and later studied at Princeton University. After graduating in 1912, he returned to Knoxville to work as an executive in his father's textile mills.

During World War I, Charles McGhee Tyson enlisted in the Naval Reserve Flying Corps in July 1917 and rose to the rank of Lieutenant in the U.S. Naval Reserve Flying Corps. He served with an aerial unit based in Northern England that was tasked with dropping mines in the North Sea to combat German U-boats. On October 11, 1918, Tyson volunteered for a mine-laying mission and served as the plane's gunner. Unfortunately, the plane crashed into the North Sea near the Humber River, resulting in Tyson's death.

In honour of their son, Charles' parents donated a tract of land in West Knoxville in 1929, with the stipulation that it be used as an airfield named after him. The original McGhee Tyson Airport was opened on August 1, 1930, and was built on 60 acres of land. In 1935, the airport was relocated to its current location in Alcoa, Tennessee, just south of Knoxville. The new site provided more space for expansion and economic development for the city of Alcoa.

The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority owns the airport

Knoxville, Tennessee, is served by McGhee Tyson Airport (IATA: TYS, ICAO: KTYS, FAA LID: TYS), a public/military airport located 12 miles (19 km) south of the city, in Alcoa, Tennessee. The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA) owns the airport and is dedicated to providing a seamless and accommodating experience for all travellers passing through it.

The airport is named for United States Navy pilot Charles McGhee Tyson, who was killed in World War I. It first opened in 1930, built on 60 acres (24 ha) in West Knoxville. In 1935, the city purchased an additional 351 acres (142 ha) in Blount County for the current airport site. McGhee Tyson Airport has since expanded and developed over the years, with various improvements and additions to its facilities and infrastructure. Today, it covers 2,250 acres (9.1 km2) at an elevation of 986 feet (301 m).

The airport offers nonstop flights to over 30 destinations through six airlines and handles commercial and cargo airline services, military operations, and general aviation. It is also home to the McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, serving the 134th Air Refueling Wing (134 ARW) of the Tennessee Air National Guard.

The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority is committed to ensuring that all travellers have access to comfortable and efficient air travel. They provide various amenities and services, including free Wi-Fi, accessible parking, and a service animal relief area. The authority also prioritises accessibility and mobility requirements, ensuring that the airport is accommodating for all.

In addition to its role in aviation, the airport also contributes significantly to the local economy. The direct and indirect economic impact of McGhee Tyson Airport is estimated at $1 billion annually, with approximately 2,700 people employed at the airport.

The airport has two levels

Knoxville, Tennessee is served by the McGhee Tyson Airport (IATA: TYS), a public/military airport located 12 miles (19 km) south of the city, in Alcoa, Tennessee. The airport is named after United States Navy pilot Charles McGhee Tyson, who was killed in World War I.

The top level of the airport offers a seamless experience for travellers with all necessary amenities conveniently located. Upon arrival, passengers can proceed to the ticket counters for check-in and then through security. With clear icons, labelled zones, and colour-coded areas, navigating the airport is straightforward and efficient. After passing through security, travellers have access to a variety of food concessions and retail options. The top level also provides access to the gates, making it easy for passengers to reach their designated boarding areas.

The bottom level of the airport caters to specific needs, such as car rentals and baggage claims. For travellers who require a rental car during their stay, the car rental counters are conveniently located on this level. Additionally, the bottom level houses three baggage claim areas, ensuring efficient luggage retrieval. This level also accommodates airline offices and airport administrative functions, ensuring smooth operations and providing support for travellers' varying needs.

Overall, the two-level structure of the McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, Tennessee, facilitates a functional and passenger-friendly experience. The thoughtful design allows for easy navigation and access to essential services, enhancing the overall airport experience for travellers passing through Knoxville.

Frequently asked questions