Pigeon Forge: Airport Or No?

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is a popular tourist destination, especially for those looking to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. When it comes to airports, the town itself does not have a major airport, but there are several options nearby. The closest major airport is the McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, Tennessee, which is about 34 miles or a one-hour drive from Pigeon Forge. Other nearby airports include Asheville Regional Airport, about 95 miles away, and Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport, a smaller airport located just 7 miles from Pigeon Forge that caters to private jets and small aircraft.

Pigeon Forge's closest airport

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a popular vacation destination, nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains. The closest airport to Pigeon Forge is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), located in Alcoa, Tennessee, approximately 41 miles northwest of the city. Knoxville Airport is also stated as being the nearest airport to Pigeon Forge, situated 39.4 km (24.5 miles) away. Knoxville Airport is likely the same airport as McGhee Tyson Airport, given that McGhee Tyson Airport is set near Knoxville.

McGhee Tyson Airport is serviced by several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Allegiant Air, and Frontier Airlines. Upon arrival, travellers can choose from various ground transportation options, such as rental cars, shuttles, taxis, and ride-sharing services, to reach Pigeon Forge. Some hotels and resorts in the area may also offer shuttle services to and from the airport.

For those seeking alternative options, the Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), located in Fletcher, North Carolina, is another airport that provides access to Pigeon Forge. While AVL is slightly farther away than TYS, at approximately 75 miles northeast of Pigeon Forge, it offers a scenic drive through the Pisgah National Forest. Major airlines serving AVL include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. However, it is important to note that there are no direct shuttles or public transportation options connecting AVL to Pigeon Forge, so renting a car is recommended.

Additionally, the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge Airport, located in Sevierville, Tennessee, is a general aviation airport that caters to private jets and small aircraft. This airport is closed to commercial aviation and does not offer many amenities, so travellers may need to make a stop on their way to Pigeon Forge.

McGhee Tyson Airport

Pigeon Forge is served by several airports, including McGhee Tyson Airport, which is a public/military airport located 12 miles (19 km) south of Knoxville, in Alcoa, Tennessee. The airport is named after United States Navy pilot Charles McGhee Tyson, who was killed in World War I.

The airport features two levels, with the top level accessible via curbside drop-off and the parking garage. This level includes ticket counters, security, 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 12 gates in total, with gate assignments subject to change.

In recent years, McGhee Tyson Airport has undergone significant improvements, including the addition of new concourses, gates, and a food court featuring popular brands such as Starbucks and Cinnabon. The airport also provides free Wi-Fi and convenient plug-in stations for charging devices.

The airport is conveniently located for those travelling to Pigeon Forge, with just an hour's drive between the two. This makes McGhee Tyson Airport a popular choice for those visiting Pigeon Forge and the surrounding areas, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is only a 30-minute drive from the airport.

Asheville Regional Airport

Pigeon Forge does not have its own airport, but there are several airports nearby. One of the closest is Asheville Regional Airport, which is around 100 km away from Pigeon Forge.

History and Development

In 2009, further improvements were made, including the addition of a Guest Services centre, an extra baggage carousel, rental car desks, offices, and security enhancements. In 2017, a new 1,300-space parking deck was opened in front of the terminal, providing added convenience for travellers.

Recent Developments and Future Plans

As of 2023, the airport is undergoing a significant multi-phase renovation and expansion project. The new terminal, scheduled for completion in 2026, will offer 12 gates instead of the current seven and will be 150% larger, providing ample space for travellers. The project also includes the construction of a new 127-foot air traffic control tower, which is set to be ready in 2025. The total cost of the project is estimated at $400 million, reflecting a substantial investment in enhancing the airport's infrastructure and services.

Airlines and Destinations

Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport

Pigeon Forge does have an airport, known as the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport. The airport is located in Sevierville, Tennessee, and is about a one-hour drive from Pigeon Forge. It is a general aviation airport situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.

The Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Airport was originally owned by Sevier County, and the original runway was built in 1966, with a terminal added in 1970. In 1981, when the county voted to close the airport, the cities of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge entered an agreement to operate and maintain it. The airport became known as the Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Airport in February 1982 when the land was leased from Sevier County. At that time, there were only three hangars, 15 airplanes, and a 4,500-foot runway.

Since then, the airport has undergone significant improvements and expansions. Approximately 80 acres have been added to the property, and the runway has been extended to 5,506 feet. The airport also features a new 8,000 square foot terminal building, which opened in September 2009, along with a 6-acre concrete apron. Today, the airport has 50 hangars and is home to over 100 aircraft, the Tennessee Hall of Fame, and the Tennessee Museum of Aviation.

The Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport primarily caters to private jets and other small aircraft. While it does not offer many amenities, it provides essential services such as aircraft ground handling, aircraft parking, a passenger terminal and lounge, and aviation fuel.

Transport options from the airport

Pigeon Forge is served by several airports, including McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), and Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge Airport. Each airport offers a range of ground transportation options to get you to your final destination. Here is an overview of the transport options from each airport:

McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)

TYS is located about 39-47 miles from Pigeon Forge and offers a variety of ground transportation options:

• Rental Cars: Several rental car companies operate at the airport, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Dollar, and Payless.
• Taxis and Limousines: Various taxi and car service companies serve the airport, providing transportation to Pigeon Forge. Some of these include Elite Limos, Always Ready Transportation, American Limousine, Chariots of Hire, Olympus Car & Coach, and many others.
• Public Transportation: While not directly mentioned, public transportation options like buses or shuttles may also be available from the airport to Pigeon Forge.

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)

AVL is located about 100-106 miles from Pigeon Forge and also offers ground transportation options:

• Rental Cars: Major rental car companies such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty, and Dollar have a presence at AVL.
• Taxis and Limousines: Numerous taxi and car service companies operate from AVL, including American Cab, Areawide Transportation, Checker Cab, J&J Cab, Night and Day Taxi, Asheville Affordable Transportation, and many more.
• Shuttles: Asheville Airport Shuttle provides shuttle services from the airport to various destinations.

Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge Airport

Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge Airport is the closest airport to Pigeon Forge, located just seven miles away. However, it caters to private jets and small aircraft:

• Rental Cars: Rental car options are available at this airport, and some airlines may offer partnerships with specific rental car companies.
• Taxis and Limousines: Local taxi and limousine services can be arranged to transport passengers to and from the airport.
• Public Transportation: There may be public transportation options, such as buses or shuttles, connecting the airport to Pigeon Forge.

Additionally, Knoxville Airport (TYS) is about an hour's drive from Pigeon Forge, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available. These can be convenient options for those who do not wish to rent a car or use taxis.

Frequently asked questions