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Smyrna Airport (IATA: MQY, ICAO: KMQY, FAA LID: MQY) is a public general aviation and military-use airport located in Smyrna, Tennessee, United States. It is the third-largest airport in Tennessee and the busiest general aviation airport in the state. With more than 1,700 acres of land, the airport is a joint-use facility with the Tennessee Army National Guard Unit, which operates 60 helicopters. But is it a hub?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | 12 miles south of Nashville, Tennessee |
| Airport Type | Public general aviation and military use airport |
| Ownership | Town of Smyrna (40%) and the County of Rutherford (60%) |
| Governing Body | Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority |
| Size | 1,700 acres |
| Elevation | 543 feet above mean sea level |
| Number of Runways | 2 asphalt-paved runways and 1 concrete helipad |
| Aircraft Operations | 123,375 (Jan 31, 2023, 12-month period), 338 per day on average |
| Aircraft Based at Airport | 189 (121 single-engine, 26 multi-engine, 40 jet, and 2 helicopter) |
| Nearest Major Airport | Nashville International Airport (19 miles) |
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What You'll Learn
Smyrna Airport is the third-largest airport in Tennessee
Covering an area of 1,700 acres, Smyrna Airport is the third-largest airport in Tennessee. It is located twelve nautical miles south of Nashville International Airport, in the geographic centre of Tennessee and the eastern United States. Eighty per cent of the US population lives within a 700-mile radius of the airport, which has fuelled the growth of industry in the area.
Smyrna Airport is owned by the Town of Smyrna (40%) and the County of Rutherford (60%), and is governed by the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority. It is a joint-use airport, predominantly supporting general aviation, but also operating with the Tennessee Army National Guard Unit, which runs 60 helicopters. The airport is also home to the Grubbs/Kyle Training Centre, which supports 24 different units and 1,270 assigned Army National Guard personnel, 162 of whom are full-time, as well as numerous military aircraft.
Smyrna Airport is the busiest general aviation airport in Tennessee, with 123,375 aircraft operations in the year ending January 31, 2023. It has two asphalt runways and one concrete helipad. The airport has received awards for its service, including the Red Carpet Award from the TN Department of Transportation/Aeronautics Division and the "Airport of the Year" award from the TN Department of Transportation, Aeronautics Division (twice).
Smyrna Airport was constructed in 1942 and was originally home to the Army Air Force Combat Crew School, which trained troops to fly the B-24 and B-17 aircraft. It was then deactivated at the end of World War II and reactivated in 1948 by the United States Air Force. In 1950, it became known as Sewart Air Force Base, serving various Troop Carrier Wings until 1970 when it was again deactivated and transferred to civilian operation.
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It is a joint-use airport with the Tennessee Army National Guard
Smyrna Airport (IATA: MQY, ICAO: KMQY, FAA LID: MQY) is a joint-use airport with the Tennessee Army National Guard. The airport is located two nautical miles (4 km) north of the central business district of Smyrna, a town in Rutherford County, Tennessee, United States. It is owned by the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority, with the town of Smyrna holding 40% ownership and the County of Rutherford holding 60%. The airport authority board of commissioners is composed of five members who are appointed to administer, operate, and manage the airport.
Smyrna Airport is the third-largest airport in Tennessee and the busiest general aviation airport in the state. It covers an area of 1,700 acres at an elevation of 543 feet (166 m) above sea level. The airport has two asphalt runways and one helipad. In the 12 months ending January 31, 2023, the airport recorded 123,375 aircraft operations, with an average of 338 per day.
The airport is a joint-use facility with the Tennessee Army National Guard, which operates 60 helicopters with 300 full-time personnel. The Tennessee Army National Guard also leases part of the airport to maintain the Grubbs/Kyle Training Center, which supports 24 different units and 1,270 assigned personnel, including 162 full-time staff, in addition to several military aircraft.
Smyrna Airport was constructed in 1942 and was originally home to the Army Air Force Combat Crew School, which trained troops to fly the B-24 and B-17 aircraft. The airport was then deactivated at the end of World War II and reactivated in 1948 by the United States Air Force. It became known as Sewart Air Force Base in 1950 and served various Troop Carrier Wings until 1970 when it was deactivated again and transferred to civilian operation.
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The airport is owned by the Town of Smyrna and Rutherford County
The Smyrna Airport, also known as the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority, is owned by the Town of Smyrna and Rutherford County. The airport is located in Smyrna, a town in Rutherford County, Tennessee, United States. It is situated about two nautical miles (4 km) north of the central business district of Smyrna. With over 1,700 acres of land, it is the third-largest airport in Tennessee and the busiest general aviation airport in the state. The airport is home to over 50 businesses and provides employment to more than 1,000 people, including National Guard personnel.
The history of the airport dates back to 1942 when it was constructed and initially served as the Army Air Force Combat Crew School. During this period, the facility trained troops to operate B-24 and B-17 aircraft. Following the end of World War II, the base was deactivated, only to be reactivated in 1948 by the newly established United States Air Force. In 1950, the airport was renamed the Sewart Air Force Base and continued to serve various Troop Carrier Wings until its second deactivation in 1970.
After the second deactivation, the airport transitioned to civilian control, with the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority taking over management until May 15, 1991. On this date, ownership of the airport was officially transferred to the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority, a joint entity representing the Town of Smyrna and Rutherford County. Since then, the airport has undergone significant development and infrastructure improvements, with investments totalling over $95 million in collaboration with the Tennessee Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics and the Federal Aviation Administration.
Today, the Smyrna Airport operates as a joint-use facility, serving both civilian and military aviation needs. It is designated as a General Aviation/Reliever Airport for Nashville International Airport and is an award-winning, progressive airport recognised for its dedication to corporate and general aviation. The airport boasts two asphalt-paved runways, a helipad, and various services such as aircraft structural repair, avionics work, and flight training. The airport's central location in the eastern United States, with 80% of the country's population within a 700-mile radius, makes it a strategic hub for aviation and contributes to the ongoing growth and industrial development in the Smyrna area.
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It is a reliever airport for Nashville International Airport
The Smyrna Airport in Tennessee is a reliever airport for Nashville International Airport. It is located two nautical miles (4 km) north of the central business district of Smyrna, a town in Rutherford County, and twelve nautical miles (22 km) south of Nashville International Airport.
A reliever airport is a smaller airport designated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to reduce crowding and relieve traffic and congestion at larger, commercial airports in major cities. They also provide improved general aviation access to the community. To qualify as a reliever airport, an airport must have 100 or more based aircraft or 25,000 annual itinerant operations. Smyrna Airport is the third-largest airport in Tennessee and the busiest general aviation airport in the state, with 189 aircraft based there and 123,375 aircraft operations in the 12 months leading up to January 31, 2023.
Reliever airports are often used by private jets and smaller aircraft, which can operate more flexibly and land closer to their ultimate destination. They are also used by commercial airports to handle flight overflow and keep operations running smoothly. For example, JFK and LaGuardia airports in New York City sometimes use reliever airports in New Jersey to manage additional flights.
Smyrna Airport is an award-winning, progressive airport catering to the needs of corporate and general aviation. It covers 1,700 acres at an elevation of 543 feet above sea level and has two asphalt runways and one concrete helipad. The airport is also used by the Tennessee Army National Guard, which leases part of the airport to maintain the Grubbs/Kyle Training Center.
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The airport is located 12 miles south of Nashville
Smyrna Airport is located 12 miles south of Nashville, in Rutherford County, Tennessee. It is the third-largest airport in the state, covering an area of 1,700 acres at an elevation of 543 feet above sea level. The airport is jointly owned by the Town of Smyrna (40%) and the County of Rutherford (60%) and is governed by the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority.
Smyrna Airport is a busy hub for general aviation, serving as the busiest general aviation airport in Tennessee. It also has a significant military presence, with the Tennessee Army National Guard leasing part of the airport for its operations. The airport is designated as a reliever airport for Nashville International Airport, which is located 12 nautical miles (22 km) to the north.
Being located just 12 miles from Nashville, Smyrna Airport offers convenient access to the city and its surrounding areas. Within a 10-mile radius of the airport, users can access rail and three interstate systems that bisect Middle Tennessee. This central location has contributed to the growth and development of the Smyrna area, making it an attractive option for both general aviation and military operations.
The airport's proximity to Nashville also provides easy connections to other regional airports. Nearby airports with instrument procedures include Nashville International Airport (10 nm NW), Murfreesboro Municipal Airport (10 nm SE), Lebanon Municipal Airport (15 nm NE), John C Tune Airport (21 nm NW), and Music City Executive Airport (23 nm N). This network of airports ensures efficient air travel in and around the Nashville region.
Smyrna Airport's location, just 12 miles south of Nashville, positions it at the heart of Tennessee and the eastern United States. This strategic position, along with its excellent transport links, has made Smyrna Airport a thriving aviation hub in the region.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Smyrna Airport is a hub for general aviation and military use. It is the third-largest airport in Tennessee and the busiest airport for general aviation in the state.
The Smyrna Airport is owned by the Town of Smyrna (40%) and the County of Rutherford (60%). It is governed by the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority.
The Smyrna Airport covers an area of 1,700 acres at an elevation of 543 feet above mean sea level.
