Chattanooga Airport: Does It Exist And Where?

Yes, there is an airport in Chattanooga. The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (IATA: CHA, ICAO: KCHA, FAA LID: CHA) is located 5-6.5 miles east of downtown Chattanooga, in Hamilton County, Tennessee, United States. The airport is owned and operated by the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority and is a Class C airport serviced by the Chattanooga Airport Traffic Control Tower. The airport offers non-stop flights to several destinations across the United States, including Atlanta, Chicago, Charlotte, and New York.

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) is 5-6.5 miles from Chattanooga

The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) is located 5-6.5 miles from downtown Chattanooga, in Hamilton County, Tennessee. The airport is a busy transport hub, serving the city of Chattanooga and offering a convenient gateway to the breathtaking city nestled between the mountains of Southeast Tennessee along the beautiful Tennessee River.

CHA is a small-hub primary commercial service facility, owned and operated by the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority. The airport covers 950 acres of land and features two asphalt runways. It has one concourse with eight gates, providing services to various destinations across the United States.

The airport is easily accessible and well-connected to the city. It offers a range of transportation options, including a comfortable and timely bus shuttle service, ensuring a pleasant travel experience for visitors.

Chattanooga itself boasts a diverse range of attractions for visitors. For those seeking outdoor adventures, the city offers Lookout Mountain and the Tennessee Aquarium. History enthusiasts can explore the Creative Discovery Museum, while food lovers can indulge in the delights of Uncle Larry's Restaurant and the Maple Street Biscuit Company.

With its proximity to the city and convenient transportation options, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) serves as a convenient gateway to the vibrant city of Chattanooga and its surrounding natural wonders.

The airport is owned and operated by the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority

The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, also known as Lovell Field, is located 5-6.5 miles from downtown Chattanooga, in Hamilton County, Tennessee. The airport is owned and operated by the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority (CMAA). It was transferred from Chattanooga to the CMAA in July 1985.

The airport is a Class C airport serviced by the Chattanooga Airport Traffic Control Tower. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) categorised it as a small-hub primary commercial service facility in its 2019-2023 National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems. The airport covers 950 acres and has two asphalt runways. It has one concourse with eight gates, with various airlines servicing the airport, including United Express, Delta Air Lines, American Eagle, and Allegiant Air.

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport offers non-stop flights to several destinations within the United States, including Atlanta, Chicago, Charlotte, Dallas, Detroit, Las Vegas, New York, Orlando, and Washington, D.C. The airport provides convenient ground transportation options, including a bus shuttle service, and has parking facilities available for both short-term and long-term stays.

It is a Class C airport with eight gates

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (IATA: CHA, ICAO: KCHA, FAA LID: CHA) is a Class C airport located 5-6.5 miles from downtown Chattanooga, in Hamilton County, Tennessee. It is a small-hub primary commercial service facility owned and operated by the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority. The airport has a rich history, with the first scheduled airline flight in Tennessee taking place in Chattanooga in 1928 at Marr Field. The current location of the airport, originally named Lovell Field, opened in 1930 with an unpaved runway. Over the years, the airport has undergone expansions and improvements, including the addition of paved runways, a new terminal building, and increased capacity.

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport is a busy transport hub serving the city of Chattanooga. The airport has one concourse with eight gates, which were added during an expansion completed in March 2024. This expansion also included the construction of a new terminal wing, the addition of a restaurant, gift shop, and business center, and the renovation of existing terminal space. The airport is serviced by airlines such as United Express, Delta Air Lines, American Eagle, and Allegiant Air, providing connections to various destinations across the United States.

The airport covers 950 acres and has two asphalt runways: 2/20, which is 7,400 x 150 ft, and 15/33, which is 5,575 x 150 ft. In addition to the main terminal, general aviation services are available at two locations, referred to as "Air North" and "Air South." The airport also features a solar farm that provides a significant portion of its electricity needs.

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport offers convenient transportation options, including a bus shuttle service that is known for its punctuality and comfort. With its easy accessibility, modern facilities, and efficient operations, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport plays a crucial role in connecting travellers to the breathtaking city of Chattanooga, nestled among the mountains of Southeast Tennessee along the Tennessee River.

The first scheduled airline flight in Tennessee took place in Chattanooga in 1928

The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) in Tennessee has a long history dating back to the early days of aviation. In 1928, the city made aviation history when it hosted the first-ever scheduled airline flight in Tennessee. Here is a more detailed account of that historic event and the subsequent development of the airport:

The First Scheduled Airline Flight in Tennessee

The year 1928 marked a significant milestone for aviation in Tennessee, as Chattanooga's Marr Field witnessed the state's first scheduled airline flight. On December 1, 1928, Interstate Airlines' Fairchild monoplane, affectionately named "Miss Chattanooga," arrived from Atlanta and continued on to Nashville. This inaugural flight carried 3 passengers and 143 pounds of mail, marking the beginning of regular air travel in the state. Marr Field, dedicated in December 1919 and named after Walter L. Marr, was Chattanooga's first commercial airport. It was a 2,100-foot unpaved airstrip located between Dodson Avenue and the railroad just north of Glass Street.

Chattanooga's role as a stopover on the Contract Air Mail route between Atlanta and Chicago was significant. Notably, the world-renowned aviator Charles Lindbergh, who had crossed the Atlantic Ocean in the Spirit of St. Louis in May 1927, graced Marr Field with his presence on October 5, 1927. However, the conditions at Marr Field were less than ideal, and the airfield soon gained a reputation as a substandard and potentially dangerous site. Within a short period, two crashes occurred, including one that tragically claimed lives. These incidents prompted the city to initiate the construction of a new, safer airport.

The Birth of Lovell Field

In 1930, a new chapter unfolded for Chattanooga's aviation history with the opening of a new airport at its present location. This airport was named Lovell Field, honouring John Lovell, the chairman of Chattanooga's chamber of commerce aeronautics committee, who played a pivotal role in the city's aviation development. The original airport featured a modern terminal, hangar facilities, and unpaved runways. Over time, the landing area expanded, and in 1936, the runways were paved as part of the New Deal's Works Progress Administration (WPA).

During World War II, Lovell Field served as a military training facility, and in the 1950s, it underwent expansion with the addition of a new runway, which remains the primary runway today. The original terminal from the 1930s was expanded in 1950 and 1955 before being replaced by a new terminal in 1964.

Recent Developments

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport has continued to evolve and adapt to meet the demands of modern aviation. In July 1985, the airport's ownership was transferred to the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority (CMAA), and in 1992, the current passenger terminal, designed by Gensler, was opened to the public. The airport has consistently invested in infrastructure upgrades, including the addition of gates, the construction of a multi-story car park, and the expansion of the terminal building. Today, the airport covers more than 380 hectares and boasts two asphalt runways and multiple airline services.

The airport offers non-stop flights to 11 cities

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (IATA: CHA, ICAO: KCHA, FAA LID: CHA) (Lovell Field) is located 5-6.5 miles from downtown Chattanooga, in Hamilton County, Tennessee. The airport is a Class C facility, owned and operated by the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority. It offers non-stop flights to 11 cities across the United States, including major hubs such as Atlanta, Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C.

With four airlines providing service, passengers can conveniently travel to a range of destinations without the need for connections. These non-stop flights offer easy access to popular cities across the country, making Chattanooga a well-connected gateway to the region.

The 11 non-stop destinations from Chattanooga Airport include Atlanta, known for its bustling airport and southern hospitality; Chicago, the vibrant midwestern metropolis; Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina; Dallas, a major Texas hub; Detroit; Las Vegas, the entertainment capital; New York, offering access to both LaGuardia and Newark airports; Orlando, a popular Florida destination; Punta Gorda, on the southwest coast of Florida; Tampa, another sunny Florida city; and Washington, D.C., the nation's capital.

These direct flights provide efficient travel options for both leisure and business travellers, connecting them to key cities across the United States. With its convenient location and range of non-stop flights, Chattanooga Airport offers a strategic gateway for those visiting or departing from the region.

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