Tennessee Travel: Knoxville's Airport Gateway

what airport is in knoxville tennessee

Knoxville, Tennessee is served by McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), a public and military airport located 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville. The airport is named after United States Navy pilot Charles McGhee Tyson, who was lost on patrol in World War I. It is the premier air facility in East Tennessee, offering nonstop flights to 25+ destinations through six airlines.

Characteristics Values
Name McGhee Tyson Airport
Location 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee
Address 2055 Alcoa Highway Alcoa, TN 37701
Elevation 986 feet (301 m)
Area 2,250 acres (9.1 km2)
Terminals 1
Runways 2 parallel runways: 5L/23R and 5R/23L
Runway Length 5L/23R: 10,000 feet (3,000 m); 5R/23L: 9,000 feet (2,700 m)
Airlines Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, United Airlines, and more
Destinations 20+ nonstop destinations
Services Free Wi-Fi, charging stations, rental car counters, ride-sharing pick-up, taxis, hotel shuttles, etc.
Website flyknoxville.com

shunhotel

McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)

Knoxville, Tennessee is served by the McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), a premier air facility in East Tennessee located 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville. The airport handles commercial and cargo airline services, military aviation, and general aviation. It offers nonstop flights to 25 or more destinations through six airlines, including Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and United Airlines. In 2024, TYS Airport set an all-time record with 3.3 million passengers travelling through the airport.

The airport is named after United States Navy pilot Charles McGhee Tyson, who was lost on patrol in World War I. The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA) is dedicated to ensuring a seamless and accommodating experience for all travellers at McGhee Tyson Airport. The airport provides free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, with convenient plug-in stations to charge devices. A newly designed terminal map provides a user-friendly guide to help travellers easily navigate the airport and find gates, restrooms, dining options, and other essential services.

Several rental car companies, ride-shares, taxis, charters, and hotel shuttles serve the airport. Rental car counters are located on the lower level of the airport terminal building near baggage claim. The ride-sharing pick-up location is also on the lower level of the terminal building. Hotel shuttles offer connections to nearby accommodations. It is recommended to make reservations in advance to guarantee transportation once you arrive at the airport.

The airport has a long history, dating back to 1937 when an American Airlines Stinson Trimotor touched down, marking the first airline flight. The development of TYS helped the City of Alcoa diversify its economy and gain independence from the world's third-largest producer of aluminium, Alcoa Inc. Over the years, the airport has undergone various expansions and improvements, including the addition of runways, a new air cargo facility, and a new passenger terminal. In 2016, the airport received a $27.9 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration for a multi-year runway expansion project.

shunhotel

Premier air facility in East Tennessee

Knoxville is served by the premier air facility in East Tennessee, the McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS). Located just 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville, the airport is easily accessible and offers a seamless and accommodating experience for all travellers. With nonstop flights to over 25 destinations through six airlines, including Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and United Airlines, it is one of the most convenient and accessible regional airports in the nation.

The airport handles commercial, cargo, and military airline services, as well as general aviation. It has a variety of flight options and is dedicated to providing excellent service and reliable travel experiences. The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority ensures a comfortable and efficient travel environment for all, including those with accessibility and mobility requirements. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, along with convenient plug-in stations for charging devices.

Navigating the airport is made easy with a user-friendly terminal map that provides clear icons, labelled zones, and colour-coded areas. Finding gates, restrooms, dining options, and other essential services is simplified, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience for travellers. Rental car counters, ride-sharing pick-up locations, and taxi and charter services are also conveniently located within the terminal building.

McGhee Tyson Airport has a rich history, dating back to 1937 when it received its first airline flight. Over the years, the airport has undergone significant developments, including runway expansions and the construction of new cargo and passenger terminals. In 2024, the airport set a record with 3.3 million passengers travelling through, reflecting its importance and popularity in the region.

shunhotel

Commercial, military, and cargo airline service

Knoxville is served by the McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), a public and military airport located 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. The airport is named after United States Navy pilot Charles McGhee Tyson, who was lost on patrol during World War I.

McGhee Tyson Airport is the premier air facility in East Tennessee, offering commercial and cargo airline services, as well as military aviation. The airport provides nonstop flights to over 25 destinations through partnerships with leading airlines, including Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and United Airlines. In 2023, the airport recorded 104,459 aircraft operations, with an average of 286 flights per day. These included 46,858 general aviation, 18,433 air taxi, 9,952 military, and 29,216 air carrier operations.

The airport has a long history of military aviation, dating back to 1951 when the United States Air Force constructed several facilities on the field, including a 7,500-foot runway. In 1961, with financing from the Tennessee Air National Guard, the runway was extended to 9,000 feet. The airport also built a new air cargo facility in 1968, followed by a new passenger terminal in 1974. In 1992, a new 21-acre cargo facility was constructed to serve Federal Express, UPS, and Airborne Express, with 90% of air cargo operations currently handled by UPS and Federal Express.

McGhee Tyson Airport continues to expand and improve its facilities. In 2016, the airport received a $27.9 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration for a multi-year runway expansion project, the longest runway at the airport measuring 10,000 feet. The airport offers convenient services such as free Wi-Fi, charging stations, rental car services, ride-sharing options, and hotel shuttles. With its range of flight options and dedication to customer service, McGhee Tyson Airport provides a seamless and accommodating travel experience for all its passengers.

shunhotel

12 miles south of downtown Knoxville

The McGhee Tyson Airport, located about 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville in Alcoa, Tennessee, serves the city of Knoxville and its surrounding areas. The airport is situated in a convenient location, just off US-129, providing easy access to and from the city. The drive from the airport to Knoxville typically takes around 20 minutes, depending on traffic and your destination within the city.

Being the primary airport serving Knoxville and its metropolitan area, McGhee Tyson Airport is an important transportation hub for the region. It offers a range of amenities and services for passengers, including restaurants, shops, and car rental agencies. Several airlines operate from the airport, providing both domestic and international flights, connecting Knoxville to various destinations across the globe.

The airport is named after two notable individuals, McGhee and Tyson, who were pioneers in aviation in the region. It covers an area of about 2,300 acres and has a single runway measuring 9,000 feet in length. This runway is capable of accommodating a variety of aircraft, including large commercial jets.

For those arriving at or departing from the airport, there are several ground transportation options available. Car rentals are a popular choice, with many major rental companies operating on-site. Taxi and ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also readily available at the airport. In addition, the Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) provides bus services connecting the airport to various locations in Knoxville and the surrounding areas, offering a convenient and affordable transportation option.

The airport is surrounded by a variety of accommodation options for travelers, including hotels, motels, and bed-and-breakfast establishments. These offer convenient access to the airport and provide a range of amenities to suit different budgets and preferences. Several restaurants and dining options are also available in the vicinity, catering to those who wish to grab a quick bite before or after their flight.

Overall, McGhee Tyson Airport, located 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville, plays a crucial role in facilitating air travel to and from the city. Its convenient location, range of amenities, and transportation options make it a practical and accessible gateway to Knoxville and the surrounding region.

shunhotel

Named for US Navy pilot Charles McGhee Tyson

Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is the primary air facility serving East Tennessee. It is a public and military airport situated 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville. The airport was named after United States Navy pilot Charles McGhee Tyson, who went missing while on patrol during World War I.

The airport offers non-stop flights to over 25 destinations, including Sarasota, Florida, and Washington, D.C./Dulles, Virginia, through six airlines, including Allegiant Air, American Airlines, and Delta Airlines. It also provides commercial, military, and general aviation services. accommodating over 100,000 aircraft operations annually.

The history of McGhee Tyson Airport dates back to the late 1930s when it first appeared in directories with a 3,100-foot (940-meter) N-S runway and a 4,200-foot (1,300-meter) NE-SW runway. In 1941, a control tower was constructed, and the airport has since undergone numerous expansions and improvements.

In 1959, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) installed an Instrument Landing System on runways 5L and 23R. The Tennessee Air National Guard financed the extension of runway 5L to 9,000 feet (2,700 meters) in 1961. The airport witnessed its first scheduled airline jets, Delta DC-9s, in December 1965, and a new passenger terminal was inaugurated in 1974.

McGhee Tyson Airport is committed to providing a seamless and accommodating experience for all travellers. It offers various amenities, including free Wi-Fi, charging stations, rental car services, ride-sharing options, and hotel shuttles. The airport also prioritises accessibility and mobility requirements, ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience for everyone.

Frequently asked questions

Knoxville, Tennessee is served by the McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS).

The airport is located about 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville.

Several rental car companies, ride-shares, taxis, charters, and hotel shuttles serve the airport. It is recommended to make reservations in advance to guarantee transportation.

McGhee Tyson Airport offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, with convenient plug-in stations to charge devices. It also has a user-friendly terminal map to help travellers easily navigate the airport.

Some of the airlines serving McGhee Tyson Airport include Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines (seasonal), and United Airlines.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment