Lois Larson
Nashville International Airport (BNA) is a public/military airport in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. Established in 1937, its original name was Berry Field, from which its BNA code is derived. The airport covers 4,555 acres of land and has four runways. It is the busiest airport in Tennessee, with service to 99 destinations across the United States and several international locations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Nashville International Airport |
| Airport Code | BNA |
| Location | Nashville, Tennessee, United States |
| Year Established | 1937 |
| Original Name | Berry Field |
| No. of Runways | 4 |
| Area Covered | 4,555 acres (1,843 ha) |
| Terminal Area | 1,000,000 sq. ft. |
| No. of Concourses | 5 |
| No. of Gates | 55 |
| No. of Passengers (2013) | >10 million |
| Airlines | American Airlines, Eastern Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, British Airways |
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What You'll Learn
Nashville International Airport's history
The airport code BNA stands for Nashville International Airport, which is located in Tennessee, United States. Here is an overview of the history of this airport:
Nashville International Airport, formerly known as Berry Field, has a long and storied history that dates back to the early days of aviation. The airport's origins can be traced back to the late 1920s when a group of local businessmen recognized the need for an airport to serve the Nashville area. In 1929, the city of Nashville purchased a tract of land known as Berry Field, located about five miles southeast of the city center, with the intention of developing a municipal airport.
In its early years, Berry Field consisted of little more than a grass landing area and a small terminal building. However, it quickly became a bustling center of aviation activity, with several notable milestones taking place in the 1930s. In 1937, the airport received its first commercial airline service when American Airlines began operating flights to Nashville. This was followed in 1938 by the construction of a new, larger terminal building, which was dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
World War II brought significant changes to Berry Field, as the airport was taken over by the United States Army Air Forces and renamed Berry Field Air Force Base. During the war, the airport served as a training center for pilots and aircrew, and it also played a key role in the development and testing of military aircraft, including the Bell P-59 Airacomet, the first jet aircraft built in the United States.
In the post-war years, Berry Field resumed its role as a commercial airport, and it underwent a series of expansions and improvements to accommodate the growing demand for air travel. In 1961, a new, modern terminal building was completed, and the airport was renamed Nashville Metropolitan Airport. The airport continued to grow and prosper in the following decades, and in 1988, it was renamed Nashville International Airport to reflect its increasing importance as a transportation hub.
Today, Nashville International Airport is a bustling airport that handles millions of passengers each year. It has undergone numerous expansions and renovations in recent years, including the addition of a new concourse and the expansion of its international facilities. The airport continues to play a vital role in the region's economy and transportation network, connecting Nashville to destinations across the globe.
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BNA Vision and New Horizons expansion programs
Nashville International Airport (BNA) is a public/military airport in the southeastern section of Nashville, Tennessee. It is the busiest airport in Tennessee, with more boardings and arrivals than all other airports in the state combined.
To accommodate its rapid growth in passenger volume, the Metro Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) commenced two expansion programs: BNA Vision and New Horizons. BNA Vision, which began in 2017, aimed to create more space to keep up with growing traffic rates. This involved expanding concourses, constructing a new international arrivals facility, building new parking garages, and erecting a hotel. The project was mostly completed by February 20, 2024, with the hotel opening in March 2024.
One of the notable aspects of the BNA Vision project was the expansion of Concourse D, which added six domestic aircraft gates and renovated existing terminal space. This included the addition of ticketing areas, baggage claim carousels, and the implementation of sustainability initiatives. The project also included the construction of Terminal Garages 1 and 2, which provide state-of-the-art parking facilities near the terminal. Terminal Garage 1 features an airport administrative building and a pedestrian plaza with a dog park, while both garages include EV charging stations, flight information displays, and sustainability features.
The New Horizons upgrades will include additional concourse expansions, with Concourse A being replaced with 16 new gates, a new air freight building, terminal roadway enhancements, and an upgraded baggage handling system. The project, with a cost of over $1.5 billion, began in 2022 and is scheduled for completion in 2028. It includes the Concourse D extension with five more gates, which are expected to open in July 2025.
With Nashville's growing population and increasing passenger traffic, these expansion programs are designed to maintain Nashville International Airport's status as a world-class transit hub. The airport's infrastructure upgrades and additional facilities aim to enhance the traveler experience and meet the demands of rising traffic.
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Runway and taxiway specifics
The airport code BNA refers to Nashville International Airport, which is located in Tennessee, United States. This airport, serving the city of Nashville, is an important transportation hub for the region.
Nashville International Airport features three concrete runways, designated as 2L/20R, 2C/20C, and 2R/20L, each measuring 8,000, 9,001, and 11,037 feet in length, respectively. These runways are equipped with lighting systems that include precision approach path indicators and runway alignment lights, ensuring safe landings and takeoffs even in low-visibility conditions. Taxiways, identified by letters, facilitate aircraft movement between the runways and apron or gate areas.
Runway 2L/20R, positioned east of the terminal, is paired with a parallel taxiway, enabling efficient aircraft movement. This setup allows for the simultaneous takeoff and landing of planes, enhancing the airport's operational capacity. On the west side of the terminal lies Runway 2R/20L, also complemented by a parallel taxiway. This configuration further contributes to the airport's ability to manage a high volume of air traffic smoothly.
Runway 2C/20C, situated between the other two runways, functions as a "plus-one" runway, catering to smaller aircraft. This runway is not equipped with a full-length parallel taxiway but instead utilizes intersecting taxiways for aircraft movement. This design allows for efficient use of space while providing adequate access for smaller planes.
The taxiway system at BNA is well-designed and organized, featuring a network of interconnected taxiways that enable seamless movement for departing and arriving aircraft. Taxiway Bravo, for instance, serves as a crucial route for aircraft accessing Runway 2L/20R from the southern end of the airport. Additionally, the airport incorporates high-speed taxiways, such as Taxiway Kilo, which connects Runway 2R/20L to the terminal area, facilitating quicker turnarounds for departing aircraft.
These runway and taxiway configurations at BNA not only ensure efficient aircraft movement but also contribute to the airport's overall safety and capacity to handle diverse air traffic, including both large commercial jets and smaller private planes.
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Military presence at the airport
The airport code BNA stands for Nashville International Airport, which is located in Tennessee, United States. This airport has a significant military presence, which is an important aspect of its operations and history.
The airport has a long association with the military, dating back to its early years. It was originally built as a military airfield in 1937 and was named Berry Field, after Colonel Harry S. Berry, who was the administrator of the Works Progress Administration in Tennessee during the Great Depression. The airport was used as a training base for the United States Army Air Forces during World War II, and it played a crucial role in the war effort.
Even after the war, the military continued to have a strong presence at the airport. In 1958, the airport was renamed Berry Field Air Force Base and became a strategic air command base for the United States Air Force. It was during this time that the airport code BNA was assigned, with the letters "BN" representing the base's name and the letter "A" indicating that it was a military airfield. The base was home to various military units and played a vital role in the Cold War era.
In the 1960s, the airport was transferred back to civilian control and renamed Nashville International Airport. However, the military presence remained significant. The Tennessee Air National Guard and the Army National Guard continued to maintain a strong presence at the airport, and it became a joint civil-military airport.
Today, the military presence at Nashville International Airport continues to be an important aspect of its operations. The airport is home to the 118th Wing of the Tennessee Air National Guard, which operates a variety of aircraft, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The airport also supports military operations and deployments, and it serves as a vital hub for military personnel and their families.
The airport often hosts military events and exhibitions, showcasing the history and contributions of the armed forces. These events not only honor the military's legacy but also foster a sense of community and appreciation for their service. The airport's military presence also provides economic benefits to the region, with military-related activities contributing significantly to the local economy.
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Amenities and services available
Nashville International Airport (BNA) is a public/military airport in the southeastern section of Nashville, Tennessee, United States. The airport offers a range of amenities and services to cater to the needs of travellers.
For those looking to grab a quick bite before their flight, Nashville International Airport has a food court area on Concourse C with around a dozen different eateries, including Andrew Jackson's Tavern, the Bull Pen, Capitol Hill Grille, Coffee Beanery, and the Landing. AirMeals on Concourse B offers packaged foods for those who want to buy something to eat on their flight.
The airport also has an 'Arts at the Airport' program, which includes a permanent collection of paintings and sculptures operated by the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. Art lovers can admire the artworks while waiting for their flights.
In addition to the food and art options, Nashville International Airport also has a Business Service Centre on the ticketing level, along with WiFi internet access, the Wright Business Travel Centre, and a Massage Bar offering seated chair massages. Nashville Nails on Concourse C is also a popular spot for travellers looking to get a manicure or other spa services.
The airport has also undergone recent renovations and expansions to accommodate its growing number of passengers and flights. The BNA Vision project included expanding concourses, constructing a new international arrivals facility, building new parking garages, and erecting a hotel, which opened in March 2024. The New Horizons upgrades, scheduled to be completed in 2028, will include additional concourse expansions, an upgraded baggage handling system, and an expanded terminal roadway. These improvements aim to enhance the overall experience and convenience of travellers passing through Nashville International Airport.
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Frequently asked questions
BNA stands for Nashville International Airport.
Nashville International Airport is located in Nashville, Tennessee, United States.
Nashville's first airport was Hampton Field, which operated until 1921. It was replaced by Blackwood Field, which operated from 1921 to 1928. Nashville International Airport (BNA) was established in 1937 under the name Berry Field. Its current terminal was built in 1987, and the airport got its current name in 1988.
BNA offers a range of facilities, including a Business Service Center, WiFi, the Wright Business Travel Center, and a Massage Bar. Nashville Nails and a food court area with various eateries are located on Concourse C.
To accommodate the airport's growth, the Metro Nashville Airport Authority has initiated two expansion programs: BNA Vision and New Horizons. BNA Vision includes expanding concourses, constructing a new international arrivals facility, building new parking garages, and erecting a hotel. The New Horizons upgrades will involve additional concourse expansions, upgrading the baggage handling system, and expanding the terminal roadway.
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