
Knoxville's airport code is TYS, and the airport is named McGhee Tyson Airport. It is located 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville and offers nonstop flights to 25+ destinations through 6 airlines. The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority is dedicated to ensuring a seamless and accommodating experience for all travelers at the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | McGhee Tyson Airport |
| Airport Code | TYS |
| Location | Knoxville, Tennessee, United States |
| Number of Destinations | 25-30+ |
| Number of Airlines | 6 |
| Services | Commercial, Cargo, Military, and General Aviation |
| Number of Aircraft Operations (2023) | 104,459 (286 per day) |
| Number of Based Aircraft (2023) | 186 |
| Number of Passengers (2024) | 3.3 million |
| Area | 2,250 acres |
| Elevation | 986 feet |
| Number of Runways | 2 |
| Runway Length | 10,000 feet and 9,000 feet |
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What You'll Learn

McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is Knoxville's airport
The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority manages McGhee Tyson Airport, with a commitment to providing a seamless and accommodating experience for all travellers. The airport offers a range of flight options through partnerships with leading airlines, serving over 20 nonstop destinations and 120 daily flights. In 2024, TYS set a record with 3.3 million passengers, a significant increase from the previous year.
As part of its services, McGhee Tyson Airport provides free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, along with charging stations for devices. The airport also offers short and long-term parking options, car rentals, and nearby area hotels. Several rental car companies, ride-shares, taxis, charters, and hotel shuttles serve the airport, and it is recommended to make reservations in advance.
McGhee Tyson Airport has undergone various improvements and expansions over the years. It received a substantial grant in 2016 for runway expansion, and in 2021, the rebuilt 10,000-foot runway 5L/23R reopened. The airport covers 2,250 acres, with two parallel runways, and is home to the McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, serving the 134th Air Refueling Wing of the Tennessee Air National Guard.
With its convenient location, range of amenities, and continuous improvements, McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) serves as a vital aviation hub for Knoxville and the surrounding region, catering to the travel needs of its diverse clientele.
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TYS offers nonstop flights to 25+ destinations
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) 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. McGhee Tyson Airport offers non-stop flights to 25+ destinations through 6 airlines.
The airport is served by several major airlines and offers a range of flight options to cater to various travel needs. Leading airlines such as Allegiant, American Airlines (Oneworld), Delta (SkyTeam), and Avelo Airlines operate from the airport, providing direct flights to popular destinations.
Some of the non-stop flight routes from TYS include Sarasota, Florida (SRQ); Gulf Shores, Alabama (GUF); Washington D.C./Dulles, Virginia (IAD); Atlanta, Georgia; New York City, New York; Orlando, Florida; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Phoenix, Arizona; and Las Vegas, Nevada. The longest non-stop route from TYS is to Las Vegas, covering a distance of 1,077 miles and taking approximately 4 hours and 7 minutes.
In addition to passenger services, McGhee Tyson Airport also handles commercial and cargo airline services, military operations, and general aviation. The airport provides a seamless and accommodating experience for travellers with features such as clear signage, intuitive layout, free Wi-Fi, and convenient charging stations.
With its convenient location, range of flight options, and efficient facilities, McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) serves as a significant gateway to Knoxville and the surrounding region.
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The airport has two levels, with arrivals on the lower level
The airport code for Knoxville is TYS, which stands for McGhee Tyson Airport. The airport has two levels, with arrivals on the lower level.
The lower level of the airport is where you will find the arrivals area, with three baggage claims, as well as car rental counters, airline offices, and airport offices. This level is also where passengers can access the Phone & Wait Lot, which is designed for vehicles waiting to pick up arriving passengers. The airport provides a live arrivals schedule to help with pick-up coordination and to avoid unnecessary delays.
The upper level of the airport can be accessed via curbside drop-off and the parking garage. This level is where departing passengers will find the ticket counters, security, and gates. It also has restaurants and shops, designed with a Smoky Mountain theme, featuring faux waterfalls and wood carvings of bears.
McGhee Tyson Airport offers nonstop flights to 25-30+ destinations through six airlines. It handles commercial, cargo, military, and general aviation. The airport covers 2,250 acres of land and has two parallel runways. In 2024, it set a record with 3.3 million passengers travelling through, an increase of 17.8% from the previous year.
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TYS is 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee is served by McGhee Tyson Airport, also known by the airport code TYS. The airport is located 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville, in Alcoa, Tennessee. It is named for United States Navy pilot Charles McGhee Tyson, who was killed in World War I.
The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority owns the airport, which offers commercial, military, and general aviation services. Six airlines provide nonstop flights to 25 destinations, with new routes including Sarasota, Florida, and Washington, D.C. The airport also provides free Wi-Fi and charging stations throughout the terminal.
The airport is easily accessible from downtown Knoxville, with a drive time of approximately 16 minutes. The best way to get to the airport without a car is by taxi, which costs $55 to $70. Several rental car companies, ride-sharing services, taxis, charters, and hotel shuttles also serve the airport, and it is recommended to make reservations in advance.
The airport has a user-friendly design, with clear icons, labeled zones, and color-coded areas to help travellers easily navigate and find gates, restrooms, dining options, and other essential services. The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority is dedicated to providing a seamless and accommodating experience for all travellers, including those with accessibility and mobility requirements.
McGhee Tyson Airport also has a rich history, dating back to 1930 when the original airport opened in West Knoxville. In 1968, a new air cargo facility was built, and a new passenger terminal opened in 1974. The airport has continued to undergo expansions and improvements, including a multi-year runway expansion project in 2016, the most expensive in the airport's history.
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The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority manages TYS
The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA) is responsible for managing and operating the McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), which serves the city of Knoxville, Tennessee, and the surrounding region. As the airport authority, the MKAA plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and safe operation of TYS, which is the primary commercial airport serving East Tennessee.
The MKAA is a independent, non-profit entity established specifically to manage and develop TYS. It was created in 1966 through a joint resolution of the City of Alcoa and Knox County, and its seven-member board of commissioners is appointed by the mayors of these two jurisdictions. By having this dedicated authority, the management and development of the airport can remain focused and specialized, ensuring that TYS can meet the aviation needs of the region it serves.
The MKAA's responsibilities cover a wide range of airport operations and infrastructure. This includes managing the airport's finances and budget, overseeing the maintenance and development of airport facilities, and coordinating with airlines and other tenants to ensure smooth and efficient operations. The authority also plays a key role in planning and implementing capital improvement projects to enhance the airport's infrastructure and keep pace with the region's aviation demands.
One of the key focuses of the MKAA is to promote and support economic development in the region. TYS serves as a vital gateway, not just for Knoxville but for the entire East Tennessee region. By attracting and retaining airlines and fostering a diverse range of aviation activities, the MKAA helps to enhance the region's connectivity and accessibility, thereby supporting economic growth and creating jobs.
The MKAA also prioritizes community engagement and environmental stewardship. It works closely with local communities and stakeholders to address any concerns and ensure that the airport's operations are compatible with the surrounding area. Additionally, the authority is committed to minimizing the airport's environmental impact and has implemented various initiatives to reduce noise, improve air quality, and protect natural resources.
Overall, the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority plays a critical and multifaceted role in managing TYS. Through its dedicated work, the authority ensures that the airport operates efficiently, safely, and sustainably, thereby supporting the region's aviation needs and contributing to its economic prosperity.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport code for Knoxville is TYS.
The name of the airport in Knoxville is McGhee Tyson Airport.
McGhee Tyson Airport is located in Alcoa, Tennessee, about 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville.
McGhee Tyson Airport offers nonstop flights to 25-30+ destinations through 6 airlines. The airport has two levels, with ticket counters, security, gates, restaurants, and shops on the top level, and baggage claim, car rental counters, and airport offices on the bottom level. Free Wi-Fi and charging stations are also available throughout the terminal.










































