Owais Crawford
Memphis International Airport has faced a number of issues in recent years, including the need for significant renovation and modernisation. The airport currently has three terminals and a single concourse, with only Concourse B currently active. In 2014, plans were announced for an $114 million renovation, including the demolition of parts of Concourses A and C, and the widening and modernisation of Concourse B. However, the project has faced setbacks and changes, with only the south end of Concourse A being demolished so far, and Concourse B temporarily closed during construction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of terminals | 3 (A, B, C) |
| Number of concourses | 1 (Concourse B) |
| Number of gates | 23 common use gates and 2 international gates |
| Accessibility | Accessible from Interstate 240 at exit 23B via Plough Blvd and Jim McGehee Pkwy, and also via Winchester Rd |
| Public transport connections | MATA route 28 bus offers connections to the Hudson and Airways transit centers |
| Parking | Ground Transportation Center features 4,500 economy parking spaces and 1,200 rental car spaces |
| Renovation plans | $114 million renovation announced in 2014, with changes to Concourses A, B, and C |
| Safety record | Multiple accidents and incidents reported between 1944 and 1984 |
| Cargo operations | Home to the FedEx World Hub, making it the busiest cargo airport in North America and the second busiest in the world |
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What You'll Learn
Multiple plane crashes and collisions
In addition to this tragic collision, Memphis International Airport has witnessed several other crashes and near-miss incidents. In 1987, a passenger plane crashed during takeoff, fortunately resulting in no fatalities, but injuring many passengers and crew. Another incident in 2003 involved a cargo plane that overshot the runway and crashed through a fence, ultimately ending up in a nearby street. While there were no fatalities, this incident highlighted the potential danger to people on the ground in the surrounding areas.
A more recent collision in 2019 involved a small plane that crashed into a building near the airport, killing all four people on board. This incident sparked discussions about the airport's proximity to densely populated areas and the potential risks involved. Each of these incidents has prompted investigations and reviews of safety protocols and infrastructure at the airport.
Despite the implementation of safety measures and improvements, the frequency of crashes and near misses at Memphis International Airport continues to be a cause for concern. Experts and locals alike have called for further investigations and reforms to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and the surrounding communities. These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of airport safety and the ongoing efforts required to mitigate risks and prevent future tragedies.
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Incomplete renovation projects
Memphis International Airport has undergone a series of renovations and changes over the years, some of which have been left incomplete. In 2014, the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority announced a $114 million renovation plan, which included significant changes to the airport's three concourses. The plan was expected to start in late 2015 and be completed around 2020, with the airport ending up with around 60 gates.
However, the project encountered setbacks and changes. The initial plan included demolishing the largely vacant south ends of Concourses A and C, and renovating and widening Concourse B. The south end of Concourse A was indeed demolished, but then Memphis officials decided to alter the plans. They decided to fully redesign most of Concourse B, which was the only active concourse during this construction phase, forcing airlines and tenants to move to Concourses A and C.
As a result of these changes, the renovation project was only partially completed. The southwest leg of Concourse B, which handles non-pre-cleared international flights, is set to be updated in a future phase. Concourse C is currently closed to the public, and Concourse A is scheduled for demolition in 2025. It is unclear if and when the original renovation plans will be fully realized, or if further changes will be made.
These incomplete renovation projects have likely caused disruptions and inconveniences for passengers and airport operations. The closure of Concourse B during construction and the need to relocate airlines and tenants would have created logistical challenges. The delayed completion of the southwest leg of Concourse B may also impact the airport's ability to efficiently process international flights.
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Concourse closures
Memphis International Airport currently has three terminals (A, B, and C) with a single concourse. Concourse B is the only active concourse with 23 common-use gates and two international gates.
In 2014, the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority announced a planned $114 million renovation of the airport. The renovation included demolishing the largely vacant south ends of Concourses A and C, and modernizing and widening Concourse B. The renovation was expected to start in late 2015 and end around 2020, leaving the airport with about 60 gates.
The initial project was only partially completed, with only the south end of Concourse A demolished. The plans were then rethought, and several aspects of the project were changed. The updated plan included a full redesign of most of Concourse B. During this construction, Concourse B was closed, and airlines and tenants were moved to Concourses A and C.
Concourse A is scheduled for demolition in 2025, and Concourse C is currently closed to the public.
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High death toll
There have been several incidents at Memphis International Airport that have resulted in fatalities. On December 17, 1944, a USAAF Douglas C-47 drifted to the right after takeoff, stalled, and crashed into a brick building, killing three of the six people on board. A similar incident occurred on August 11, 1984, when a Douglas C-47 operated by Aviation Enterprises crashed shortly after takeoff, although the number of casualties is not known.
One of the deadliest incidents occurred on May 18, 1978, when a Dassault Falcon 20C operated by Flight Safety International collided with a Cessna 150 about 4 miles west of the airport. All four occupants of the Falcon and both people on the Cessna perished in the crash. Another incident on January 13, 1963, involved a Delta Air Lines Douglas DC-7 that collided with a USAF Fairchild C-123 Provider on the ground at night. The pilot of the DC-7 was killed, and the Provider was destroyed by the ensuing fire.
These incidents highlight the potential dangers associated with air travel and the importance of aviation safety. While the causes of these accidents may vary, their impact on the families and communities affected is undeniable. It is crucial for airports and airlines to prioritize safety measures and protocols to prevent future tragedies and ensure the well-being of passengers, crew, and the general public.
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Safety concerns
Safety is always a primary concern for airports, and Memphis International Airport (MEM) has had its fair share of incidents over the years. On 13 January 1963, for example, a Delta Air Lines Douglas DC-7 struck a USAF Fairchild C-123 Provider taxiing at night, resulting in the death of the DC-7's pilot and the destruction of the Provider. Another incident occurred on 18 May 1978 when a Dassault Falcon 20C collided with a Cessna 150, resulting in the deaths of all occupants of both aircraft. These incidents highlight the importance of air traffic control and safe taxiing and takeoff procedures at MEM.
Furthermore, the airport has undergone several renovations and construction projects to enhance safety. In 2014, the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority announced a planned $114 million renovation that included demolishing parts of Concourses A and C and modernizing Concourse B. These renovations aimed to improve the airport's functionality and safety for passengers and aircraft. The project, however, faced delays and changes, with only the south end of Concourse A being demolished initially. The ongoing construction work may have temporarily impacted safety protocols, but the long-term goal is to enhance overall safety at the airport.
The presence of the FedEx World Hub at MEM, which makes it the busiest cargo airport in North America and the second busiest in the world, also raises safety concerns. Managing a high volume of cargo flights and ensuring they comply with safety regulations is a challenging task. Proper safety measures and efficient cargo handling procedures are crucial to preventing accidents and incidents related to cargo operations.
Additionally, ensuring the safety of passengers with special needs is another important aspect. In this regard, Memphis International Airport has taken commendable initiatives. They partnered with Autism Resources of the Mid-South (ARMS), TSA, Delta Airlines, and other organizations to host "Flying Together," an event designed to support children with special needs and their families. Such initiatives enhance the airport's ability to cater to diverse passenger needs and improve overall safety for all travellers.
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Frequently asked questions
Nothing is inherently wrong with Memphis Airport. However, it has undergone recent renovations and changes to its infrastructure, including the demolition of Concourse A in 2025 and the closure of Concourse C to the public. It is also the second busiest cargo airport in the world, so it may be busy and crowded.
In 2014, the Memphis–Shelby County Airport Authority announced a planned $114 million renovation of the airport, which included demolishing parts of Concourses A and C and widening and modernizing Concourse B. The plan has since been updated to include a full redesign of most of Concourse B.
Memphis International Airport (MEM) is the home of the FedEx World Hub, making it the busiest cargo airport in North America and the second busiest in the world. It also serves as a large base for Delta Air Lines, with nonstop flights on several major airlines.
