Jazmin Li
McGhee Tyson Airport, also known as TYS, is located in East Tennessee, just 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville. The airport covers 2,250 acres of land and is elevated 986 feet high. It offers nonstop flights to 25+ destinations through six airlines. The airport's history dates back to 1937 when an American Airlines Stinson Trimotor touched down, marking the first airline flight. Since then, McGhee Tyson Airport has undergone various improvements, including the addition of new runways, terminals, and facilities. The airport is committed to providing a seamless travel experience and plays a crucial role in the region's economic development and tourism.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Code | TYS |
| Location | 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee |
| Area Covered | 2,250 acres (9.1 km2) |
| Elevation | 986 feet (301 m) |
| Number of Runways | 2 |
| Runway Material | Concrete and Asphalt |
| Runway Dimensions | 5L/23R: 10,000 x 150 feet (3,048 x 46 m); 5R/23L: 9,000 x 150 feet (2,743 x 46 m) |
| Airlines | 6 |
| Nonstop Destinations | 25-30+ |
| Services | Commercial, Cargo, Military, and General Aviation |
| Amenities | Free Wi-Fi, Charging Stations, Restaurants, Rental Cars, Hotel Shuttles |
| Address | 2055 Alcoa Highway Alcoa, TN 37701 |
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What You'll Learn
Location and address
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is located in East Tennessee, 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville. The airport covers 2,250 acres of land at an elevation of 986 feet. It has two parallel runways: 5L/23R and 5R/23L. The airport's address is 2055 Alcoa Highway Alcoa, TN 37701.
The airport is easily accessible by various transportation options, including rental cars, ride-shares, taxis, charters, and hotel shuttles. It is recommended to make reservations in advance to ensure a smooth arrival experience. Several hotels are conveniently located near the airport, offering comfortable accommodations and seamless travel connections. These include the MainStay Suites® in Alcoa and the Best Western Knoxville Airport/Alcoa, which is less than a thirty-minute drive from Knoxville.
The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA) manages McGhee Tyson Airport with a commitment to providing a seamless and accommodating experience for all travelers. The airport offers a range of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and a user-friendly terminal map to enhance the overall airport experience.
McGhee Tyson Airport plays a crucial role in the economic development and connectivity of East Tennessee. It facilitates commercial, military, and general aviation services, connecting the region to over 25 destinations through six airlines. The airport also supports tourism to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of America's most visited national parks.
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Flight and route information
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is located 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee, at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains. It covers 2,250 acres of land at an elevation of 986 feet. The airport has two parallel runways: 5L/23R, which is 10,000 by 150 feet concrete, and 5R/23L, which is 9,000 by 150 feet asphalt.
As the premier air facility in East Tennessee, the airport offers nonstop flights to 25 or more destinations through six airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Allegiant Air. These services include direct flights to major U.S. hubs such as Atlanta, New York, Chicago, and Dallas, as well as new routes to Sarasota, Florida; Gulf Shores, Alabama; and Washington, D.C.
The airport handles commercial, cargo, military, and general aviation services, with 90% of air cargo operations carried out by UPS and Federal Express. It is committed to providing a seamless and accommodating experience for all travellers, including those with accessibility and mobility requirements. The airport provides free Wi-Fi, charging stations, ample parking, a state-of-the-art terminal, car rental services, and a variety of dining and shopping options.
Several rental car companies, ride-shares, taxis, charters, and hotel shuttles serve the airport, and it is recommended that travellers make reservations in advance to guarantee transportation. The Phone and Wait Lot behind the Airport Hilton is designated for vehicles waiting for arriving guests.
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Transport to and from the airport
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is located 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. It is easily accessible by car, and several rental car companies operate from the airport, including Hertz, National, Alamo, Enterprise, and Avis. The rental car counters are located on the lower level of the airport terminal building near baggage claim. It is recommended that you make reservations in advance to ensure a car is available when you arrive.
In addition to rental cars, taxis, ride-shares, charters, and hotel shuttles also serve the airport. Again, it is advisable to book these services ahead of time to guarantee transportation.
For those driving to or from the airport, the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority provides a helpful phone and wait lot behind the Airport Hilton for vehicles waiting for guests to arrive. The airport also offers a live arrivals and departures schedule, so you can easily track your pick-up or departure time and avoid unnecessary delays.
If you are not travelling by car, there are other transport options available. The Airport Authority has contact information for shuttle services listed on its website, and there is a bus stop located near the airport.
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Terminal facilities and amenities
McGhee Tyson Airport is a public airport located in Alcoa, Tennessee, serving the city of Knoxville and the surrounding region. The airport is named after former Tennessee State Senator and US Navy pilot McGhee Tyson, who died during World War II. Here is some information about the terminal facilities and amenities available at McGhee Tyson Airport:
The airport terminal at McGhee Tyson is modern and well-equipped, offering a range of facilities and services to meet the needs of departing and arriving passengers. The terminal building is designed to be efficient and convenient, with a compact layout that allows for easy navigation.
For passengers departing from McGhee Tyson Airport, there are multiple check-in counters located on the upper level of the terminal. These counters are staffed by friendly and efficient agents who can assist with checking in, baggage drop-off, and providing flight information. Self-service kiosks are also available for those who prefer a quicker and more independent check-in process.
Once passengers have checked in, they can proceed through security, which is located centrally in the terminal. The security area is well-organized and efficiently managed, ensuring a smooth and quick process for passengers. Beyond security, passengers will find a spacious and comfortable departure lounge with ample seating and a range of amenities to enjoy while waiting for their flight.
Several gates are located within the terminal, providing easy boarding and disembarking for passengers. The gates are equipped with comfortable seating, charging stations, and flight information displays. For those requiring assistance, the airport offers a range of services, including wheelchair assistance and special facilities for passengers with reduced mobility.
Within the terminal, passengers and visitors will find a variety of dining and shopping options. Several restaurants and cafes offer a range of culinary choices, from quick bites to sit-down meals, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences. Additionally, there are shops selling a variety of items, including gifts, souvenirs, books, and travel essentials, providing a convenient shopping experience for travelers.
For those seeking additional comfort and convenience, McGhee Tyson Airport offers a range of premium services and facilities. The airport's lounge, located airside, provides a quiet and relaxing space for passengers to wait for their flight. The lounge offers comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi, and other amenities to enhance the travel experience. Additionally, the airport provides meeting and conference rooms, as well as a business center, to cater to the needs of business travelers.
In conclusion, McGhee Tyson Airport offers a comprehensive range of terminal facilities and amenities that cater to the diverse needs of its passengers. With a focus on efficiency, comfort, and convenience, the airport ensures a pleasant and stress-free travel experience for all who pass through its gates. The combination of modern infrastructure, friendly staff, and a range of services and facilities makes McGhee Tyson a well-equipped and passenger-friendly airport.
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History and development of the airport
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is located 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. It is named after Lt. Charles McGhee Tyson, a military veteran and aviation enthusiast from the local community who served in World War I. The airport is technically called the Smoky Mountain Airport according to Tennessee state law, but the name McGhee Tyson is more commonly used and recognised.
The airport has existed in its current space since the 1930s, with the first commercial flight taking off on July 29, 1937, operated by American Airlines. This was a Stinson Trimotor aircraft with about 10 seats. Prior to this, American Airlines flights landed at Island Airport on Dickinson Island, east of Knoxville. The 1938 directory shows a 3,100-foot (940-metre) N–S runway and a 4,200-foot (1,300-metre) NE-SW runway at McGhee Tyson. By 1939, the N–S runway had expanded to 4,000 feet (1,200 metres) and the NE-SW runway to 5,000 feet (1,500 metres). The city built a control tower in 1941.
The development of the airport helped the City of Alcoa, located near the airport, to diversify its economy and gain independence from Alcoa Inc. (now Arconic Inc.), a major producer of aluminium. In 1951, the United States Air Force constructed several facilities and a 7,500-foot (2,300-metre) runway (5L). In 1959, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) added an Instrument Landing System to runways 5L and 23R. Two years later, with financing from the Tennessee Air National Guard, runway 5L was extended to 9,000 feet (2,700 metres). The first scheduled airline jets, Delta DC-9s, arrived in December 1965.
McGhee Tyson Airport continued to expand and improve its facilities over the years. A new air cargo facility was constructed in 1968, followed by the opening of a new passenger terminal in 1974. The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA) was established in 1978. Runway expansions and improvements continued into the 1990s and 2000s, along with the construction of new maintenance facilities and hangars. In 2000, significant improvements were made to the passenger terminal, including the addition of new concourses and gates. In 2016, the airport received a $27.9 million grant from the FAA for a multi-year runway expansion project, the most expensive in the airport's history.
Today, McGhee Tyson Airport offers nonstop flights to over 30 destinations through six airlines. It handles commercial and cargo airline services, as well as military and general aviation. The airport set a record in 2024 with 3.3 million passengers, showcasing its vital role in the region's economy and transportation network.
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Frequently asked questions
TYS.
12 miles south of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee.
Rental cars, ride shares, taxis, charters, hotel shuttles, and public buses.
McGhee Tyson Airport offers free Wi-Fi, charging stations, a food court, and a terminal map to help travellers navigate the airport.
