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McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is located in Alcoa, Blount County, Tennessee, about 12 to 14 miles south of downtown Knoxville. The airport is named after McGhee Tyson, a local World War I pilot who died in combat. It is the region's primary airport, serving as a critical gateway to East Tennessee, including Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With nonstop flights to over 30 destinations, it offers a range of flight options through partnerships with leading airlines. The airport has a modern design, ample parking, a state-of-the-art terminal, car rental services, free Wi-Fi, restaurants, and shops, all contributing to a seamless and accommodating travel experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Knoxville, Tennessee |
| Distance from downtown Knoxville | 12 miles or 14 miles south |
| Address | 2055 Alcoa Highway |
| County | Blount County |
| Year of first airline flight | 1937 |
| Number of runways | 2 |
| Year of new passenger terminal opening | 1974 |
| Year of runway expansion | 2016 |
| Size | 2,250 acres |
| Elevation | 986 feet |
| Number of aircraft operations in 2023 | 104,459 |
| Number of aircraft based at the airport in 2023 | 186 |
| Number of gates | 12 |
| Parking options | Garage, terminal, and economy lots |
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What You'll Learn
Location and surroundings
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is located at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains in Knoxville, Tennessee, about 12 to 14 miles south of downtown Knoxville in Blount County. Its address is 2055 Alcoa Highway, and it is easily accessible via a straight shot down the Alcoa Highway. The airport is committed to showcasing the region's heritage by displaying local artwork and architectural elements reflecting the natural beauty and culture of the Smoky Mountains.
As the region's primary airport, McGhee Tyson offers an extensive network of flights operated by major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Allegiant Air, and Endeavor Air. The airport also serves as a crew base for Allegiant Air and provides delivery, maintenance, and training centres for Cirrus Aircraft. Several rental car companies, ride-sharing services, taxis, charters, and hotel shuttles serve the airport, making it convenient for travellers to navigate the area.
The airport covers 2,250 acres of land and has two parallel runways, with the north runway being 10,000 feet long and the south runway 9,000 feet long. It has a modern infrastructure designed for passenger convenience, including ample parking options, a state-of-the-art terminal, car rental services, free Wi-Fi, and a variety of restaurants and stores. The airport also has a calming visual landscape based on the Great Smoky Mountains, with faux waterfalls and wood carvings of bears.
McGhee Tyson plays a crucial role in East Tennessee's economic development and connectivity. It supports tourism to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and facilitates business travel and trade. The airport has seen significant growth in passenger traffic, setting a record in 2024 with 3.3 million passengers travelling through. The airport is committed to providing a seamless and accommodating experience for all travellers, including those with accessibility and mobility requirements.
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$6.89
Transport options
McGhee Tyson Airport (IATA: TYS, ICAO: KTYS, FAA LID: TYS) is a public/military airport located 12 miles (19 km) south of Knoxville, in Alcoa, Tennessee. It is named after United States Navy pilot Charles McGhee Tyson, who died during World War I. The airport is owned by the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority.
By car
The airport is accessible by car via Alcoa Hwy South On-Ramp, although this exit is currently closed for reconfiguration. Vehicles will be detoured via signage and will exit the airport through the Hunt Road Intersection.
By taxi, rideshare, or shuttle
Several taxi companies, rideshares, and hotel shuttles serve McGhee Tyson Airport. It is highly recommended to make reservations in advance to guarantee transportation when you arrive at the airport.
By bus
There are several bus stops near the airport, although it is not clear whether these are served by public or private bus companies.
By train
There does not appear to be a train station at the airport, although there may be one nearby.
By bike or on foot
It is unclear whether there are dedicated bike lanes or pedestrian walkways to and from the airport.
Parking
The airport offers parking options, including a Phone & Wait Lot behind the Airport Hilton for vehicles waiting for guests to arrive.
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History
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is located in Alcoa, Tennessee, about 12 to 14 miles south of downtown Knoxville in Blount County. The airport is named after two prominent local pilots, Charles McGhee and Wayne Tyson.
The airport's history dates back to 29 July 1937, when an American Airlines Stinson Trimotor touched down, marking the first airline flight. The early days of the airport saw continuous development, with runway expansions and the construction of a control tower in 1941. In 1951, the United States Air Force built several facilities and a 7,500-foot runway. Over the years, McGhee Tyson Airport has undergone significant enhancements, including the addition of new cargo and passenger terminals, improvements to the passenger experience, and the establishment of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA) in 1974.
In 1968, a new air cargo facility was built, followed by the opening of a new passenger terminal in 1974. The airport continued to invest in infrastructure, and in 1990, runway 5R/23L was rebuilt to 9,000 feet. Two years later, a new 21-acre cargo facility was constructed to serve major carriers like Federal Express, UPS, and Airborne Express. In 2000, improvements to the passenger terminal were completed, adding new concourses, gates, and amenities. The airport also houses a maintenance base for Endeavor Air, a crew base for Allegiant Air, and various centres for Cirrus Aircraft.
McGhee Tyson Airport has played a vital role in the economic development of East Tennessee, supporting tourism to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and facilitating business travel. In 2023, the airport handled over 100,000 aircraft operations and accommodated 186 based aircraft. The airport has also experienced a surge in passenger numbers, setting a record in 2024 with 3.3 million passengers travelling through. To accommodate this growth, the airport received a $27.9 million grant in 2016 for a multi-year runway expansion, including lengthening the north runway, 5L/23R, to 10,000 feet.
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Amenities
McGhee Tyson Airport is located in Alcoa, Blount County, Tennessee, about 12 to 14 miles south of downtown Knoxville. It is the region's primary airport, offering an extensive network of flights to major US hubs, including Atlanta, New York, Chicago, and Dallas. The airport boasts a range of amenities designed for passenger convenience and comfort.
Parking
The airport provides various parking options, including garage, terminal, and economy lots. Terminal Lots A and B are within walking distance of the terminal, while Economy Lot C offers a shuttle service to and from the terminal. Economy Lots D and E provide overflow parking during peak travel times, and Overflow Lot F serves as a ground transportation hub when all other lots are full. McGhee Tyson Airport recommends arriving at least two hours before a flight, especially during busy holiday periods, due to the parking situation.
Transportation
Several transportation options are available at the airport, including rental car companies, ride-sharing services, taxis, charters, and hotel shuttles. The airport encourages travellers to make reservations in advance to guarantee transportation upon arrival.
Wi-Fi and Charging Stations
Throughout the terminal, travellers can access free Wi-Fi and convenient plug-in stations to charge their devices.
Dining and Shopping
The airport features a variety of restaurants and shops, including a Ruby Tuesday. The top level of the airport, which can be accessed via curbside drop-off or the parking garage, offers a range of dining and shopping options, including ticket counters, security, gates, restaurants, and shops. The design incorporates a Smoky Mountain theme, featuring faux waterfalls and wood carvings of bears.
Art and Architecture
McGhee Tyson Airport showcases local artwork and architectural elements that reflect the natural beauty and culture of the Smoky Mountains. This includes a calming visual landscape based on the Great Smoky Mountains, with wood carvings and faux waterfalls.
Nearby Accommodations
For travellers seeking accommodations near the airport, there are options such as MainStay Suites® in Alcoa, which offers apartment-style rooms with kitchens, USB and Apple charging ports, and other amenities. Another option is the Best Western Knoxville Airport/Alcoa, located less than a thirty-minute drive from the airport and Knoxville.
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Parking
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is located 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. It is the fastest-growing major U.S. airport, with a record 3.3 million passengers travelling through the airport in 2024.
- Terminal Lots A and B: $16/day
- Economy Lot C: $11/day
- Garage: $22/day
All lots charge $1 for every 20 minutes until you reach the daily maximum price. Electric vehicle charging spaces are available in the garage on the first level. Motorcycles, trailers, motorhomes, buses, and oversized vehicles are not permitted in any of the airport parking lots.
If you are waiting to pick up an arriving passenger, there is a free Phone and Wait Lot behind the Airport Hilton, where you can stay with your vehicle.
There are also off-airport parking options available, which include complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport. These off-site parking options offer rates starting at $7.99 per day.
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Frequently asked questions
McGhee Tyson Airport is located in Alcoa, Tennessee, about 12 to 14 miles south of downtown Knoxville. Its address is 2055 Alcoa Highway, Blount County.
McGhee Tyson Airport's interior design is based on the Great Smoky Mountains, complete with faux waterfalls and wood carvings of bears. The airport also showcases local artwork and architectural elements reflecting the natural beauty and culture of the Smoky Mountains.
The airport offers ample parking, a modern terminal, car rental services, free Wi-Fi, restaurants, and shops. It also has a Phone & Wait Lot behind the Airport Hilton for vehicles waiting to pick up guests.
The airport's history dates back to 1937 when it received its first airline flight. Over the years, it has undergone various expansions and improvements, including the addition of new runways, cargo facilities, and passenger terminals. In 2016, the airport received a $27.9 million grant for a major runway expansion project.
