Sachin Walls
Knoxville is served by McGhee Tyson Airport, a premier air facility in East Tennessee. The airport is located about 12 to 14 miles south of downtown Knoxville in Alcoa, Tennessee. It is named after Charles McGhee Tyson, an aviator and the son of Lawrence Davis Tyson, who was the military governor of Puerto Rico and later the Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | McGhee Tyson Airport |
| Location | 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville, Alcoa, Tennessee |
| Year founded | 1930 |
| Owner | Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority |
| Number of employees | 2,700 |
| Number of runways | 2 |
| Length of runways | 9,000 feet |
| Number of daily arrivals and departures | 120+ |
| Number of seats | 4,000+ |
| Number of based aircraft | 172 |
| Number of annual flights | 72,000 |
| Nonstop flight destinations | 30+ |
| Distance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park | 30-minute drive |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Knoxville's oldest airport
The airport has a rich history dating back to the early days of aviation. The first airline flight to land at McGhee Tyson Airport was an American Airlines Stinson Trimotor in July 1937. The airport has undergone significant development over the years, with the addition of new runways, a control tower, and various improvements to its terminals and facilities. In 2000, a $70 million renovation and expansion project was completed, adding new concourses, gates, ticket counters, elevators, and escalators, among other amenities.
McGhee Tyson Airport is the premier air facility in East Tennessee, offering nonstop flights to 25-30+ destinations through six airlines. The airport handles commercial, cargo, military, and general aviation services, accommodating aircraft of all sizes with its parallel 9,000-foot runways. The airport covers 2,250 acres of land, with space for additional economic development and air cargo facilities.
The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority manages the airport and is dedicated to providing a seamless and accommodating experience for all travelers. The airport offers various amenities, including free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and a user-friendly terminal map to help travelers easily navigate the airport. Additionally, several rental car companies, ride-shares, taxis, charters, and hotel shuttles serve the airport, providing convenient transportation options for arriving and departing passengers.
Changing Airport WiFi: Password Security Protocols
You may want to see also
Explore related products
12 miles south of downtown Knoxville
Knoxville is served by McGhee Tyson Airport (IATA: TYS, ICAO: KTYS, FAA LID: TYS), a public/military airport located 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville, in Alcoa, Tennessee. It is named after United States Navy pilot Charles McGhee Tyson, who was killed in World War I. The airport is owned by the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority and is served by several major airlines, employing around 2,700 people.
McGhee Tyson Airport is one of the most convenient and accessible regional airports in the nation, with more than 120 daily arrivals and departures and over 4,000 available seats. It offers nonstop flights to 30+ destinations through six airlines and is the third busiest general aviation airport in the state, with 172 based aircraft and around 72,000 annual flights. The airport occupies over 2,000 acres of land, with space for additional air cargo facilities or economic development.
In 2000, the airport completed a $70 million renovation and expansion project, adding new concourses, gates, ticket counters, elevators, escalators, administrative offices, passenger loading bridges, restrooms, gift shops, and the first Ruby Tuesday airport restaurant in the country. An 115-foot indoor mountain stream was also added, inspired by the Great Smoky Mountains, located just a 30-minute drive from the airport.
McGhee Tyson Airport has a calming visual landscape and a seamless and accommodating experience for travellers. Its small size allows for quick navigation through security and gates. The airport recently broke its own record for the most on-time flights, delivering 89.89% of its flights on time in February 2024.
Pittsburgh Airport: A Busy Travel Hub Explored
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Serves 30+ destinations
Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport, located in Alcoa, Tennessee, is the premier air facility in East Tennessee. It is situated 12 to 14 miles south of downtown Knoxville, offering a convenient and straightforward route for travellers. The airport occupies over 2,000 acres of land, accommodating various aircraft sizes with its 9,000-foot parallel runways.
McGhee Tyson Airport serves as a hub for commercial and cargo airline services, military aviation, and general aviation. The airport boasts a diverse mix of flyers, flights, and airlines, contributing to its rapid growth. It offers nonstop flights to over 30 destinations through six airlines, with leading airlines providing excellent service and reliable travel experiences.
The airport has a range of destinations to suit different travel needs. Among the year-round nonstop destinations are popular business spots like Charlotte, Detroit, and Washington, D.C. Vacation spots are also plentiful, including Las Vegas, Orlando, and Punta Gorda, Florida.
The airport has a user-friendly terminal with a clear map to help travellers navigate easily. It provides a seamless and accommodating experience for all travellers, including those with accessibility and mobility requirements. Free Wi-Fi and charging stations are available throughout the terminal.
McGhee Tyson Airport has a rich history, originally opening in 1930 and named after Charles McGhee Tyson. The airport has undergone significant development over the years, including a $70 million renovation and expansion in 2000, adding new concourses, gates, and other amenities. The airport is committed to meeting the growing needs of the region, with plans for further expansion in the future.
Tampa Airport: TPA's Unique Code and History
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Named after Charles McGhee Tyson
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is located 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. It is the premier air facility in East Tennessee, serving commercial and cargo airline services, military aviation, and general aviation. The airport is named after Charles McGhee Tyson, an American businessman and naval aviator from Knoxville, Tennessee.
Charles McGhee Tyson was born on August 10, 1889, in Clifton Springs, New York, to Lawrence Davis Tyson and Bettie Humes. He moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, with his family in 1891. Tyson attended boarding school at St. Paul's School in New Hampshire and later graduated from Princeton University in 1912. After completing his college education, he returned to Knoxville to work as an executive in his father's textile mills.
Tyson enlisted in the Naval Reserve Flying Corps in 1917 and was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Naval Reserve Flying Corps during World War I. He volunteered for a mission to lay mines in the North Sea to combat the U-boat threat. Unfortunately, on October 11, 1918, his plane collided with another aircraft, resulting in his tragic death. His remains were brought back to Knoxville, where he was buried with full military honours.
In memory of their son, Tyson's parents, Lawrence Davis Tyson and Bettie Humes, donated a parcel of land on Kingston Pike to the city of Knoxville. They stipulated that the land be used as an airfield and named after their late son. The airport, dedicated in 1930, was thus named McGhee Tyson Airport. The airport code, TYS, is derived from Tyson's last name.
Airports in Alaska: A Comprehensive Overview
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Employs 2,700 people
The McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, Tennessee, is a bustling hub of activity, employing a significant number of people across various roles. With a constant stream of travellers and a wide range of operations, the airport relies on a dedicated workforce to ensure smooth and efficient functioning.
One of the critical aspects of McGhee Tyson Airport's operations is its focus on customer service and accessibility. The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority is deeply committed to providing a seamless and accommodating experience for all travellers. This includes ensuring accessibility and mobility services, as well as offering various amenities and conveniences. The airport provides free Wi-Fi and charging stations throughout the terminal, making it a passenger-friendly option.
To support these services, the airport employs staff across different roles, including customer service agents, accessibility assistants, and technical support personnel. These individuals are responsible for assisting travellers with their queries, providing directions, and ensuring that all passengers can access and navigate the airport comfortably.
Another vital area of employment at McGhee Tyson Airport is ground operations and maintenance. The airport handles a substantial amount of air traffic, including commercial, cargo, and military aviation. As such, it requires a dedicated team to manage ground operations, including baggage handling, aircraft servicing, and cargo management. Additionally, the airport's maintenance team ensures the facility's upkeep, from routine checks to specialized maintenance for various aircraft.
The airport also employs a considerable number of people in roles related to security and safety. This includes trained security personnel who monitor the airport premises, conduct screenings, and ensure the safety of travellers and staff. Additionally, the airport's emergency response team is always on standby, ready to handle any unforeseen situations or incidents that may arise.
Furthermore, McGhee Tyson Airport supports various businesses and franchises within its premises. These include restaurants, cafes, retail shops, and car rental services. Each of these establishments contributes to the overall airport experience and employs individuals in roles such as hospitality, customer service, and sales. The presence of these businesses enhances the airport's reputation as a convenient and diverse hub for travellers passing through Knoxville.
Atlanta Airport: Train Travel Made Easy
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The Knoxville airport, McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), is located 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville, in Alcoa, Tennessee.
McGhee Tyson Airport is Knoxville's oldest airport, founded in 1930. It is a public/military airport owned by the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority and is served by several major airlines. The airport occupies more than 2,000 acres of land and offers nonstop flights to 30+ destinations.
McGhee Tyson Airport recently completed a $70 million renovation and expansion project in 2000, adding new concourses, gates, ticket counters, and other amenities. In 2013, the airport replaced its Zia location with an Uno Express Pizza. The airport also received a $27.9 million grant in 2016 for runway expansion.
