Lois Larson
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS / KTYS) is a busy airport with a long history of airline operations, dating back to its early days in 1937 when an American Airlines Stinson Trimotor touched down as the first airline flight. The airport has seen various developments over the years, including runway extensions, the addition of an Instrument Landing System, and the construction of new cargo and passenger facilities. Today, McGhee Tyson Airport covers 2,250 acres of land, featuring two parallel runways accommodating both small planes and airline jets. With a diverse range of air cargo operations and a continuous flow of arrivals and departures, the airport plays a significant role in the region's economy and transportation network.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | McGhee Tyson Airport |
| Airport Code | TYS / KTYS |
| Location | Knoxville, Tennessee |
| Elevation | 986 feet (301 m) |
| Area | 2,250 acres (9.1 km2) |
| Number of Runways | 2 |
| Runway 5L/23R Specifications | 10,000 ft x 150 ft (3,048 m x 46 m), concrete |
| Runway 5R/23L Specifications | 9,000 ft x 150 ft (2,743 m x 46 m), asphalt |
| Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) | Signature Aviation |
| Historical Airlines | American Airlines (first airline), Delta DC-9s (first jets) |
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What You'll Learn
- The first airline flight to land at McGhee Tyson Airport was an American Airlines Stinson Trimotor in 1937
- In 1965, the first scheduled airline jets were Delta DC-9s
- In 1992, a USAir Express Jetstream 31 crashed on landing
- The airport has two parallel runways
- In 2024, airport officials announced a project to expand the current garage to six stories
The first airline flight to land at McGhee Tyson Airport was an American Airlines Stinson Trimotor in 1937
On July 29, 1937, an American Airlines Stinson Trimotor touched down at McGhee Tyson Airport, marking the first airline flight to land there. The aircraft could carry around 10 passengers. Before this, American Airlines' Stinsons landed at Island Airport on Dickinson Island, east of the town.
The original McGhee Tyson Airport opened on August 1, 1930, and was named after Charles McGhee Tyson, a noted Knoxville aviator who lost his life in a Navy aircraft crash during World War I. The city purchased 351 acres in Blount County for the current airport in 1935. The development of the airport helped the City of Alcoa diversify its economy and gain independence from Alcoa Inc., the world's third-largest producer of aluminum.
Today, McGhee Tyson Airport offers nonstop flights to over 30 destinations through partnerships with six airlines. The airport handles commercial and cargo airline services, military and general aviation, and has an average of 120 departures and arrivals per day, serving approximately 4,000 passengers.
The airport has undergone various improvements over the years, including the addition of concourses, gates, ticket counters, and restaurants. In 2024, the airport set a record with 3.3 million passengers, and expansion projects are ongoing to meet the growing demands of the region.
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In 1965, the first scheduled airline jets were Delta DC-9s
McGhee Tyson Airport, commonly abbreviated to TYS, has a long history of aircraft landing on its runways. The airport's first recorded airline flight was an American Airlines Stinson Trimotor in 1937, with around 10 seats. In 1965, the airport witnessed a significant milestone: the first scheduled airline jets were Delta DC-9s, marking a new era in aviation.
The Delta DC-9s were a significant addition to the fleet of Delta Air Lines, which had already introduced its first jetliner, the high-capacity DC-8, in 1959. The DC-9 was designed to suit smaller routes, and its entry into service with Delta on December 8, 1965, was highly anticipated. The DC-9 was powered by two rear-mounted Pratt & Whitney JT8D turbofan engines and featured a two-person flight deck, making it well-suited for smaller airports like McGhee Tyson.
The DC-9 series became a long-term commercial success, and the DC-9 family is one of the longest-lasting aircraft in production and operation. The initial Series 10 received airworthiness certification from the Federal Aviation Administration on November 23, 1965, just in time for its entry into service with Delta. This certification ensured the aircraft met all safety standards and was safe for operation.
The Delta DC-9s played a crucial role in the development of McGhee Tyson Airport. With the introduction of jet aircraft, the airport expanded its facilities, including extending runway 5L to 9,000 feet in 1961. This extension enabled the airport to accommodate larger aircraft and contribute to the diversification of the local economy, helping the City of Alcoa gain economic independence from the aluminium industry.
Over the years, McGhee Tyson Airport continued to undergo improvements and renovations. In 1990, runway 5R/23L was rebuilt to match the length of runway 5L/23R, providing two parallel runways with ample length for aircraft operations. The airport also constructed a new air cargo facility in 1968 and a new passenger terminal in 1974, enhancing its capacity to handle both cargo and passenger traffic.
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In 1992, a USAir Express Jetstream 31 crashed on landing
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, Tennessee, has two runways: 5L/23R, which is 10,000 by 150 feet, and 5R/23L, which is 9,000 by 150 feet. The airport has a long history, with the first airline flight touching down in 1937. In the years since, numerous types of aircraft have landed at the airport.
On March 12, 1992, a USAir Express Jetstream 31 crashed on landing at McGhee Tyson Airport. The Jetstream 31 is a small twin-turboprop airliner that first flew in 1980 and was certified in the UK in 1982. Several hundred Jetstream 31s were built during the 1980s, and they are still in use today.
In the 1992 crash, the pilot failed to lower the landing gear. There were no passengers on board, but unfortunately, the two crew members were killed. The specific cause of the accident was found to be the captain's inability to use a checklist. Additionally, the captain's handling of the aircraft's speed after the initial incident was criticized, as it led to an uncontrolled collision with the ground.
The USAir Express Jetstream 31 crash is a tragic reminder of the importance of adhering to standard procedures and maintaining adequate control of the aircraft, even in challenging situations.
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The airport has two parallel runways
The McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS / KTYS) covers 2,250 acres of land at an elevation of 986 feet. The airport has two parallel runways: 5L/23R and 5R/23L. Runway 5L/23R is 10,000 feet long and made of concrete, while runway 5R/23L is 9,000 feet long and made of asphalt. These runways have been through several extensions and reconstructions over the years.
Runway 5L/23R was originally built by the United States Air Force in 1951 with a length of 7,500 feet. In 1961, it was extended to 9,000 feet with financing from the Tennessee Air National Guard. After undergoing further reconstruction, it reopened in December 2021 with an extended length of 10,000 feet.
Runway 5R/23L was rebuilt in 1990 to match the length of runway 5L/23R at 9,000 feet. During the reconstruction, 3,000 feet of the runway were demolished while 6,000 feet remained open for small planes to land. This runway is still used by airliners today.
The first airline flight to land at McGhee Tyson Airport was an American Airlines Stinson Trimotor in 1937. The airport has been the site of several notable incidents, including the landing of American Airlines Flight 414, a Lockheed L-188A Electra, in high winds in 1962, which veered off the runway but fortunately resulted in only one minor injury.
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In 2024, airport officials announced a project to expand the current garage to six stories
In January 2024, officials at McGhee Tyson Airport announced a project to expand the current parking garage to six stories, adding 3,500 parking spots. This expansion is in response to the airport's record-breaking passenger traffic, with 2023 projected to see 2.7 million passengers, surpassing the terminal building's maximum capacity of 2.6 million annual passengers. The airport, which serves Knoxville and East Tennessee, is experiencing rapid growth, with Knoxville being among the fastest-growing places in the South, a 16-state region between Texas and Florida.
To accommodate this expansion, the airport closed part of its long-term parking lot, with guests still having access to the short-term parking lot and over 1,000 additional spaces in the new Economy Lot C. A 24-hour shuttle service will be provided to transport passengers to and from the airport terminal building.
This project, dubbed "Flight Plan," is part of the airport's $700 million investment in new construction to cater to increasing passenger numbers. The expansion will be followed by the construction of six new terminal gates, expected to be completed between 2026 and 2029. During this period of construction, the airport aims to minimise disruptions by phasing the projects to navigate the challenges of building while continuing to serve the community.
McGhee Tyson Airport has a long history, dating back to 1937 when it received its first airline flight, an American Airlines Stinson Trimotor. Over the decades, the airport has undergone various improvements, including runway expansions, the addition of a control tower, and the establishment of cargo facilities. The current terminal building was completed in 2000, and the airport continues to evolve to meet the demands of its growing passenger traffic.
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Frequently asked questions
McGhee Tyson Airport.
American Airlines Stinson Trimotor, Lockheed L-188A Electra, and USAir Express Jetstream 31.
December 1965. The first scheduled airline jets were Delta DC-9s.
986 feet (301 m).
Yes, AirNav Radar Flight Tracker provides live flight tracking for McGhee Tyson Airport.
