Owais Crawford
Nashville International Airport, also known by its IATA, ICAO, and FAA LID identifiers BNA, KBNA, and BNA, respectively, was first established in 1937 as Berry Field, from which its BNA airport code is derived.
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What You'll Learn
Nashville International Airport's original name
Colonel Berry played a crucial role in advocating for the airport's construction and served as its first manager. He was a prominent figure in Nashville's aviation community and worked tirelessly to promote aviation and develop the city's aviation infrastructure. In recognition of his contributions, the airport was named Berry Field in his honor. This name remained in use for several decades and played a significant role in shaping the early history of aviation in Nashville.
The name "Berry Field" also reflected the airport's location in the Berry Hill community of Nashville. This community was named after James Berry, a local landowner and farmer who owned the land where the airport was constructed. The airport's location in the Berry Hill area was strategic, as it provided easy access to the city of Nashville and surrounding areas, making it an ideal site for the region's aviation needs.
Over time, as the airport grew and expanded, the name evolved to include "Nashville International" to reflect its expanding role as a gateway to the city and the region. However, the original code, BNA, has been retained as a tribute to the airport's history and its original namesake, Colonel Harry S. Berry. This code continues to be used and recognized worldwide, serving as a reminder of the airport's rich heritage and the contributions of those who played a pivotal role in its establishment.
The history of Nashville International Airport's original name, Berry Field, is a testament to the vision and dedication of individuals like Colonel Harry S. Berry, who helped shape the aviation industry in Nashville and beyond. The retention of the airport code BNA is a fitting tribute to this history and ensures that the airport's roots are not forgotten, even as it continues to grow and adapt to meet the demands of modern aviation.
Today, Nashville International Airport continues to be a vital transportation hub, serving millions of passengers each year. As travelers pass through BNA, they may not realize the significance of the airport code, but it serves as a lasting reminder of the airport's rich history and the individuals who made it possible.
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The airport's runways and taxiways
Nashville International Airport (BNA) has a total of four runways and covers 4,555 acres of land. It features three parallel runways (2L/20R, 2C/20C, and 2R/20L) and an intersecting runway (13/31). Runway 2L/20R was extended by 600 feet in the 1960s, and the intersecting runway 13/31 was constructed during the same period as a crosswind runway. Runway 2L/20R underwent complete demolition and rebuilding, which was completed in August 2010. Runway 2C/20C was also closed temporarily in 2010 for pavement and concrete rehabilitation.
The airport's RWY configuration consists of these four runways, all of which have full-length parallel TWYs. The RWYs are closely spaced, and the threshold for RWY 20C is further south compared to RWY 20R. This proximity can lead to confusion for aircraft approaching RWY 20C, as they might attempt to land on RWY 20R instead. Therefore, pilots are advised to back up all visual approaches with instrument approaches to ensure proper alignment.
A complex network of taxiways surrounds the airport, providing access to terminals, FBOs, and cargo ramps. Pilots should exercise caution when navigating TWY K, located between TWY B and TWY T4, as it is in the approach area for RWY 20C. Congested airspace and vehicle access roads intersecting the runways and taxiways are other important considerations for pilots operating at Nashville International Airport.
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BNA Vision and New Horizons expansion programs
Nashville International Airport (BNA) has been undergoing dynamic growth and expansion plans to accommodate the city's rapid growth. The BNA Vision project, completed in February 2024, aimed to create more space to keep up with growing traffic rates. This involved expanding the old terminal by widening both sides, adding a new international arrival facility, and creating a more open and enjoyable space for passengers. The project also included the construction of Terminal Garages 1 and 2, providing state-of-the-art parking facilities near the terminal. The expansion plan also included sustainability initiatives and was completed without the use of local tax dollars, boosting the local economy and creating thousands of jobs.
Following the completion of the BNA Vision project, Nashville International Airport embarked on its New Horizon expansion program. This $2.1 billion program aims to further enhance the airport's infrastructure and capacity. The plan includes extending Concourse D, adding five more gates, and constructing a new Concourse A. The New Horizon project also involves improvements to concourses, a new air freight building, terminal roadway enhancements, and upgraded baggage handling systems. The expansion plan is expected to increase the number of gates from 54 to 70 by 2028 and includes a new parking garage, a multipurpose de-icing ramp, and an $80 million contingency fund.
The New Horizon project is a continuation of the airport's ambitious growth plans and is expected to cost over $1.4 billion. The design phase of the project began in August 2022, with construction on the extension of Concourse D starting in late 2023. The entire project is scheduled for completion in late 2028. The expansion plan aims to improve the traveler experience by enhancing two concourses and making terminal roadway improvements. The funding for the New Horizon project will come from various sources, including bonds, federal and state aviation grants, Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs), and other airport funds.
Nashville International Airport is also planning a third project, Terminal 2, to meet the growing demands and further enhance the traveler experience. The airport has experienced remarkable growth, with passenger numbers doubling from 10.6 million in fiscal year 2013 to 21.9 million in fiscal year 2023. With the completion of the BNA Vision and the ongoing New Horizon project, the airport is transforming into a world-class facility, reflecting the growth and development of Nashville as a world-class city.
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Military use of the airport
Nashville's airport code, BNA, has its origins in the city's aviation history, specifically its association with the military. The airport code is a nod to the former Berry Field, which was a military airfield and the predecessor of what is now Nashville International Airport.
Berry Field, which was established in the 1930s, served as a crucial military airfield during World War II. It was named after Colonel Harry S. Berry, who was the first aviation officer of the Tennessee National Guard and played a significant role in promoting aviation in the state. The airfield was used extensively by the military for training and operational purposes. It became a primary training base for the Troop Carrier Command, which specialized in transporting troops and cargo. The 314th Troop Carrier Group, equipped with C-47 and C-53 aircraft, was the primary unit operating from Berry Field during the war. They conducted training exercises, practiced paratroop drops, and transported personnel and supplies to various theaters of operation.
In addition to its training role, Berry Field also served as a strategic base for military aircraft ferrying. Its location made it an ideal stopover point for aircraft being ferried from factories in the Midwest to overseas combat zones. The airfield played a crucial role in the Air Transport Command's domestic and international logistics network. Aircraft undergoing maintenance or repairs also utilized the airfield, with specialized teams available for overhaul and maintenance work.
Following World War II, the airport continued to serve the military under the jurisdiction of the Air Force Reserve and the Tennessee Air National Guard. It became the home of the 118th Airlift Wing, which operated military transport aircraft. The airport witnessed the transition from propeller-driven planes to jets, with the C-130 Hercules becoming a common sight. The presence of the Air National Guard and their associated units brought a unique dynamic to the airport, with a mix of military and civilian aircraft utilizing the facilities.
Today, the military presence at Nashville International Airport continues, although in a reduced capacity. The airport still accommodates military aircraft and serves as a base for the Tennessee Air National Guard's 118th Wing, which operates a variety of aircraft, including the C-17 Globemaster III. The airport's long history of military association has left a lasting impact, and the airport code BNA serves as a reminder of this significant chapter in Nashville's aviation history.
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Passenger and flight growth
Nashville International Airport (BNA) has experienced rapid growth in passenger volume and flight traffic in recent years. Southwest Airlines, the dominant airline in Nashville, has solidified the airport as one of its top destinations. In May 2024, the airline opened a crew base at the airport. Nashville International Airport now offers service to 99 destinations across the United States and several international locations. In 2018, British Airways launched non-stop flights to London, restoring transatlantic service to the airport for the first time since 1995.
Nashville's first airport was Hampton Field, which operated until 1921. It was replaced by Blackwood Field in the Hermitage community, which was operational from 1921 to 1928. The first airlines to serve Nashville, American Airlines and Eastern Air Lines, operated out of Sky Harbor Airport in nearby Rutherford County. By 1935, it became evident that a larger airport closer to the city was needed, and construction on the current site began in 1936. The airport was initially named Berry Field, which is where its IATA and ICAO identifiers, BNA, are derived from.
The airport has undergone several expansions and modernizations over the years to accommodate its growing passenger volume and flight traffic. In 1973, the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) developed a long-term growth plan that included a new terminal and a new parallel runway to increase capacity and reduce time between takeoffs and landings. The current terminal was built in 1987, and the airport was renamed Nashville International Airport in 1988.
To keep up with the recent growth in passenger and flight numbers, the Metro Nashville Airport Authority has embarked on two expansion programs: BNA Vision and New Horizons. BNA Vision, which was mostly completed in 2023, included expanding concourses, constructing a new international arrivals facility, building new parking garages, and erecting a hotel. The New Horizons upgrades, scheduled for completion in 2028, will involve additional concourse expansions, upgrading the baggage handling system, and expanding the terminal roadway.
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Frequently asked questions
Nashville International Airport was first established in 1937 under the name Berry Field. Its IATA, ICAO and FAA LID identifiers are derived from this original name.
IATA stands for International Air Transport Association.
The ICAO identifier, KBNA, is derived from the airport's original name, Berry Field.
The airport's FAA LID is BNA.
