Sachin Walls
Nashville International Airport, also known by its IATA code BNA, has been the subject of several proposed name changes. The airport's original name was Berry Field, named after Colonel Harry Smith Berry, an Army veteran decorated for his contributions in World War I and World War II. While the airport has considered other names, including one after President Donald Trump, a recent campaign has advocated renaming it after Dolly Parton, a country music icon and philanthropist. With over 50,000 signatures on a Change.org petition, supporters cite Parton's outstanding influence in music and her philanthropic efforts as reasons for the name change.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Original name | Berry Field |
| Previous namesake | Army veteran Col. Harry Smith Berry |
| Year of establishment | 1937 |
| Current name | Nashville International Airport |
| Year of renaming | 1988 |
| Recent renaming attempts | Trump International Airport, Dolly Parton International Airport |
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What You'll Learn
The airport's original name
Nashville International Airport's original name was Berry Field, named after Colonel Harry Smith Berry, an Army veteran decorated for his contributions in World Wars I and II. The airport was established in 1937 and its IATA and ICAO identifiers, BNA, are derived from its original name, Berry Field Nashville. The airport's military facilities are still commonly referred to as Berry Field.
Nashville's first airport was Hampton Field, which operated until 1921. It was replaced by Blackwood Field in the Hermitage community, which operated between 1921 and 1928. By 1935, the need for an airport larger and closer to the city became apparent, and a citizens' committee was formed to choose a location. Construction of Berry Field began in 1936 as one of the first major Works Progress Administration projects in the area.
The airport's current terminal was built in 1987, and it took on its current name, Nashville International Airport, in 1988. The airport is the busiest in Tennessee, with more boardings and arrivals than all other airports in the state combined. It offers service to 99 destinations across the United States, as well as several international locations.
While the name Berry Field is rarely used today, it continues to be honoured through the airport's IATA code of BNA, which stands for Berry Field Nashville Airport.
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The airport's IATA code
Nashville International Airport's IATA code is BNA, which is derived from its original name, Berry Field Nashville, or Berry Field for short. The airport was named after Col. Harry S. Berry, the Tennessee administrator for the Works Progress Administration. The IATA code is used to refer to the airport in various contexts, such as flight schedules and airport codes.
The IATA code BNA is used to identify Nashville International Airport in flight schedules and other aviation-related contexts. It is a unique code that allows for easy identification of the airport, distinguishing it from other airports both within and outside the United States. This code is essential for aviation operations, ensuring accurate and efficient communication between airlines, air traffic control, and other industry stakeholders.
The use of IATA codes, such as BNA for Nashville International Airport, plays a crucial role in the global aviation industry. These codes provide a standardized method for identifying airports, facilitating seamless communication and coordination between different organizations and systems. Whether it's airlines scheduling flights, air traffic controllers managing traffic, or travel agencies booking tickets, the IATA code serves as a universal language, enhancing operational efficiency and safety in air transportation.
Nashville International Airport's IATA code, BNA, holds significant importance for the airport's operations and recognition. It is used extensively in various airport systems and databases, ensuring accurate identification and data exchange. The code is integrated into the airport's infrastructure, including signage, baggage handling, and flight information displays, providing clear and consistent identification for passengers, airport staff, and other stakeholders.
Additionally, the IATA code BNA is integral to the airport's branding and marketing strategies. It serves as a concise and memorable identifier, making it easier for travellers to recognize and refer to the airport. The code is often used in airport marketing campaigns, promotional materials, and online platforms, contributing to a strong and recognizable brand identity for Nashville International Airport.
In conclusion, the IATA code BNA is a fundamental aspect of Nashville International Airport's operations and reputation. Derived from its historical name, Berry Field Nashville, the IATA code facilitates efficient communication, streamlines aviation processes, and contributes to the airport's overall brand recognition. As a unique identifier, BNA plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the airport and its position within the global aviation industry.
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Proposed name changes
Nashville International Airport (IATA: BNA, ICAO: KBNA, FAA LID: BNA) has undergone several name changes since its establishment in 1937. The airport's original name was Berry Field, named after Colonel Harry Smith Berry, an Army veteran decorated for his contributions in World War I and World War II. While the Berry Field name is rarely used today, it is still reflected in the airport's IATA and ICAO codes and the military facilities at the airport are still commonly known as Berry Field.
In 1988, the airport's name was changed to Nashville International Airport. However, there have been several proposals to rename the airport since then. One notable proposal is to rename it after country music icon Dolly Parton. A petition to change the name to Dolly Parton International Airport has gained significant support, with over 50,000 signatures. The petition highlights Parton's outstanding influence in the music industry, her philanthropic work, and her creation of the Imagination Library program, which has donated millions of books to children.
Another proposed name change was to honour President Donald Trump. In 2025, a Tennessee Republican lawmaker filed legislation to rename the airport as Trump International Airport. However, this proposal was voted down by a bipartisan vote in the Tennessee House of Representatives. It faced opposition due to Trump's unpopularity in liberal Nashville, despite his strong support in the rest of Tennessee.
In addition to these proposed name changes, Nashville's airport has had a few other names throughout its history. Before the construction of the current airport, Nashville's first airport was Hampton Field, which operated until 1921. It was replaced by Blackwood Field in the Hermitage community, which served as the airport from 1921 to 1928. The need for a larger and more centrally located airport led to the construction of Berry Field, which opened in 1937.
While the current name, Nashville International Airport, reflects its global recognition and reputation, the proposed name changes, especially the one honouring Dolly Parton, have gained significant traction among the public. It remains to be seen whether these proposed name changes will come into effect, but they highlight the desire to recognise individuals who have made significant contributions to Tennessee and the world.
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Legislative attempts
Nashville International Airport, also known by its IATA code BNA, was established in 1937 and was originally named Berry Field, after Colonel Harry Smith Berry, a decorated World War I and II veteran and the airport's first administrator. The airport's name was changed to Nashville International Airport in 1988, though the military facilities at the airport are still commonly referred to as Berry Field.
Nashville International Airport has been the subject of several legislative attempts to rename it. One such attempt was made in 2025, when a bill was proposed to rename the airport after President Donald Trump. This bill was voted down by a bipartisan vote in the Tennessee House of Representatives. Despite Trump's popularity in Tennessee, he was not well-liked in liberal Nashville, and the bill did not gain traction among GOP leaders in the state legislature.
Another attempt to rename the airport was made in 2025, with a petition to change the name to Dolly Parton International Airport. The petition, started by two self-professed superfans of the country music icon, gathered over 50,000 signatures. The petition cited Parton's outstanding influence in the music industry, as well as her philanthropic work, including her Imagination Library program, which has gifted over 100 million books to children since 1995. While the movement for the name change gained momentum, Parton herself commented that she thought the idea was probably more of a joke than anything. Officials at the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority also expressed their preference for the current name, citing its global recognition and reputation.
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Public opinion
Nashville International Airport, also known by its IATA code BNA, was originally named Berry Field Nashville Airport, after Colonel Harry Smith Berry, an Army veteran decorated for his contributions in World Wars I and II. While the airport's name was changed in 1988, the military facilities at the airport are still often referred to as Berry Field.
In recent years, there have been a number of petitions and legislative attempts to rename the airport. One such attempt was made in 2025, when a Tennessee Republican lawmaker filed legislation to rename the airport after President-elect Donald Trump. This proposal was met with opposition, particularly due to Trump's lack of popularity in liberal Nashville, and it was ultimately voted down by a bipartisan vote in the Tennessee House of Representatives.
Another proposal to rename the airport after country music icon Dolly Parton has gained significant traction. A Change.org petition calling for the airport to be named Dolly Parton International Airport has amassed over 50,000 signatures. The petition organisers and supporters cite Parton's outstanding influence in the music industry, her encouragement of love and acceptance, and her philanthropic contributions, including her Imagination Library program, as reasons for the name change. Parton herself has commented on the proposal, suggesting that she viewed it as a joke and finding it difficult to imagine the name change "as an actual thing". However, she also acknowledged the fun and catchy aspect of the idea, joking about flights "departin' from Parton".
The Nashville Metropolitan Airport Authority has expressed their viewpoint on the matter, stating that the current name of Nashville International Airport is a "globally recognized brand with a worldwide reputation". They emphasised the bright future of the airport under its existing name, indicating their preference for maintaining the current moniker.
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Frequently asked questions
Nashville airport, originally named Berry Field, was renamed Nashville International Airport in 1988. The airport's IATA code of BNA is short for Berry Field Nashville, and the military facilities at the airport are still commonly referred to as Berry Field.
Nashville International Airport's original name, Berry Field, honoured the first airport administrator, Colonel Harry Smith Berry, a decorated Army veteran who served in World War I and World War II.
Yes, there have been a few attempts to rename the airport. In 2025, a bill to rename the airport after President Donald Trump was voted down by a bipartisan vote in the Tennessee House of Representatives. There has also been a petition to rename the airport to Dolly Parton International Airport, citing her influence in the music industry and her philanthropic work. However, officials at the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority have stated that the current name is a globally recognised brand with a reputation that extends worldwide.
