Nashville International Airport, better known by its code BNA, is the busiest airport in Tennessee and the main doorway into Music City. It handles millions of travelers each year and keeps growing fast. What makes it stand out is how it mixes smooth operations with a genuine feel of Nashville itself.
How It All Started
The airport first opened its doors back in 1937. At the time, it was called Berry Field, named after Colonel Harry S. Berry. It was a small operation in those early days. Over the decades, things changed quickly as air travel took off across America. By 1988, the airport had grown enough to earn a new name, BNA Airport. That change reflected how many more places you could now reach from Nashville.
Airlines That Fly Here
You can catch just about every big airline at BNA. Southwest calls Nashville a focus city and runs as many as 195 flights a day to 79 cities. Budget carriers also fly here, which helps keep ticket prices reasonable. If you want to leave the country, you have options too. Cancun, Punta Cana, and Montego Bay all have direct flights from Nashville.
What Travelers Say
People seem to really like this airport. In 2025, USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards gave BNA some serious praise. It took first place for Best Airport Shopping and Best Airport Bar, thanks to The Titans Press Box. It also came in second for Best Large Airport and third for Best Airport for Art. Part of the appeal is the local flavor. Shops like Draper James and Parnassus Books sit alongside spots like 400 Degrees Hot Chicken, so you get a real taste of Nashville before your flight even leaves the ground.
Big Changes Ahead
A huge $3 billion project called New Horizon is changing the airport right now. The Concourse D Extension finished up in 2025. A brand new Concourse A should be ready by 2028. Then in 2029, a new rental car building and parking garage will open. There is also work happening in the center of the terminal. The plan is to go from six escalators to sixteen, which should help move crowds much faster. All of this is needed. In fiscal year 2026, BNA set a record with 26.7 million passengers.
Why It Matters to the Region
BNA Airport is more than just a place to catch a flight. It is the biggest airport in Tennessee and a major engine for the local economy. It connects Middle Tennessee to markets around the world. It also supports thousands of jobs and keeps tourism, business travel, and cargo moving. For both visitors and residents, the airport serves as a proud front door to everything Nashville has to offer.
