7 Shocking Ways Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) Is Changing Travel In 2025-2026
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), the primary air travel hub for the Knoxville, Tennessee area, is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history, making it a crucial topic for any traveler in late 2025 and early 2026. This is not just a standard renovation; the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA) is executing a multi-year, multi-million-dollar "Flight Plan" that is fundamentally reshaping the passenger experience, capacity, and route map.
The latest updates, including major airline additions and a complete overhaul of infrastructure, confirm that TYS is shedding its regional-airport status and emerging as a major player in the Southeast. Having been recognized as the "Fastest-Growing Airport in the U.S.," with passenger traffic surging over 18% in 2024 alone, the airport's aggressive expansion plans are designed to meet and exceed this explosive demand, ensuring East Tennessee remains connected to the nation.
The TYS Transformation: New Airlines, Routes, and Major Expansion Milestones
The McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is located in Alcoa, Tennessee, serving the Knoxville metropolitan area and the wider East Tennessee region, including access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The airport is a joint civil-military facility, also home to the McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base.
- Airport Code: TYS
- Location: 2055 Alcoa Hwy, Alcoa, TN 37701 (Approximately 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville)
- Operator: Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA)
- Current Airlines (2025): Offers service from 6 major airlines.
- Current Destinations (2025): Nonstop flights to 25 destinations.
- Major Development Plan: "Flight Plan" (A decade-long growth and development project).
1. Southwest Airlines Is Finally Coming to Knoxville
This is arguably the biggest news to hit the Knoxville travel market in years. Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) is scheduled to begin service at McGhee Tyson Airport in March 2026. The introduction of the low-cost carrier is expected to dramatically increase competition and lower fares across the board for all Knoxville travelers.
The initial service will include five daily round-trip flights, connecting Knoxville to four key destinations. A highly anticipated addition is the twice-daily service between TYS and Nashville, which will significantly improve intrastate travel options for business and leisure.
2. The Multi-Phase "Flight Plan" is Underway
The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA) has launched a comprehensive, decade-long growth initiative called the "Flight Plan." This massive undertaking is designed to elevate the airport's infrastructure to handle the burgeoning passenger traffic.
Key components of the Flight Plan include:
- New Gates: A significant increase in the number of boarding gates to accommodate the new airlines and expanded schedules.
- Concessions and Amenities: A complete renovation and expansion of concessions, dining, and retail options within the terminal.
- Restroom Renovations: Modernization of all terminal restrooms to improve the passenger experience.
- Terminal Development Program - Phase 1: The Fiscal Year 2025 budget includes a major allocation for Phase 1 of the Terminal Development Program, specifically focusing on a new Parking Garage.
3. Major Ramp and Fuel Farm Infrastructure Completed
Behind the scenes, critical infrastructure projects have been completed to support the larger volume of aircraft. In August 2025, the East and West Ramp Expansion was successfully completed, providing more space for aircraft parking and maneuvering. Furthermore, the airport is moving forward with a New Fuel Farm Project, supported by a Tennessee Department of Transportation Grant, which is vital for long-term operational capacity.
4. Allegiant and PSA Airlines Expand Their Footprint
Southwest isn't the only airline expanding in Knoxville. Allegiant, a major player in the leisure travel market, announced new routes starting in 2026. This includes a new route to an undisclosed destination beginning May 21, 2026, with one-way fares as low as $49. Allegiant also introduced seasonal flights between Knoxville and Memphis in September 2025, connecting the state's two major regions.
Additionally, PSA Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group and a leading regional carrier, announced a new partnership or expansion in April 2025, further solidifying the presence of major network carriers at TYS.
Practical Traveler Updates: Parking and Current Service Details (2025)
With all the construction and new service, travelers need the latest practical information to navigate McGhee Tyson Airport efficiently. The airport is actively working to manage parking demand, which is a key focus of the ongoing expansion.
5. New Parking Structure and Rate Changes
McGhee Tyson Airport has restructured its parking areas, with changes phased in starting in June 2024 and continuing into 2025. This includes new lot names and updated rates designed to streamline the parking experience and prepare for the new Parking Garage construction.
Official TYS On-Site Parking Rates (2025 Estimates):
- Terminal Lot A & B: (Formerly Economy Lot A & B) The new rate is approximately $16 per day. These lots are closest to the terminal.
- Economy Lot C: The daily rate is approximately $11 per day. This lot offers 24/7 shuttle service to the terminal every 15 minutes and is ADA compliant.
- Economy Lot D and Lot E: These new public parking areas were opened to alleviate congestion and offer shuttle service to and from the terminal.
For budget-conscious travelers, numerous secure, offsite airport parking providers near TYS offer competitive rates, often starting as low as $6.00 to $6.99 per day, complete with 24/7 video surveillance and convenient shuttle service.
6. Current Airlines and Nonstop Destinations
Before the arrival of Southwest and the full implementation of the Flight Plan, TYS already serves a robust network of destinations. The airport currently offers nonstop service to 25 destinations across the United States.
The six major airlines currently operating at TYS include:
- American Airlines (via American Eagle and PSA Airlines)
- Delta Air Lines (via Delta Connection)
- United Airlines (via United Express)
- Allegiant Air
- Frontier Airlines
- Avelo Airlines
These carriers connect Knoxville to major hubs like Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Charlotte, as well as popular leisure spots such as Sarasota, FL, and Gulf Shores, AL, a key driver in the airport's recent growth.
7. TYS is Now a Military and General Aviation Hub
While the commercial terminal is the focus of the "Flight Plan," it is important to remember that McGhee Tyson Airport is also a critical joint civil-military facility. It hosts the McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, home to the 134th Air Refueling Wing, which is a major economic and operational entity in the region. The airport also provides extensive facilities for General Aviation, serving private and corporate aircraft. This multi-faceted operation ensures the airport remains a vital asset for the entire East Tennessee community, from leisure travelers to military operations and corporate travel.
The sheer scale of the investment, the arrival of a major airline like Southwest, and the ongoing infrastructure projects confirm that the McGhee Tyson Airport is rapidly evolving. Travelers using the Knoxville hub in 2025 and beyond should anticipate a busy but vastly improved experience, with more routes, better amenities, and a modern airport facility designed for the next generation of air travel.
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