BNA® is scaling its world-class facilities to accommodate 40 million annual travelers

Nashville, Tenn. (March 31, 2026) – With Nashville’s growth exceeding expectations, the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) is accelerating terminal expansion at Nashville International Airport®, also known as BNA®, as it prepares for a projected 40 million annual travelers in the next decade, a significant increase over 2016 forecasts that projected 30 million travelers.

To meet this demand, BNA is launching the “Central Core Enhancement” – a $40 million renovation to expand the current Central Core terminal entrance areas and ensure a world-class experience for millions of additional visitors.

To maintain fluid, efficient travel for all passengers, the Central Core Enhancement will:

“Nashville’s explosive growth continues to outpace ambitious projections, and the MNAA is meeting that challenge with innovative, forward-looking strategies that prioritize the traveler at every step,” said Doug Kreulen, President and CEO of MNAA. “These enhancements aren’t just about managing higher volumes; they represent our commitment to long-term flexibility, traveler safety and an uninterrupted flow through the terminal. Our priorities are, and always will be, to ensure that ease of access and exceptional experiences remain the hallmarks of Nashville International Airport.”

The Central Core Enhancement will begin June 1, 2026, with a forecasted completion date of December 2027.

Easing the Impact on Travelers

As the project begins, BNA is implementing a comprehensive communications plan to ensure passengers are updated about progress that may impact their airport experience, which includes:

“We encourage everyone to give themselves a little extra time to explore our award-winning concessions, shopping and live music stages before they fly,” continued Kreulen. “The way you enter BNA may look different over the next 18 months, but the iconic Nashville experience inside remains unchanged.”

In just 10 years, BNA’s passenger volume has more than doubled, fueling its evolution from a regional hub into a premier global gateway and economic engine for Middle Tennessee. The Central Core Enhancement is an important element of the airport’s proactive strategy to outpace this growth by streamlining terminal access and easing congestion. By investing in Nashville’s future today, BNA is securing its status as a world-class gateway that is purpose-built for the future.

Central Core Enhancement: Project Details at a Glance

To explore the project further and download the media kit, please visit https://flynashville.com/CentralCore

About Nashville International Airport® (BNA®)

Nashville International Airport®, also known as BNA®, is one of the fastest-growing airports in the nation and a vital infrastructure asset for Middle Tennessee. As the gateway to Music City and beyond, BNA plays a pivotal role in supporting economic growth and community prosperity. The InterVISTAS 2025 Economic Impact Study reports that in 2024 alone, BNA generated $13.8 billion in total economic impact, supported 80,000 jobs and contributed to $2.1 billion in federal, state and local taxes. The airport receives no local tax dollars. To keep pace with Nashville’s rapid expansion and evolving passenger needs, BNA is undergoing a major transformation through its New Horizon expansion program. Learn more at BNANewHorizon.com and flynashville.com, and stay connected by following BNA on social media: Facebook (@NashvilleInternationalAirport), X (@Fly_Nashville), Instagram (@FlyNashville), YouTube (@NashvilleInternationalAirport) and LinkedIn (in/MNAA).

NASHVILLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT®, BNA®, COMMANDER BERRY FIELD®, JOHN C. TUNE AIRPORT®, and JWN®, among others, are the registered trademarks and trademarks of The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (“MNAA”). Use of these trademarks without permission from MNAA is strictly prohibited.