McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, Tennessee, is to undergo a major expansion and renovation programme named Flight Plan to accommodate a marked increase in passenger growth.
The programme was launched by the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA) and is set to last ten years. The development plan includes new gates and concessions, as well as upgrades to the security checkpoints, escalators, and bathroom facilities.
“We couldn’t be more excited for the future of McGhee Tyson Airport and air travel in our region. Flight Plan will help us grow in a smart and thoughtful way,” said Patrick W. Wilson A.A.E., MKAA President. “The current terminal was built to accommodate about 2.6 million passengers annually. Projections now indicate more than 3.5 million passengers will travel through TYS by 2027. Because of this record-breaking growth, we developed a forward-looking plan that strengthens our capacity and amenities while ensuring McGhee Tyson remains the convenient, community airport passengers know and love.”
Flight Plan contains several development initiatives, such as the Parking Garage and Terminal Roadway Improvement Project that will see a USD186 million, six-storey carpark added to the airport by 2027.
“We’re at a pivotal point for the future of air service in East Tennessee,” commented Brian Simmons, Chairman of the MKAA Board of Commissioners. “McGhee Tyson is an important asset for our city, region and state, and the airport’s leadership team and staff have done a wonderful job in developing Flight Plan to execute these much-needed projects.”
“While Flight Plan is charting the course for the future of travel at McGhee Tyson Airport, we are equally focused on ensuring that our passengers and the community are minimally impacted by the construction,” continued Wilson. “We will provide clear and consistent communication with the goal of making sure our travellers can enjoy the same easy and efficient airport experience they’ve come to expect at McGhee Tyson.”
Photo: McGhee Tyson Airport
