Our Airport

Convenient Location Near Knoxville

Located just 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville, McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is the premier airport serving East Tennessee. With its convenient location and modern facilities, TYS is the preferred gateway for both business and leisure travelers.

Passenger Flights and Airlines

McGhee Tyson Airport offers daily nonstop flights to more than 30 destinations across the United States. Major airline carriers connect Knoxville to key hubs, making it easy for travelers to reach destinations nationwide and around the world.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, traveling for business, or heading to the Great Smoky Mountains, TYS provides reliable and efficient air service.

Popular nonstop destinations include: Orlando, Dallas, Denver, Chicago, Atlanta, Charlotte, and more.

The Fastest-Growing Airport

Serving more than 3.3 million passengers annually, TYS was the fastest-growing airport in the United States in 2024. Expansion projects are underway to meet rising demand, including new parking facilities, concourse upgrades, and expanded gate capacity.

This growth reflects Knoxville’s booming business sector, thriving university community, and the airport’s role as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

A Rich History

McGhee Tyson Airport has been a cornerstone of East Tennessee aviation for more than eight decades. The airport officially opened in October 1937, named in honor of Lt. Charles McGhee Tyson, a Knoxville native and World War I aviator who lost his life in service to his country.

Since its opening, TYS has grown from a small regional facility into a leading air hub that connects Knoxville with the rest of the world. Over the years, the airport has supported commercial aviation, military operations, and general aviation — all while adapting to the region’s growth and technological advancements in air travel.

This legacy of service and innovation continues today, with expansion projects and modernization efforts ensuring that McGhee Tyson Airport remains the premier gateway to East Tennessee for generations to come.