If you’ve traveled through McGhee Tyson Airport recently, you’ve likely noticed two things: more travelers and more construction.
With more than 120 daily flights, over 30 nonstop destinations, and a record 3.6 million annual passengers (in 2025), more people than ever are choosing McGhee Tyson Airport as their gateway to and from East Tennessee.
To keep pace with this growth, the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority has invested in a series of improvements through Flight Plan: A Forward-Thinking Focus and a long-term vision designed to enhance the passenger experience while preparing the airport for future demand.
Parking Garage Expansion Taking Shape
One of the most visible Flight Plan projects is the airport’s Parking Garage and Terminal Roadway Improvement Project.
As passenger traffic has grown, so has the demand for convenient parking. The garage expansion will add 3,500 additional parking spaces, helping ensure travelers have more options and a smoother start to their journey.
While construction is ongoing, travelers should continue to check real-time parking availability at FlyKnoxville.com before heading to the airport. The parking garage project will be completed in the summer of 2027 and will provide much-needed capacity for years to come.
A New Gate Coming This Fall
Growth in air service has created exciting opportunities for East Tennessee travelers, and the airport is expanding alongside it.
This fall, TYS will open Gate 13, adding additional gate capacity to support current and future airline service. The new gate will provide greater flexibility for airline operations while helping accommodate the growing number of passengers moving through the terminal each day.
Planning for the Future of Security Screening
Another major milestone is already underway behind the scenes.
The airport has begun planning and design efforts for a future expansion of the TSA Security Checkpoint. As passenger volumes continue to increase, enhancing the checkpoint area will help improve passenger flow and create a more efficient screening experience.
With construction on this project beginning this fall, it represents another important investment in ensuring TYS can meet the needs of travelers today and tomorrow.
What Travelers Need to Know This Summer
With record passenger traffic expected throughout the summer months, travelers should plan ahead.
TYS experiences its busiest periods between 5–7 am 11 am–2 pm and 4–6 pm. During these peak travel times, parking lots, ticket counters, and security checkpoints can be especially busy.
To help ensure a smooth travel experience, passengers are encouraged to:
- Arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departure
- Check parking availability before leaving for the airport
- Review airline and TSA requirements before travel
- Allow extra time during peak travel periods
Building for the Next Generation of Travel
The growth happening at TYS is a reflection of the strength of East Tennessee and the increasing demand for air travel in our region.
From expanding parking capacity and adding a new gate to planning future improvements to security screening, Flight Plan projects are helping ensure that McGhee Tyson Airport remains ready to serve travelers for years to come.
So whether you’re heading to the beach, visiting family, or embarking on your next adventure, know that the improvements you see today are helping build a better airport experience for tomorrow.
