Summary
- Plans to expand the runway at Nashville International Airport have been halted to conduct further environmental reviews following rejection by the FAA.
- The proposed 12,000-foot runway extension would goal airlines operating long-haul services into Asia, though the FAA stays unconvinced.
- Governor Bill Lee, DENSO, and British Airways have expressed support for the project, citing potential advantages for regional tourism and industry.
Plans for a runway expansion at Nashville International Airport (BNA) have been placed on hold amid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for more environmental studies, in response to The Tennessean. Following a denial of a 2021 runway expansion request, the airport has been working alongside the FAA to conduct further reviews for its proposed runway extension to accommodate long-haul jets but is yet to succeed.
Stalled plans
Tennessee International Airport has looked so as to add 4,000 feet to its 2L-20R runway, growing to 12,000 feet. Over the past several years, it has purchased land across the airport ahead of construction; though, the FAA has yet to present the project the go-ahead, citing insufficient evidence for the required demand. In a 2021 email to Nashville Airport officials, FAA Memphis Airport District Officer Manager Tommy Dupree explained,
Photo: University of College / Shutterstock
Despite the FAA’s concerns, Governor Bill Lee, legislators, and other stakeholders have expressed interest in extending the runway to accommodate travel to long-haul destinations, particularly Asia, to support regional tourism and industry. Over 36,000 Tennessee residents are currently employed by Japanese businesses, including DENSO, Nissan, and Bridgestone, with Asian tourism eyed as a critical area for growth.
British Airways similarly backed the proposal, with Vice President of Airports Ian Blackman cautioning in a letter that not expanding the airport may impact its development,
Further expansions
Earlier this week, an FAA representative described the expansion as a noting it had not received comment from the airport on its submission justification since 2021; nevertheless, airport officials have continued with their plans for the encompassing area.
Photo: BNA Vision
As much as 19 homes, the previous Genesco World Headquarters, and a Nineteen Thirties Mansion are required to be cleared, in addition to relocating the stays of 137 people from a closed Central State Hospital cemetery for unclaimed patients. Further negotiations to purchase out those still living in Airport Estates are also required.
Alongside expanding its runway, the airport can also be eyeing the development of a second terminal, with its board of directors launching the method in August. The airport is anticipated to require capability for over 35 million passengers by 2033, a jump of nearly 13 million passengers in comparison with 2023’s anticipated traffic figures.
Over the past several years, Tennessee International Airport has unveiled a wide selection of recent updates and upgrades alongside its rapid growth, starting from the recently accomplished grand lobby to fresh retail and food options expected to open in September alongside six latest gates. An extra 30 gates are to be opened over the subsequent several years as a part of the BNA Vision and Recent Horizons project to satisfy projected growth.
What are your thoughts on Nashville International Airport’s proposed expansion plans? Have you ever flown from the airport? Tell us within the comments.