Nashville is primarily served by Nashville International Airport (BNA), the only airport in the metropolitan area with scheduled commercial airline service. BNA is the closest airport to Nashville, TN, for commercial flights, located approximately 8 miles southeast of downtown Nashville at One Terminal Drive, Nashville, TN 37214.
For general aviation, private charter, and corporate aircraft, the region offers John C. Tune Airport (JWN) in West Nashville and Smyrna Airport (MQY) in Rutherford County, both operated as reliever airports supporting Middle Tennessee's aviation needs.
Airports Near Nashville, TN
| Airport | Code | Location | Distance from Downtown | Type |
| Nashville International Airport | BNA | East Nashville | 8 miles | Commercial |
| John C. Tune Airport | JWN | West Nashville | 8 miles | General Aviation |
| Smyrna Airport | MQY | Smyrna | 20 miles | General Aviation |
|
Clarksville Regional Airport |
CKV | Clarksville | 55 miles | General Aviation |
| Maury County Regional Airport | MRC | Columbia | 57 miles | General Aviation |
1. Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Nashville International Airport is the primary airport in Nashville, TN, operated by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. The airport handles more than 300 daily flights to over 100 nonstop markets and serves 20+ airlines with nonstop service to 121+ destinations across 9 countries.
The airport is in the middle of its New Horizon expansion program, which includes the full reconstruction of Concourse A, slated to reopen in July 2028 with 16 new gates. Check our guide on how early to get to Nashville Airport so you can clear security and reach your gate comfortably.
| Detail | Information |
|
Airport code (IATA): |
BNA |
| ICAO code: | KBNA |
| ZIP code: | 37214 |
| Address: | One Terminal Drive, Nashville, TN 37214 |
| Major carriers: | Southwest (dominant), Delta, American, United |
| Low-cost carriers: | Allegiant, Frontier, JetBlue, Sun Country, Avelo |
| International carriers: | British Airways, Aer Lingus, Icelandair, Air Canada, WestJet, Porter, Volaris |
| Domestic nonstops: | New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Atlanta, Miami, Seattle, Las Vegas |
| International nonstops: | London Heathrow, Dublin, Reykjavik, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Cancun, Montego Bay |
| Terminal layout: | Single terminal with Concourse B, C, D, and T Gates, and a satellite concourse attached to Concourse C |
2. John C. Tune Airport (JWN): General Aviation Reliever
John C. Tune Airport (JWN) is one of the key general aviation airports in Nashville, TN, located 8 miles west of downtown in the Cockrill Bend area. Owned by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, JWN serves corporate, regional, and private aircraft and functions as a reliever airport for BNA.
| Detail | Information |
| Airport code: | JWN (FAA), no IATA code |
| Runway: | 6,001 feet, asphalt |
| Based aircraft: | 190 |
| Annual operations: | 64,000 |
| Economic impact: | $177 million |
JWN opened in 1986 and offers corporate hangars, an Instrument Landing System (ILS), flight training, and aircraft maintenance services. It does not offer commercial airline service. The airport is named after John Childress Tune Jr., founding chairman of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority.
3. Smyrna Airport (MQY): Regional General Aviation Hub
Smyrna Airport (MQY) is located 12 miles south of Nashville in Rutherford County. It is the third-largest airport in Tennessee and the busiest general aviation airport in the state, spanning more than 1,700 acres. The airport operates as a joint-use facility with the Tennessee Army National Guard.
Smyrna Airport logged 123,375 aircraft operations in 2023 and hosts 189 based aircraft. It is owned jointly by the Town of Smyrna (40%) and Rutherford County (60%) and is governed by the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority.
Other Regional General Aviation Airports
Two additional general aviation airports serve the broader Middle Tennessee region:
- Clarksville-Montgomery County Regional Airport (CKV): located 7 miles northwest of Clarksville near Fort Campbell; hosts 86 based aircraft.
- Maury County Regional Airport (MRC): serves Columbia and Mount Pleasant, approximately 45 miles south of Nashville.
4. Alternative Commercial Tennessee Airports Near Nashville
Travellers can drive to several commercial airports within Tennessee and neighbouring states. These options are relevant when BNA lacks a specific route or when fares are lower. The table below compares each airport's distance from downtown Nashville.
| Airport | Code | Distance from Downtown Nashville | Drive Time |
| Nashville International | BNA | 8 miles | 15 minutes |
| Huntsville International | HSV | 111 miles | ~2 hours |
| Chattanooga Metropolitan | CHA | 142 miles | ~2 hours |
| Louisville International | SDF | 175 miles | ~3 hours |
| Memphis International | MEM | 210 miles | ~3 hours |
Memphis International Airport is 210 miles west via Interstate 40, requiring approximately 3 hours of driving. Huntsville International is the closest out-of-state option at 111 miles south. Louisville lies 175 miles north, and Chattanooga is 135 miles southeast.
For most travellers, BNA remains the most practical choice given its extensive route network and proximity to downtown Nashville. Alternative airports are useful primarily for specific Allegiant routes or when nonstop service to certain destinations is not available at BNA.
Final Thoughts
Nashville International Airport (BNA) is the primary airport for all commercial travel in and out of Nashville, offering nonstop service to more than 121+ destinations across 9 countries. John C. Tune Airport and Smyrna Airport complement BNA by handling general aviation and corporate traffic. For travellers considering alternatives, Huntsville and Chattanooga are within a 2-hour drive, though BNA's route network and location make it the most convenient option for the vast majority of passengers flying into or out of Middle Tennessee. Once you land, you can also check out how to go from BNA to downtown Nashville using transport options including shuttles, rideshares, and taxis.
Mike Steves
Travel writer
"Mike Steves is a passionate traveler, photographer, and travel writer who has spent over two decades exploring the hidden corners of Europe. Born with a natural curiosity, Mike has dedicated his life to uncovering authentic local cultures, off-the-beaten-path destinations, and the best culinary secrets the continent has to offer. When he isn't writing his comprehensive, easy-to-read guidebooks, Mike splits his time between his home in Seattle and his favorite cafes in Italy."
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