McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), identified by IATA code TYS, ICAO code KTYS, and FAA LID TYS, is a public/military airport situated 12 miles (19 km) south of Knoxville in Alcoa, Tennessee. As the premier air facility in East Tennessee, it serves the commercial airline industry, air cargo, military aviation, and general aviation.
Location and Accessibility
Located just 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville, McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) offers convenient access to a variety of transportation options. Several rental car companies, ride shares, taxis, charters, and hotel shuttles serve the airport, ensuring seamless connectivity for all travelers.
Airlines and Destinations
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) partners with leading airlines to offer a variety of flight options to suit your travel needs, with nonstop flights to 30+ destinations. Here's a list of airlines and their destinations:
| Airlines | Destinations |
|---|---|
| Allegiant Air | Fort Lauderdale, Gulf Shores, Jacksonville (FL), Key West, Las Vegas, Memphis, Newark, Orlando, Orlando/Sanford, Philadelphia (begins May 21, 2026), Phoenix-Sky Harbor, Punta Gorda, Sarasota, South Bend, St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Destin/Fort Walton Beach, Austin, Dallas-Love, Nashville, Tampa |
| American Airlines | Charlotte, Chicago-O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, New York-LaGuardia, Philadelphia, Washington-National |
| Delta Air Lines | Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New Haven, New York-LaGuardia |
| United Airlines | Chicago-O'Hare, Denver, Houston-Intercontinental, Newark, Washington-Dulles |
| Southwest Airlines | Baltimore, Chicago-Midway, Dallas-Love, Denver, Houston-Hobby, Las Vegas, Nashville, Orlando, Phoenix-Sky Harbor, St. Louis, Tampa |
| Avelo Airlines | New Haven, Orlando, Tampa, West Palm Beach |
Whether you're heading out of town or waiting for a loved one to arrive, knowing the airport's layout and available services can be incredibly helpful.
Navigating the Airport
The newly designed terminal map provides a user-friendly guide to help travelers easily navigate the airport. With clear icons, labeled zones, and color-coded areas, the map simplifies finding gates, restrooms, dining options, and other essential services.
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McGhee Tyson Airport has two levels. The top level, accessed via curbside drop-off and the parking garage, houses ticket counters, security, gates, restaurants, and shops. Designed with a Smoky Mountain theme, it features faux waterfalls and wood carvings of bears. There are 12 gates. On a regular day Gates 2 & 4 are used by Allegiant Air, Gate 6 is a common use gate, Gates 8, 10, & 12 are used by American, Gates 1, 3 & 5 are used by Delta, and Gates 7, 9, & 11 are used by United.
History and Development
The story of McGhee Tyson Airport begins well before its current location. Here’s a brief overview of its evolution:
- 1930: The original McGhee Tyson Airport opened on August 1, named for Charles McGhee Tyson. It was built on 60 acres in West Knoxville, where West High School is now located.
- 1935: The city purchased 351 acres in Blount County for the current airport.
- 1937: On July 29, an American Airlines Stinson Trimotor touched down, marking the first airline flight.
- 1938-1939: The airport had a 3,100-foot N-S runway and a 4,200-foot NE-SW runway, later expanded to 4,000 feet N-S and 5,000 feet NE-SW.
- 1951: The United States Air Force built facilities and a 7,500-foot runway 5L.
- 1959: The FAA added an Instrument Landing System to runways 5L and 23R.
- 1961: Runway 5L was extended to 9,000 feet with funding from the Tennessee Air National Guard.
- 1968: A new air cargo facility was built.
- 1974: A new passenger terminal opened.
- 1978: The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA) was established.
- 1990: Runway 5R/23L was rebuilt to 9,000 feet.
- 1992: A new 21-acre cargo facility was built for Federal Express, UPS, and Airborne Express.
- 2000: Improvements to the passenger terminal were completed, including new concourses, gates, and amenities.
- 2002: An aircraft maintenance facility was built for Northwest Airlines.
- 2016: The airport received a $27.9 million grant to extend runway 5L/23R to 10,000 feet.
The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority operates two airports in the city. Knoxville Downtown Island Airport is a general aviation airport located less than three miles from downtown Knoxville in the Tennessee River and is base for more than one hundred private and corporate aircraft.
Fixed-Base Operators (FBO)
The fixed-base operator (FBO) at TYS is Signature Aviation, the parent company of Signature Flight Support. Originally, Tac Air first moved into TYS on April 1, 2005, when it purchased Knox-Air, which had operated in TYS since 1974. Then a month later, on May 5, 2005, TAC Air purchased the only remaining FBO, Cherokee Aviation, which had been in operation since 1954.
Additional Information
- McGhee Tyson Airport covers 2,250 acres (9.1 km2) at an elevation of 986 feet (301 m).
- The Phone & Wait Lot behind the Airport Hilton is for vehicles waiting for guests to arrive.
- The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority is dedicated to ensuring a seamless and accommodating experience for all travelers at McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS).
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