Nashville International Airport (BNA) Guide: History, Terminals, Concourses & Growth

Nashville International Airport (IATA: BNA), formerly known as Berry Field, was initially established in 1937, and now it has become a leading aviation hub. With more than 80 years of existence, the airport has evolved greatly from being an airfield into becoming a major international aviation facility.

Currently occupying the territory of 4,555 acres, the airport boasts four runways as well as hundreds of flights on a daily basis. In particular, there are almost 100 destinations within the USA as well as several international ones. The airport serves more passengers than all the others in the whole state of Tennessee.

A Brief History of BNA

BNA's history is intertwined with the development of aviation in the United States.

• BNA became operational in 1937 as Berry Field, succeeding previous airfields such as Hampton Field and Blackwood Field.

• It served as a World War II military transport and ferry command base for the U.S. armed forces.

• In the 1960s, the airport began offering jet flights and upgrading facilities to cater to increasing passenger numbers.

• In 1987, a new terminal building was built, while in 1988, the airport gained its current name of Nashville International Airport.

One significant event that marked BNA in the history of commercial aviation was the creation of the American Airlines hub at this airport in the 1980s. Although the hub shut down in 1995, it provided a foundation for future developments.

Rapid Growth and Modernization

Over the last decade, there has been rapid growth at Nashville International Airport. Airlines such as Southwest Airlines have increased their presence here, with BNA becoming one of their focus cities.

The major event happened in 2018, when British Airways introduced non-stop flights from London. Thus, for the first time since the 1990s, transatlantic connections became available.

To accommodate the rising number of passengers, the airport initiated two major development projects:

• BNA Vision: This program concentrated on terminal expansions and upgrades, parking facilities, and an international arrivals area.

• New Horizon: It was a long-term project involving the extension of concourses and airport infrastructure.

Most of the changes under the BNA Vision project were implemented by 2023. For example, the new airport hotel was launched in 2024. The New Horizon project is estimated to be completed by 2028.

Terminals and Facilities

Nashville International Airport consists of a terminal facility equipped with five concourses providing access to 53 gates in total.

Details on Each Concourse:

• Concourse B – 10 gates

• Concourse C – 26 gates

• Concourse D – 11 gates

• Concourse T – 6 gates (used for a mix of flights, with international arrivals handled via designated customs facilities)

• Concourse A – Under renovation; reopening expected in 2028

In addition to its convenient location, the terminal building is characterized by its modern design and large size, making it easy to navigate. There are updated check-in desks and baggage claim facilities, as well as a centralized terminal with multiple security checkpoints.

Moreover, there are numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops available for travelers inside the terminal building.

Military Base at Nashville International Airport

Unlike many airports, Nashville International Airport also houses Joint Base Berry Field.

Joint Base Berry Field is currently occupied by the following military units:

• The 118th Wing of the Tennessee Air National Guard

• The 1/230th Air Cavalry Squadron

Transportation & Accessibility

Navigating through Nashville International Airport is easy and convenient.

By Car

Nashville International Airport can be reached directly by taking Interstate 40 (I-40), which features designated entrance and exit lanes. Donelson Pike is another possible route.

Public Transport

There is also a WeGo Route 18 Bus Service that links the airport to the center of Nashville. This is a more affordable mode of transportation for travelers.

Taxi Services & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-share services are widely available at the Ground Transportation Center found on Level 1 of Terminal Garage 2.

Additional future plans include light rail service to and from Nashville International Airport, as well as other possible connections such as the regional rail.

Why Choose Nashville International Airport?

The special feature of BNA is the efficiency of operations despite its fast-growing numbers of customers. With state-of-the-art facilities, it ensures that all passengers can have a comfortable experience at the airport.

The convenient location, increasing number of international destinations, and partnership with airlines make it one of the preferred airports to fly from.

Conclusion

Nashville International Airport is not only an airport but also a doorway to one of the most energetic cities in the USA. The airport, which boasts a long history and impressive expansion plans, continues to be developed as one of the most prominent aviation hubs in the country.

Whether you are travelling to Nashville because of its music or heading elsewhere from there, Nashville International Airport guarantees comfort and convenience throughout your journey.