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BNA Reaches New Heights with Historic Expansion in Nonstop Markets and International Reach under New Horizon Program

Nashville, Tenn. (August 18, 2025) – Nashville International Airport® (BNA®) today announced a landmark fiscal year marked by remarkable growth, groundbreaking partnerships, and national recognition. The airport welcomed a record 24.7 million passengers, setting a new benchmark in BNA’s history. 

Key highlights from BNA’s banner year include: 

• In June 2025, BNA welcomed 2,426,794 departing travelers—the highest number of screened passengers ever recorded in a single month at the airport.  
• June 22, 2025, became the busiest day in BNA’s history, with a staggering 110,000 passengers flowing through the terminal. Of those, 48,039 were screened at security checkpoints—an all-time high for a single day. 
• Unveiled two new international airline partnerships just a week apart—on September 27 and October 4, 2024—and followed through with the transoceanic flight launches only two days apart: Icelandair on April 10 and Aer Lingus on April 12, 2025. 
• As of July 2025, BNA offers service to 113 nonstop destinations—the most in its history. 
  • The number of nonstop destinations is set to increase to 114 in on August 5, 2025, kicking off Fiscal Year 2026 with another historic benchmark. 
• Proudly hosted of the 39th Annual AMAC Airport Diversity Conference, reinforcing its commitment to inclusion and industry leadership 

“These achievements represent far more than impressive numbers—they’re the result of bold vision, unwavering dedication, and a team committed to delivering excellence every single day,” said Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA). “Behind every milestone is our commitment to growth, innovation, and service. As the front door to Music City, we take pride in offering travelers a first impression of Nashville. And with continued growth on the horizon, we’re building more than an airport; we’re strengthening global connections, elevating journeys, and growing with the dynamic region we serve.” 

This year, BNA marked a number of celebrations, launches, and community initiatives, including: 

• Launch of the Sunflower Program 
• Rolled out the BNA® PASSport Program 
• Welcomed the appointment of new Board Commissioner Glenn Farner 
• Held a check presentation ceremony for the beneficiaries of our 27th Annual BNA® Aviation Golf Classic: 
  • Tennessee State University 
  • Operation Stand Down Tennessee 
  • Nashville Mental Health Cooperative 
• Hosted our 28th Annual BNA® Aviation Golf Classic benefiting: 
  • Japan America Society of Tennessee - Cherry Blossom Festival 
  • Martha O’Bryan Center 
  • Alzheimer’s Association 
  • Nashville Therapy Pets 
• BNA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) recognized by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for their work with the DEA to apprehend a suspect who landed at BNA with possession of over 50 pounds of fentanyl-laced pills! This arrest saved countless lives, and we're incredibly proud of our DPS team 
• Launched new terminal Wi-Fi with no ads, delivering speeds up to 20x faster TSA successfully introduced REAL ID requirements with little impact to travelers, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition 
• Joined forces with Tennessee Businesses Against Trafficking, a campaign led by the Office of Secretary of State Tre Hargett 
• Presented with the following awards: 
  • AirHelp Score Report — BNA ranked 6th best airport in the U.S. and 18th globally, reflecting excellence in passenger experience and airport operations.
  • Chairman’s Award: Doug Kreulen received this prestigious accolade at the 39th Annual AMAC Airport Diversity Conference, recognizing leadership and commitment to diversity in aviation.  
  • PRSA Nashville Parthenon Awards: The Corporate Communications Team at BNA was recognized for outstanding public relations campaigns that elevated the airport’s brand and community engagement. 
  • 2024 IDEAS² Awards: BNA earned distinction from the American Institute of Steel Construction for the innovative design and structural excellence of its Grand Lobby and International Arrivals Facility. 
  • First Responder of the Year: Officer Michelle Gregory from BNA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) was named First Responder of the Year by the Donelson Hermitage Chamber, honoring her bravery and service. 
  • J.D. Power Airport Satisfaction Ranking: BNA was ranked #5 among large airports in North America in the 2024 J.D. Power rankings for overall customer satisfaction—an incredible milestone that reflects our dedication to providing a world-class experience for every traveler. 
  • Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) — BNA received two prestigious honors for the Grand Lobby and International Arrivals Facility (IAF). 
    • Award of Excellence in Aviation Projects
    • Best in Virtual Design and Construction 
  • AXN Director of the Year: Doug Kreulen honored as AXN Director of the Year in the Large Airports Division at the prestigious Airport Concession Awards  
  • Stevie Awards®: MNAA earned Bronze in the Government P.R. category at the 23rd Annual American Business Awards® for the FY 2024 Annual Report Video  
  • Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting: MNAA earned its 24th consecutive year of recognition for excellence in financial reporting for the FY 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report  
  • Richard A. Griesbach Award for Excellence: BNA wins highest honor at 2025 ACI-NA Excellence in Airport Concessions Awards for most outstanding and innovative airport concessions program in the nation 

Amongst the accolades received and milestones accomplished in Fiscal Year 2025, progress continued on New Horizon, the transformative $3 billion growth and expansion program at BNA. New Horizon builds on the success of BNA® Vision_,_ which wrapped up in February 2024, and marks the next chapter in BNA's ongoing transformation to meet the unprecedented growth of Nashville and travel needs of passengers. Scheduled for completion in 2029, New Horizon is essential to enabling BNA’s ability to support 40 million annual passengers in the future. 

For the latest updates and news about New Horizon, and to view BNA®: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow, a visual storytelling of BNA’s past, present and future featuring Multi-Platinum Recording Artist and Actor Trace Adkins, visit BNANewHorizon.com.    

To view the commemorative video celebrating BNA’s record-breaking year, CLICK HERE.

New routes include international service to Montego Bay and San José, plus expanded domestic access to Knoxville, Little Rock and Montrose

Nashville, Tenn. (August 14, 2025) – Nashville International Airport® (BNA®) is thrilled to announce a significant expansion by its airline partner, Southwest Airlines®. Beginning March 2026, Southwest will launch service to five new destinations from BNA, including two international routes, further enhancing connectivity for Middle Tennessee travelers. 

Beginning March 7, 2026, Southwest will offer Saturday-only flights to Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ) and San José, Costa Rica (SJO). These additions expand the airline’s existing international offerings from BNA, providing more options for leisure travel to Latin America and the Caribbean. 

Domestic service will begin March 6 and includes twice-daily flights to Knoxville, Tennessee (TYS) and Little Rock, Arkansas (LIT), as well as Saturday-only service to Montrose, Colorado (MTJ), a seasonal ski destination. 

“We’re greatly appreciative for Southwest Airlines’ continued partnership and investment in Nashville,” said Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA). “The addition of international service to Montego Bay and San Jose reflects the growing demand for global connectivity and reinforces our role as a world-class airport serving Middle Tennessee. We’re also excited to strengthen in-state access with new nonstop service to Knoxville, complementing our existing Memphis route and bringing Tennessee’s communities closer together and supporting economic growth across the state.”

Southwest also extended its schedule for the period of March 5 through April 6 and increased frequencies to several existing destinations. Highlights include: 

• Cancun, Mexico (CUN) – Operating nine times weekly 

• Birmingham, Ala. (BHM) 

• Cincinnati, Ohio (CVG) 

• Indianapolis, Ind. (IND) 

• Memphis, Tenn. (MEM) 

• Louisville, Ky. (SDF) 

• Oklahoma City, Okla. (OKC) 

• Tulsa, Okla. (TUL) 

With the additions, Southwest will operate 190 peak-day departures from Nashville — the highest in the airline’s history at the airport.

On July 1, Nashville International Airport® (BNA®) unveiled the Concourse D extension at an exclusive pre-opening reception co-hosted by the Arts at the Airport Foundation that was attended by many federal, state and local officials, community leaders, partners and even Multi-Platinum Recording Artist and Actor Trace Adkins. Featuring five new gates, eight new locations to shop, eat and drink, a moving walkway and three original pieces of artwork, the extended concourse culminates in a record node—a rotunda with panoramic views from which travelers can access BNA’s first outdoor terrace, offering views of ramp activities and even downtown Nashville. The Concourse D extension, which officially opened to the public on July 8, is the first project to be completed under New Horizon, the $3 billion growth and renovation plan at BNA.

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