Nashville International Airport (BNA) has launched a US$40m terminal upgrade program to increase capacity and improve passenger flow as traffic continues to grow.
The project, known as the Central Core Enhancement, will begin on June 1, 2026 and is scheduled for completion in December 2027. It forms part of the airport’s wider US$3bn New Horizon expansion program.
The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) said the investment is intended to prepare the airport for projected demand of up to 40 million annual passengers in the next decade, up from the 2016 forecast of 30 million.
Key upgrades include increasing the number of escalators in the central terminal area from six to 16, to improve movement between ground transportation, baggage claim and ticketing. An additional elevator and upgraded systems will increase capacity and improve accessibility.
“Nashville’s explosive growth continues to outpace ambitious projections, and the MNAA is meeting that challenge with innovative, forward-looking strategies that prioritize the traveler at every step,” said Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of MNAA. “These enhancements aren’t just about managing higher volumes; they represent our commitment to long-term flexibility, traveler safety and an uninterrupted flow through the terminal. Our priorities are, and always will be, to ensure that ease of access and exceptional experiences remain the hallmarks of Nashville International Airport.”
The airport said the project will also improve long-term operational resilience, particularly during peak travel periods.
To reduce disruption during construction, BNA will introduce additional staff to assist passengers, along with enhanced signage and wayfinding tools, and regular updates through digital channels.
Kreulen said passengers should allow extra time when traveling during the construction period. “The way you enter BNA may look different over the next 18 months, but the experience inside remains unchanged,” he said.
Passenger traffic at BNA has more than doubled over the past decade, reflecting strong growth in the Nashville region. The airport said the Central Core Enhancement is designed to support this trend by improving terminal access and reducing congestion.
Funding for the project will come from a combination of bonds, aviation grants, passenger facility charges and airport revenues, with no local tax funding involved.
The upgrade also includes plans to temporarily remove and later reinstall a large art installation in the terminal atrium.
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