Media inquiries regarding these responsibilities should be directed to the FAA at pressoffice@faa.gov, as Nashville International Airport® (BNA®) cannot represent or respond on their behalf.
Media Guide
Official Statement from BNA®
To view our official statement on FAA's decision to reduce air traffic by 10 percent,
CLICK HERE.
Department of Communications
The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) Department of Communications is committed to serving the needs of the Nashville community, the traveling public and the news media. The MNAA owns and operates Nashville International Airport® (BNA®) and John C. Tune Airport® (JWN®).
Designed to assist media representatives, the BNA Media Guide offers up-to-date information from BNA and its tenants, including JWN, to local, regional, and national media outlets.
Stacey Nickens
Vice President, Corporate Communications & Marketing
Erin Thomas
Manager,
Media Relations
Kearston Winrow
Manager,
Corporate Communications
Alyssa Kontos
Manager, Brand
Media Inquiries & Communication Protocol
Members of the press are encouraged to email the Department of Communications, who will connect them with the appropriate spokesperson for the topic in question.
We kindly request that media refrain from contacting the Airport Operations Center, as our staff is occupied with ensuring the safe management of BNA Airport operations.
Please be aware that we cannot provide comments on any ongoing legal proceedings or litigation. Your understanding in this matter is greatly appreciated.
Media Protocols for Airport Safety & Access
For the safety of our visitors, staff, and facilities, and to maintain the integrity of our operations, all media activities at BNA and JWN require prior approval from the Department of Communications.
On-site access, including overnight requests, is strictly prohibited without an explicit email confirmation from the Department. Until authorization is granted, news outlets may only conduct reporting activities from designated aircraft observation area.
To ensure approval for on-site media requests, please include the following details:
- News Outlet
- Story Topic
- Day / Time
- Intended Filming Location(s)
After obtaining on-site permission, journalists are permitted access to public areas of the airport, including the Grand Lobby, hallways prior to the entrances of security screening areas, baggage claim, parking lots, and garages.
Media should not block or restrict movement anywhere in the terminal, and concourse entrances and exits should not be obstructed.
When conducting interviews, the media must not interfere with airport or airline operations.
Media representatives are required to display press identification and identify themselves to anyone they interview, photograph, or film.
TSA security measures are always enforced.
Media Parking at BNA
- Park curbside on the Departures Level.
- Use the striped pavement area located along the inner curb, near the last entry doors to the Southwest Airlines® ticket counters.
- Airport Security will need to conduct a vehicle sweep before leaving your vehicle unattended.
- For unmarked station vehicles:
- Place a station placard in the windshield for identification.
- Provide vehicle details (color, make, model, and license plate) to assist Airport Security with parking coordination.
If curbside parking in Departures is fully occupied, news outlets may pay to park in any of BNA's additional parking areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Designated areas throughout the terminal—including ticketing counters, gate and waiting areas, airline lounges, private offices, Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Terminal, retail shops and restaurants—are operated and leased by individual airlines or tenants. Each party maintains full control over its respective space.
Members of the media must be approved by the respective business or tenant for access to these leased areas. For assistance in reaching the appropriate contacts, please email the Department of Communications.
TSA security measures are always enforced.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversees civil aviation and commercial space transportation in the United States, ensuring the safety and efficiency of the national aviation system.
Among the FAA's key responsibilities is issuing Ground Stops. Only the FAA has the authority to issue these directives—airports do not control or enforce them. To ensure accurate reporting, Ground Stops should always be attributed to the FAA.
Additional FAA responsibilities include:
- Overseeing airspace
- Establishing flight paths
- Controlling aircraft movements
- Operation and staffing of air traffic control (ATC) towers
NOTE: Inquiries about the number of impacted flights and passengers should be directed to the individual airlines.
Building on the success of BNA® Vision, which wrapped up in February 2024, New Horizon marks the next chapter in BNA's ongoing transformation.
This new construction and renovation plan for Nashville International Airport® (BNA®) to meet the unprecedented growth of Nashville and travel needs of passengers.
Following the design phase that began in 2022, New Horizon will be executed in phases with an expected completion in 2029. This will bring the total development budget and scope at BNA to $4.5 billion since 2017.
Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Committee meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month beginning at 9 a.m., and Board meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month beginning at 1 p.m. in the Tennessee Boardroom at 140 BNA Park Drive, Suite 520, Nashville, TN 37214.
Media representatives must park in one of the designated paid garages / lots. Parking validation is not provided.
Agendas are published in advance and outline the specific topics to be discussed. Only items listed on the agenda will be addressed, regardless of any developments that may occur after publication.
While media are welcome to attend, Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority meetings do not include Q&A sessions.
Access the agenda and full details for the Board and Committee Meetings by CLICKING HERE.
During ongoing criminal investigations, the Department of Communications will coordinate all media inquiries.
It is important to note that we are unable to provide any information regarding active legal proceedings or litigation. Your understanding in this matter is greatly appreciated.
Request for public records can be made here.
- Flight Operations: Flight delays, cancellations and diversions are not managed by Nashville International Airport® (BNA®). These decisions are made solely by the individual airlines operating at the airport.
- Gate Leasing & Oversight: BNA has 53 gates, six of which are designed to accommodate international arrivals. Each of these gates is leased to a specific airline, making the airline fully responsible for managing operations within its designated space. This includes coordinating aircraft arrivals and departures, managing turnaround schedules and ensuring the gate is cleared on time. If an aircraft occupies a gate longer than scheduled, it can disrupt subsequent flights assigned to that gate.
- Ramp Delays & Aircraft Parking: In addition to the gates, airlines are also responsible for their aircraft when parked on the ramp (apron). If a plane remains on the ramp for an extended period of time, it is the airline’s duty to manage both the aircraft and the welfare of its passengers—ensuring appropriate communication, comfort and assistance throughout the delay.
- Operational Responsibilities: Airlines are fully in charge of their own ground and flight operations, including:
- Scheduling and turnaround times
- Gate and ramp logistics
- Aircraft repositioning
- System and ground service maintenance
- Passenger boarding, deplaning, and care
For information about affected flights or passenger numbers, please contact the airline directly, as BNA cannot represent or respond on their behalf.
AIRLINE |
CONTACT |
| Aer Lingus | pressqueries@aerlingus.com |
| Air Canada | media@aircanada.ca |
| Alaska Airlines | newsroom@alaskaair.com |
| Allegiant Air | mediarelations@allegiantair.com |
| American Airlines | mediarelations@aa.com |
| Avelo Airlines | Media-inquries@aveloair.com |
| British Airways | Americas.newsroom@ba.com |
| Contour Airlines | marketing@flycontour.com |
| Delta Air Lines | Click Here |
| Frontier Airlines | media@flyfrontier.com |
| Icelandair | Click Here |
| jetBlue | corporatecommunications@jetblue.com |
| Southwest Airlines | swamedia@wnco.com |
| Spirit Airlines | Media_relations@spirit.com |
| Sun Country Airlines | mediarelations@suncountry.com |
| United Airlines | Media.relations@united.com |
| Viva Aerobus | walfred.castro@vivaaerobus.com |
| WestJet | media@westjet.com |
See Also: Airline Winter Weather Responsibilities
Nashville International Airport® (BNA®) does not determine flight delays, cancellations or diversions. These decisions are made collaboratively by airlines, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), air traffic controllers and pilots. These decisions are influenced by factors such as weather, equipment readiness, pilot certification, de-icing, aircraft positioning and terminal gate availability.
Adverse weather conditions can affect airport operations due to airfield conditions, visibility or other reasons. While BNA typically remains open, brief pauses may occur to safely clear runways or aircraft ramps.
For information about affected flights or passenger numbers, please contact the airline directly, as BNA cannot represent or respond on their behalf.
- WINTER WEATHER
Safety is our top priority at BNA, and winter conditions require heightened preparations to ensure safe travel. Our Operations and Maintenance Teams diligently prepare for months in anticipation of winter weather. During these periods, we proudly collaborate with our airline partners to ensure traveler safety with as few delays as possible.
BNA is responsible for snow and ice removal on runways, taxiways, aircraft ramps and all landside areas—including roads, sidewalks, walkways, parking garages and lots. Airlines manage their own aircraft de-icing and are expected to maintain fully stocked supplies for safe flight operations.
Each of BNA’s 53 gates is leased to an airline, which is accountable for managing its assigned gates, scheduling flights, repositioning aircraft, and providing boarding, deplaning, and passenger services. If an aircraft remains parked at the gate longer than scheduled, it may directly affect the next arriving aircraft scheduled to use that space. Airlines are responsible for addressing these delays—including managing passenger care, communicating clearly and resolving disruptions.
Additionally, if an aircraft is parked on the ramp (apron) for an extended period, the airline is responsible for both the aircraft and the well-being of its passengers. This includes providing timely updates, maintaining comfort and offering assistance as needed throughout the delay.
Click the button below to view a detailed breakdown of BNA's winter weather preparations.
- SEVERE WEATHER
Only during severe weather would the runways close for any extended period of time. Flights may be delayed or canceled due to weather at the flight destination or in other cities. Some airlines or the FAA may delay arrivals or departures until visibility and conditions improve.
Only the FAA has the authority to issue a Ground Stop or Ground Delay. To ensure accuracy in reporting, always attribute these directives to the FAA.
The airport terminal will remain open unless damaged or other safety concerns warrant closing all or part of the terminal.
Flight paths are not managed by individual airports—they’re determined and regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in coordination with pilots, airlines, and FAA air traffic controllers.
For questions regarding flight paths and noise complaints, please contact the FAA directly at pressoffice@faa.gov
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is a U.S. government agency responsible for protecting the nation's transportation systems. Its key duties include:
- REAL ID Enforcement: Ensures travelers present REAL ID-compliant identification at airport security checkpoints for enhanced verification.
- Passenger and Baggage Screening: Conducts security checks at airport checkpoints to prevent prohibited items from entering secure areas.
- Security Regulations: Develops, implements, and enforces policies to safeguard the transportation system.
- Threat Prevention: Identifies and mitigates potential security risks to protect passengers and infrastructure.
- Technology & Innovation: Utilizes advanced screening technologies to enhance security efficiency.
- Security Programs Management: Oversees security initiatives for various transportation modes, including aviation, rail, and mass transit.
For media inquiries and breaking news, please email TSA Press Secretary Carter Langston and/or TSA Public Affairs.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) plays a vital role in safeguarding international travel and promoting lawful trade and transit.
CBP officers stationed at airports oversee immigration and customs procedures for incoming and outgoing passengers. Their duties include verifying travel documentation, inspecting baggage, and enforcing regulations concerning prohibited or restricted items.
CBP also oversees several Trusted Traveler Programs that streamline air travel for pre-approved, low-risk passengers, including Global Entry.
For inquiries related to CBP, please contact spokesperson(s) Lawrence “Rusty” Payne, Rob Brisley, and/or CBPMEDIARELATIONS@cbp.dhs.gov.
Nashville International Airport® (BNA®) offers a vibrant concessions program featuring a variety of retail and dining options that celebrate the spirit of Music City.
Managed by Fraport Nashville, LLC in the Main Terminal and Paradies Lagardère in the Satellite Concourse, these partnerships highlight BNA’s dedication to enhancing the traveler experience.
For media inquiries related to concessions, please contact:
- Fraport Nashville, LLC for BNA's Main Terminal
- Paradies Lagardère for the Satellite Concourse
For all marketing and advertising inquiries, please CLICK HERE.
Requests for Commercial Filming— such as for movies, TV shows, photoshoots and related productions—at Nashville International Airport® (BNA®) and John C. Tune Airport® (JWN®) should be directed to Alyssa Kontos no less than 30 days in advance of the planned filming date.
Applicable charges and insurance apply.
Note that TSA security measures are always enforced.