Economic Impact Study Underscores the Essential Role of Nashville International Airport®

NASHVILLE, TENN. (Feb. 20, 2026) — The Tennessee Association of Air Carrier Airports (TAACA), representing the state’s five primary commercial service airports in Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville, and the Tri-Cities, today released the findings of its 2025 Economic Impact Study – based on calendar 2024. The study affirms the aviation industry’s significant and expanding role as a driver of economic growth across Tennessee.

The 2025 Economic Impact Study was conducted by InterVISTAS Consulting, an internationally recognized aviation and transportation consulting firm with a proven record of delivering comprehensive economic impact analyses, air service development initiatives, strategic and business plans, market assessments, and economic recovery strategies for airports, transportation systems, tourism organizations, business associations, and government clients.

The study evaluated the economic contributions generated by aviation activity at Tennessee’s commercial airports, including job creation, personal income, business revenue, and tax generation. The findings demonstrate the far-reaching economic value of commercial aviation to communities across the state, supporting thousands of jobs, enabling tourism and commerce, and generating substantial federal, state, and local tax revenues.

Tennessee’s Five Primary Commercial Service Airports impact is as follows:

• $28.3 billion in total economic impact for Tennessee.
• Over 171,000 Tennessee jobs are facilitated by airport activity.
• Contributes to $4.1 billion in total taxes which includes $2.5 billion in federal, $1.08 billion in state and $548 million in local taxes.
• This represents an $8.8 billion, 45%, increase in economic impact since the State of Tennessee sponsored CY19 study.

Key findings from Nashville International Airport®, also known as BNA®, include:

Nashville International Airport® (BNA®)

• $13.8 billion in total economic impact for Tennessee.
• 80,000 Tennessee jobs are facilitated by airport activity.
• Contributes to $2.1 billion in total taxes which includes $1.13 billion in federal, $631 million in state and $339 million in local taxes.

“The 2025 Economic Impact Study underscores the importance of long-term planning and investment. The data reflects what Middle Tennessee sees every day, BNA is far more than a gateway; it is a powerful economic engine for our community,” said Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, which owns and manages BNA. “As the region continues to grow, we remain committed to providing world-class facilities, expanding capacity and ensuring BNA is prepared to meet rising demand and support Middle Tennessee’s future.”