Nashville International Airport® Strengthens Services to Support Passengers During Spring Break

WHAT: Nashville International Airport® (BNA®) is preparing for the Spring Break travel period, with passenger volumes expected to remain at typical levels. While no unusual surges are expected, the busiest days are projected to be March 6, 7, 8, 29 and 30.

To accommodate passengers throughout March, BNA and its partners are implementing several operational enhancements, including:

• Traffic Coordination
  • The Department of Public Safety (DPS) will actively monitor and manage traffic, manually adjust traffic signals when necessary, and respond promptly to ease congestion during high‑volume days.
• Parking Expansions
  • Overall parking capacity has increased to accommodate a 25% risein passenger volume compared with spring break 2025.
• Increased Staffing
  • Additional staff will support parking and valet operations to help manage traffic and improve passenger flow.
• Terminal Operations Support
  • Overflow stanchions will be in place to assist the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) with added queuing space during peak hours.
  • Shuttle service to and from the Satellite Concourse will be closely monitored, with all seven shuttles operating during high‑demand periods.
• Partial Government Shutdown – Department of Homeland Security
  • • We remain in close contact with affected agencies and airlines and have not seen significant impacts at BNA. TSA checkpoints, including TSA PreCheck®, are fully operational. TSA and CBP continue normal functions, and U.S. Global Entry travelers can use the Enhanced Passenger Processing system. Non‑U.S. Global Entry members must use standard screening. CBP is still conducting scheduled Global Entry interviews.
    • For additional questions or updates, visit https://www.dhs.gov/. Media inquiries should be directed to: 
    • • DHS Office of Public Affairs: MediaInquiry@hq.dhs.gov 
    • • TSA Media Contact at BNA: Carter Langston 
    • • CBP Media Contact at BNA: Lawrence “Rusty” Payne, Rob Brisley and/or CBPMEDIARELATIONS@cbp.dhs.gov 

The Spring Break travel period aligns with an ongoing roadway project that has required the closure of the right lane on the outbound road from Terminal Drive to I‑40. This closure began Jan. 20 to support construction of a new lane as part of ongoing terminal roadway improvements.

To help manage Spring Break traffic, all construction work on this project will pause, and the closed right lane will fully reopen from March 5–19. After March 19, the lane will close again so crews can resume work and complete the project. The closure will remain in place through the end of April, with construction continuing daily, including weekends.

For more information and the latest updates on the New Horizon, BNA’s current growth and expansion program, visit BNANewHorizon.com.

To help ensure a smooth Spring Break travel experience, travelers can keep a few tips in mind:

• Sign up for BNA® Text Alerts. Click on Sign Up for BNA® Text Alertsat the top of com for valuable tips and updates, ensuring a seamless travel experience to BNA with the latest traffic information.
• Arrive early. Arriving early allows travelers ample time to park, check in, and reach their gate without the stress of rushing. It’s also the perfect opportunity to explore the BNA's award-winning concessions, which highlight the spirit of Music City through local flavors, live music and Nashville-themed shops. It’s a great way to experience the city’s vibrant culture before your flight takes off!
• Know alternate routes to BNA. While Exit 216A is a common choice, it’s helpful to be familiar with other options. Exit 216B and Murfreesboro Pike both provide reliable access to the airport, and knowing these routes in advance can make your trip smoother if traffic slows or congestion builds along your usual path.
• Check TDOT SmartWay. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) provides valuable, real‑time traffic information that can help travelers choose the best path to the airport—especially on busy travel days. By checking TDOT’s SmartWay cameras at tn.gov, drivers can see live traffic flow, construction activity and any incidents that may slow things down.
• Allow extra time for parking. Even without higher passenger numbers, parking areas can still get busy, and giving yourself a buffer helps ensure a smoother start to your trip. BNA offers six parking options, with full details and current availability available here. If parking in valet, passengers coming from I-40 will only be able to access this area from Exit 216B. Passengers parked in Economy Lots B or C can track their shuttle in real time here. 
• Take advantage of our short-term parking! To alleviate congestion further and promote efficient traffic flow, visitors coming to retrieve family or friends are encouraged not to continuously circle Terminal Drive. Instead, they are offered the choice of complimentary or reduced-rate parking in the terminal garages, with rates varying based on their duration of stay:
  • Up to 30 min | FREE
  • 31-60 min | $15
  • 61+ min | $33 
• Utilize the cell lot. To help reduce traffic congestion, drivers picking up passengers are encouraged to wait in BNA’s cell phone lot at 1415 Murfreesboro Pike. The lot is three miles from the airport and offers ample space along with digital signage that provides real-time flight updates. For reference, Terminal Drive—the roadway that circles the airport—is one mile long. Drivers who continuously loop Terminal Drive cover that distance and more, adding to traffic on the terminal roadways. Please allow 20 to 30 minutes after your loved one lands for them to exit the terminal and reach the curb. Click here for more information and helpful tips.
• Check the status of your flight before arriving at BNA. Passengers are advised to confirm their flight status directly with their airline for the latest updates. Each airline is responsible for its own operations, from scheduling to customer care.
  • Airline Media Contacts: Click Here
• Pack smart. Familiarize yourself with TSA's Top Travel Tips for a more efficient travel experience. Knowing what you can pack in your carry-on or checked bag — and how to prepare for security screening — can help you move through the checkpoint faster and with less stress.
  • TSA Media Contact: TSA Press Secretary Carter Langston

WHERE: Nashville International Airport

WHEN: Peak travel days include March 6, 7, 8, 29 and 30*

*Passenger volumes expected to remain at typical levels throughout the operational period