Nashville International Airport® Hosts Send-Off for Veterans Traveling on Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

Veterans from all branches of the U.S. military to visit Washington, D.C. for a day of recognition and remembrance

WHAT: In recognition of their distinguished service to the United States, 32 veterans from Middle Tennessee will be honored with a complimentary flight to Washington, D.C., departing from Nashville International Airport®, also known as BNA®.

This year’s group reflects a broad cross‑section of American military service and includes veterans from every branch of the Armed Forces:

  • United States Army – 13 veterans
  • United States Navy – 12 veterans
  • United States Air Force – 5 veterans
  • United States Marine Corps – 2 veterans

Veterans and their guardians are set to embark on this special Honor Flight, departing from BNA at 5:40 a.m., traveling to the nation’s capital to visit the memorials built in their honor, reflect on their service and share the experience with fellow servicemembers.

Honor Flight is a nationwide program that honors American veterans by offering them an all-expenses-paid trip to our nation's capital, where they can visit the war memorials dedicated to their service. The initiative celebrates their service with a day of recognition, remembrance and gratitude.

Prior to departure, a farewell ceremony will be held at BNA featuring veteran airport employees, live musical performances and a presentation of colors by the BNA Department of Public Safety Honor Guard.

The flight is scheduled to return to BNA at 7:50 p.m. the same evening.

 

WHERE: Nashville International Airport, Gate D5 (gate subject to change)
**ESCORT REQUIRED** Please RSVP by 4 p.m. on May 5 if you plan to attend 

 Media Parking:

        • Please Park in Terminal Garage 1; your parking will be validated
        • After parking, take the elevator to Level P5 (if you're on a different level) to the Pedestrian Plaza
        • Proceed through the Pedestrian Plaza, across the Bridge and into the Grand Lobby
        • A BNA Communications Member will meet you near the escalators in the Grand Lobby and escort you to post-security for the event

 

WHEN:  Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 3:30 – 5:40 a.m.

Program Begins: 3:30 a.m. (Media arrival: No later than 3:15 a.m.) 

        • 3:30 a.m.             Veterans and guardians make their way through the checkpoint
        • 4:30 a.m.             Present Colors, Nashville Anthem and Remarks
        • 5:10 a.m.             Flight boards
        • 5:40 a.m.             Flight departs

Media Coverage: Reporting post-security must conclude by 5:45 a.m. Media are welcome to continue coverage from the Grand Lobby thereafter. 

About the Honor Flight Network 

The Honor Flight Network is a national network comprised of independent Hubs working together in furtherance of the Honor Flight mission to show our nation’s veterans the appreciation and honor they deserve. Participation in an Honor Flight trip gives veterans the opportunity to share this momentous occasion with fellow comrades, to remember friends and comrades lost, and to share their stories and experiences with other veterans. Honor Flight Network currently honors those who served during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and veterans of any service era who are critically ill. All honored veterans travel at no cost to the veteran. Learn more at https://www.honorflight.org/ 
 

About Nashville International Airport® (BNA®)  
Nashville International Airport®, also known as BNA®, is one of the fastest-growing airports in the nation and a vital infrastructure asset for Middle Tennessee. As the gateway to Music City and beyond, BNA plays a pivotal role in supporting economic growth and community prosperity. The State of Tennessee’s 2025 Economic Impact Study reports that in 2024 alone, BNA generated $13.8 billion in total economic impact, supported 80,000 jobs and contributed to $2.1 billion in federal, state and local taxes. The airport receives no local tax dollars. To keep pace with Nashville’s rapid expansion and evolving passenger needs, BNA is undergoing a major transformation through its New Horizon expansion program. Learn more at BNANewHorizon.com and flynashville.com, and stay connected by following BNA on social media: Facebook (@NashvilleInternationalAirport), X (@Fly_Nashville), Instagram (@FlyNashville), YouTube (@NashvilleInternationalAirport) and LinkedIn (in/MNAA).  

  

 

About John C. Tune Airport® (JWN®)  
John C. Tune Airport®, also known as JWN®, located eight miles west of downtown Nashville, is one of the busiest general aviation airports in Tennessee. It serves the needs of regional, corporate and private aircraft and is a reliever airport for Nashville International Airport®, also known as BNA®, helping to support the area’s growing aviation needs. The State of Tennessee’s 2025 Economic Impact Study reports that in 2024 alone, JWN generated $177 million in total economic impact, supported 1,000 jobs and contributed to $24.4 million in federal, state and local taxes, reinforcing its role as a key contributor to Middle Tennessee’s transportation infrastructure. The airport receives no local tax dollars. JWN is owned and operated by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA). More information is available at JWNAirport.com.  

  

NASHVILLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT®, BNA®, COMMANDER BERRY FIELD®, JOHN C. TUNE AIRPORT®, and JWN®, among others, are the registered trademarks and trademarks of The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (“MNAA”). Use of these trademarks without permission from MNAA is strictly prohibited.  

  

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