Nashville International Airport® Earns Top National Honors for Best Large Airport and Best Airport for Art
Public votes place BNA® among the nation’s top airports, recognizing its Best Large Airport honors and acclaimed arts program
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (October 14, 2026) – Nashville International Airport®, also known as BNA®, has once again been recognized among the nation’s top travel destinations in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, earning the title of #2 Best Large Airport for the third consecutive year. Chosen by travelers across the country, this ranking highlights BNA’s continued rise as one of the premier large airports in the United States.
BNA also earned top recognition for its arts program, ranking #2 Best Airport for Art, reflecting the airport’s commitment to showcasing the region’s creative spirit through immersive installations, rotating exhibitions and performances. These honors, along with additional top‑five placements across traveler‑favorite amenities, reinforce BNA’s focus on hospitality, innovation and delivering a uniquely Nashville experience.
Award Highlights:
- Best Large Airport – Ranked #2 (third consecutive year)
- Best Airport for Art – Ranked #2 (up from #3 in 2025)
- Best Airport Bar (The Titans Press Box) – Ranked #4
- Best Airport Grab‑And‑Go Food (400 Degrees Hot Chicken) – Ranked #5
The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards are among the travel industry’s most trusted consumer-driven rankings, celebrating airports that resonate most with travelers. BNA’s strong performance across multiple categories reflects its success in combining operational excellence with a warm, culturally rich environment.
With more than 26.7 million passengers in fiscal year 2026 and a record 115 nonstop destinations — highlighted by the formal announcement and celebration of Air France’s new nonstop service to Paris–Charles de Gaulle announced this morning — BNA is continuing to strengthen its position as a world‑class airport and one of the fastest‑growing in North America. That momentum includes new passenger amenities and experiences—most notably the forthcoming Southwest Airlines® lounge, which will further enhance BNA’s service offerings and elevate the travel experience for millions of visitors each year.
As BNA advances its New Horizon expansion program—including the completed Concourse D extension, the Concourse A reconstruction and new retail, dining and art experiences—these recognitions affirm the airport’s commitment to providing a travel experience that captures the energy, creativity and warmth that define Music City.
About Nashville International Airport®
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 InterVISTAS Consulting 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®
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 InterVISTAS Consulting 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.
###