Key Highlights
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McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is the main airport for Knoxville, Tennessee.
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The airport is only 14 miles away from downtown Knoxville.
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Many airlines, like Allegiant, fly direct to places all over the United States from mcghee tyson airport.
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If you fly general aviation, Downtown Island Airport gives you quick access to the city center.
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You can get to the East Tennessee area using both big and small airports.
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It’s easy to get a rental car or use rideshare services when you leave mcghee tyson airport.
Introduction
Are you thinking about a trip to east Tennessee? It helps to know about your travel choices. This can make things simple and fun. Knoxville, Tennessee has one main airport for most flights. There are also a few small airfields for other needs. If you are coming for work, fun, or you fly your own plane, it is good to know about these airports. This guide gives you a look at all the airports in and near Knoxville. It will help you plan your trip in the best way.
Knoxville’s Main Airport Overview
The main airport for regular flights to Knoxville is McGhee Tyson Airport. The code for this airport is TYS. The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority runs this airport. Most people use it when they fly into this part of Tennessee. All big airlines that fly to Knoxville and places nearby use TYS.
McGhee Tyson Airport is in Alcoa, Tennessee. It is not inside downtown Knoxville. But it is very close. The airport is about 14 miles south of downtown Knoxville. That means it is easy to get to if you want to visit the city or see other parts of east Tennessee.
Now, let’s look at the main amenities you can find at McGhee Tyson Airport. We will also find out which airlines go there.
McGhee Tyson Airport Facilities and Services
When you go through the terminal at McGhee Tyson Airport, you will see a modern space set up to give people a nice and easy trip. The airport has many amenities so you can have a good time while you wait. There are places to eat and shop if you need last-minute things or want a souvenir. The baggage claim at McGhee Tyson is made to be simple, so your trip in or out is smooth.
If you fly your own plane or have a private plane, there are services for you at McGhee Tyson, too. You will find FBO options and a lot of hangar space for many kinds of planes. Because McGhee Tyson is by Alcoa Highway, crews and staff can get in and out by road with no trouble.
To plan your time, the airport has even more ways to help. You can check live info about arrivals and departures on the airport’s main website. This way, you can know about your flight in real time. You will also find these services at McGhee Tyson:
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Rental car counters
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Rideshare pickup zones
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Baggage help
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Pilot resources and FBOs
McGhee Tyson offers these new and easy services so you and other people get what you want when you travel.
Airlines and Flight Destinations from Knoxville
McGhee Tyson Airport is served by several major and budget-friendly airlines, connecting East Tennessee to the rest of the United States. These airlines provide numerous direct flights to major hubs and popular destinations, making it easy to plan your travel without needing multiple layovers. The airport’s modern runway and facilities are fully compliant with FAA standards, accommodating a wide range of commercial aircraft.
Airlines like Allegiant, American, Delta, and United are among the carriers that operate out of TYS. This variety gives you choices when it comes to flight times and pricing. Here is a look at some of the airlines you can expect to find:
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Airline |
Type of Service |
|---|---|
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Allegiant Air |
Focuses on nonstop flights to leisure destinations. |
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American Airlines |
Offers connections to major hubs across the country. |
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Delta Air Lines |
Provides extensive domestic and international connections. |
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United Airlines |
Connects Knoxville to its nationwide network. |
Whether you are booking a family vacation or a business trip, the diverse airline options at McGhee Tyson Airport help you find a flight that fits your schedule and budget. For commercial travel into Knoxville, TYS is your go-to airport.
Other Airports Serving the Knoxville Area
While McGhee Tyson Airport is the main airport, it is not the only one you can use in the Knoxville area. There are other airports close by, and they give more choices for flights to and from East Tennessee. Sometimes, going to another airport can help you get lower ticket prices, especially if you want to get a rental car.
For example, Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) is about 100 miles from Knoxville. Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) is about 105 miles away. These airports give you more ways to travel and make it easier to see more of East Tennessee. The airport authority also looks after some smaller airfields. These places help with different flying needs for people in Knoxville, Tennessee, and nearby areas.
Below, you will find some of the private and smaller local airports that you can use in Knoxville and towns not far away.
Private and Local Airports in Knoxville, TN
Yes, if you are in general aviation, Knoxville has some great private and local airport options. The main one is Downtown Island Airport (DKX). It is in the middle of the city. The airport authority runs it. At DKX, pilots can get right to downtown spots, places to eat, and things to do. This is why many people who fly private planes like this airport.
Downtown Island Airport has what those in general aviation need. Here, pilots can use fuel services and get aircraft maintenance. There are also many hangar space types, like t-hangars and tie-down spots. There is a big demand, so many times there is a wait for hangar rentals. Its good location and special services make DKX one of the best airports for private flyers in Knoxville, TN.
There are other airports near Knoxville too, such as:
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Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport (GKT), 27 miles away
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Moore-Murrell Airport (MOR) in Morristown, 37 miles away
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Monroe County Airport (MNV), 48 miles away
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Rockwood Municipal Airport (RKW), 50 miles away
Accessibility and Transportation Options to Downtown Knoxville
Getting from McGhee Tyson Airport to downtown Knoxville is easy and fast. The airport sits in Alcoa. It is just 14 miles from downtown Knoxville. This means you do not have to go far to reach your hotel or where you want to go first. The main road that connects mcghee tyson airport to the city is the Alcoa Highway. Many people use this road, and it takes you right into Knoxville.
There are many ways to get from the terminal to town. The airport has more than one rental car company. Picking up a rental car is good if you want to visit more places like the Great Smoky Mountains or even if you plan to go to Nashville. You can also use rideshare services, like Uber. These offer a simple and low-cost way to get into downtown knoxville.
To reach the city center from mcghee tyson, try these ways:
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Book a rental car from one of the agencies at the terminal.
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Use a rideshare app for on-demand rides.
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Set up a taxi or shuttle if you want a ride when you land.
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You can drive your own car and park at the airport.
Conclusion
To sum up, getting around the Knoxville airport does not have to be hard. When you know what mcghee tyson airport offers, your trip can become much better. There are many places, things to do, and ways to go from mcghee tyson or other nearby airports, so you can move around without trouble. If you spend some time learning about the airlines and where their flights go, you can pick what is best for you. This makes going in and out of Knoxville easy. Whether this is your first visit or you fly a lot, knowing these important points can help you plan well. Now, just pack your bag and get ready to go on your Knoxville trip!