Key Highlights
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McGhee Tyson Airport, with the code TYS, is the main airport if you want to visit East Tennessee.
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The Knoxville airport is only about a 30-minute drive to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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You can get flights from major airlines like Allegiant Air, American, Delta, and United.
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There are many nonstop flights to top places in the United States from McGhee Tyson.
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The terminal at McGhee Tyson Airport has many services and things for you to use, and it shows off a special Smoky Mountain look.
Introduction
Welcome to your easy guide for getting around Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport! No matter if you come to Knoxville for work or you plan to start a fun trip in the Great Smoky Mountains, you will find that TYS is a good place to travel from. This airport is the main one for people living in Knoxville, Tennessee, and helps East Tennessee stay linked with the rest of the United States. You can find McGhee Tyson Airport just 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville. This makes it a great place to begin your journey in this part of Tennessee.
Location and Overview of Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is a public airport in Alcoa, Tennessee. It sits in Blount County and is not far from the city of Knoxville. The McGhee Tyson Airport is important for the whole Knoxville area, including Knox County. The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority owns and runs this airport.
People in the United States know it as a main travel spot. The Knoxville airport helps both those who fly for work and those in the military.
This guide gives you details about where the mcghee tyson airport is and why people choose it when they need to fly. Keep reading to get to know more about the exact spot of this airport and how it is the top choice in the transport system for this area.
Where is McGhee Tyson Airport situated and what is its airport code?
Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport is just 12 miles south of Knoxville, in Alcoa, Tennessee. This spot is in the southeastern part of the United States. It is a good place to fly into if you want to visit East Tennessee and see what it has to offer.
The airport’s spot is helpful for many people. You can travel to nearby places quickly and with little trouble. So, many people choose this airport whether they are here for fun or business. McGhee Tyson Airport is a big part of the region and helps so many get where they want to go.
When you book your seat on a plane or want to find airport details, use the code TYS. This code stands for McGhee Tyson Airport. People, airlines, and agents all use these three letters to show this airport in Tennessee in the United States. It helps make sure you end up in the right airport for your trip.
Is McGhee Tyson the main airport for Knoxville, Tennessee?
McGhee Tyson Airport is the main Knoxville airport for public and commercial flights. It serves all of Knoxville, Tennessee, and nearby areas. The airport works as a municipal airport. However, the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority is in charge and takes care of all airport operations and plans for its growth.
The story of McGhee Tyson Airport began at a first location that opened in 1930. In 1935, it moved to a bigger spot so it could keep up with more people flying in and out. This helped make the new site the most important air travel spot in the area.
Now, TYS is the top airport for people who want to get in or out of Knoxville. Every year, millions of people use the airport. It has flights from several major airlines, so the area gets to connect with places all over the United States.
Getting To and From Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport
Getting to and from McGhee Tyson Airport is easy. The airport sits close to downtown Knoxville. It connects well to the city and other places in the area using the Alcoa Highway. So, the drive is simple and direct. You can drive your own car or pick another way to travel. There are several choices for you.
You will find many ground transportation options at McGhee Tyson Airport, so you can pick what fits your money and time. Here, you can check out how to get to the airport from downtown Knoxville. There is also useful info about parking spaces and car rental services at Tyson.
Transportation options from downtown Knoxville
Traveling the 12 miles between downtown Knoxville and McGhee Tyson Airport is easy. You have a few ways to get there. The main route is through Alcoa Highway, or US-129. This road connects Knoxville to McGhee Tyson directly.
What you use to travel depends on what matters more to you—how easy you want the trip to be, or how much you want to pay. You can get rideshare drivers or a taxi fast if you want a trip with no issues.
For getting to or from the airport, here are the main options you will find:
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Rental Cars
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Taxis
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Rideshare services (such as Uber and Lyft)
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Shuttle Services
Parking facilities and car rental services
McGhee Tyson Airport provides multiple on-site parking options to accommodate your needs, whether you are leaving your car for a few hours or several days. In January 2024, the airport began a project to build a new six-story garage, which will add 3,500 parking spots to meet growing demand.
For travelers who prefer to drive themselves, TYS offers both short-term and long-term parking lots. The car rental counters are conveniently located on the bottom level of the terminal, providing easy access to vehicles upon your arrival.
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Parking/Rental Service |
Location Information |
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Parking Options |
Short-term and long-term lots are available on-site. |
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Parking Garage |
A new six-story garage is under construction to add 3,500 spaces. |
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Car Rental Counters |
Located on the lower level of the airport terminal. |
Airlines, Destinations, and Flight Information
McGhee Tyson Airport helps you get where you need to go. There are many airlines you can choose from at this airport. Many of these airlines offer nonstop flights to important cities in the United States and popular vacation spots. Because of this, it is easy and flexible to plan your trip from Knoxville.
It does not matter if you want to fly for business or if you want to go for fun. There are a lot of options at McGhee Tyson. Check which major airlines fly at TYS and look at the nonstop flights they offer across the country.
Airlines operating at McGhee Tyson Airport
You will see a good range of major airlines at McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS). This means there are many ways for you to make your travel plans. These airlines link Knoxville to many places. You can reach hundreds of cities with just one quick stop.
Allegiant Air has a strong spot at McGhee Tyson. It uses TYS as a base where it runs a lot of flights. The airport also has big names like American Airlines, Delta, and United. They fly every day to their main airports. McGhee Tyson keeps working to grow and add more airlines to help you get where you need to go.
Airlines that fly from TYS are:
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Allegiant Air
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American Airlines
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Delta Air Lines
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United Airlines
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Frontier Airlines
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Southwest Airlines (starting March 2026)
Popular U.S. destinations and flight routes
From McGhee Tyson Airport, you can catch nonstop flights to many top places in the United States. If you want a beach trip, a city visit, or need to go for work, TYS helps you get there with easy flight options.
The airport has nonstop flights that run all year and some that are just for part of the year. You can go to big hubs like Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Chicago. You also can fly to fun spots. Allegiant Air gives you direct flights to vacation spots like Sarasota (SRQ) and Gulf Shores (GUF).
Some places you can fly nonstop from Knoxville are:
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Washington, D.C. (IAD)
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Sarasota, FL (SRQ)
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Gulf Shores, AL (GUF)
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Denver, CO
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Orlando, FL
Amenities and Services at McGhee Tyson Airport
McGhee Tyson Airport is set up to help make your time there easy and stress-free. The terminal has two levels. It is simple to find your way around. There are many things you can do inside. You can find places to eat, shop, or get help if you need it.
Before you fly, you can sit down, eat, or buy things you may need for your journey. If something comes up, there are people there who will help you. At mcghee tyson airport, you can find out more about eating spots, stores, or help for getting around inside the terminal.
Dining, shopping, and lounge options
The terminal at McGhee Tyson Airport has a nice look and feel. The Smoky Mountain decorations stand out with things like fake waterfalls and carvings of bears made from wood. All of the places to eat and shop are on the upper level, after you go through security.
The food court at the terminal gives you many good choices. You can grab a coffee, a sandwich, or hot pizza if you get hungry before you fly out. There is something for everyone.
Some things you will find at the McGhee Tyson Airport terminal:
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A food court with Starbucks and Uno Express Pizza
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Stores where you can get things you need for your trip or gifts to take home
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Comfortable places to sit and wait by all gates
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A terminal area that is nice to look at and made with care
Accessibility and traveler assistance services
McGhee Tyson Airport wants all travelers to feel welcome and comfortable. The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority works hard to help people with disabilities and anyone who may need a little more support at the airport.
The airport has parking spots, bathrooms, and wide walkways that are easy for everyone to use. These are at different spots in the terminal. The team at mcghee tyson airport tries to make your wait or trip easy and stress-free. If you know you need extra help, it’s good to tell your airline before you fly. This way, they can be ready for you.
There are friendly people at knoxville airport who work for both the airport authority and the airlines. They can give you information or help when needed, so you don’t have to worry. If you need a wheelchair or want someone to help guide you through the terminal, they are there so your travel is as smooth as it can be. Mcghee tyson wants every person to have a good time at the airport.
History and Significance of Charles McGhee Tyson
Have you ever thought about why the airport is called McGhee Tyson Airport? The airport is named after a local hero, Charles McGhee Tyson. He means a lot to Knoxville and to the story of aviation in the area. Charles was a pilot for the United States Navy. He lost his life during World War I.
People chose the name McGhee Tyson for the airport because they had great respect for him. They wanted to honor his bravery and service. His story is now a strong part of what the airport stands for. Keep reading to find out more about Charles McGhee Tyson and how the airport got its name.
Who was Charles McGhee Tyson?
Charles McGhee Tyson was from Knoxville and was one of the first in aviation. He worked as a United States Navy pilot during World War I. He had a love for flying and wanted to help his country. This spirit still means a lot to the people in his hometown.
His strong link to the city helps show why his story is so important. The first airport, built on the land where West High School stands now, carried the name McGhee Tyson. This joined his legacy with the growth of Knoxville.
Sadly, Charles McGhee Tyson died during World War I. The people in Knoxville wanted to honor him for what he did for their country. Because of this, his name got tied to the city’s airport and will stay with Knoxville for years. His story is now a big part of how the world sees the city and its love for aviation.
Background and naming of the airport
The airport got its official name, McGhee Tyson, when the first building opened on August 1, 1930. Charles McGhee Tyson’s family and people in the city wanted to honor him. They gave the airport his name as a way to say thank you for his service as a young United States Navy pilot in World War I.
In 1935, the city bought more land in Blount County to build a bigger airport. They kept the name as a way to remember Charles McGhee Tyson. This made sure the story of Tyson stayed an important part of Knoxville’s aviation history.
Now, the airport is still run by the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority. The name remains to show the bond the city has with its history and heroes. Knoxville airport brings the memory of Charles McGhee Tyson into the present, joining local history with flights and travel today.
Conclusion
To sum up, McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville is more than a place to catch a flight. It is the start of your trip in this lively spot in Tennessee, where you will find lots to see and do. The airport offers a range of amenities and services, so you can be comfortable from the time you get there until you leave. If you plan to visit the hills and parks of Tennessee or take a trip for work, this airport has what you need. Make sure that you use the travel options and facilities at McGhee Tyson Airport for an easy trip. If you want help with your travel plans, you can get in touch for a free chat to make your visit even better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does McGhee Tyson Airport offer rental car services?
Yes, McGhee Tyson Airport has many car rental options right at the airport. You will see the rental car counters on the lower level of the terminal. They are close to the baggage claim area. So, it will be fast and easy for you to get your car as soon as you land at TYS.
How early should I arrive before my flight?
It is best to get to McGhee Tyson Airport between 90 minutes and two hours before your flight. This way, you have enough time to park your car. You can also check your bags, go through security, and reach your gate. You will not feel rushed when you do this at McGhee Tyson.
What are the security and TSA procedures at the airport?
McGhee Tyson Airport uses TSA security steps for all people flying. You can find the security check on the upper level of the terminal. It is right after you pass the airline ticket counters. You need to show your boarding pass and a valid ID. Your carry-on bags will also be checked.