Route Development
Nashville Airport Plans Second Terminal to Meet Passenger Growth
Nashville International Airport announces a second terminal by 2034 to handle rising passenger demand beyond current terminal capacity.
Nashville International Airport (BNA) is gearing up for its next monumental leap. On Monday, October 27, 2025, officials confirmed plans to construct a second terminal, a move designed to accommodate the explosive growth of Nashville and the Middle Tennessee region. This isn’t a sudden reaction to crowded security lines; it’s a calculated, forward-looking step in a multi-decade strategy to transform BNA into a premier global travel hub. The announcement marks the third major phase of development for an airport that has been in a near-constant state of evolution for the better part of a decade.
The need for such a massive undertaking is rooted in hard numbers. BNA served nearly 24 million passengers in its 2024 fiscal year and is on a trajectory to welcome 30 million annually by 2028. Projections show that by 2034, that number could swell to 35 million passengers. While the current terminal is being expanded to handle that capacity, airport leadership recognizes it as a ceiling. To move beyond it without compromising the passenger experience, a new facility is not just an option, it’s a necessity. This plan ensures that BNA can continue to serve as a powerful economic engine for the region rather than becoming a bottleneck to its growth.
This new terminal project doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It builds upon the foundation of two other multi-billion dollar initiatives: “BNA Vision” and the currently active “New Horizon.” Understanding these preceding phases is key to appreciating the scale and foresight of the airport’s long-term strategy. We’ve seen the airport systematically modernize its facilities, expand its current footprint, and now, prepare to nearly double its size for the decades to come.
Before looking ahead to a new terminal, it’s important to understand the groundwork that made this next step possible. The airport’s transformation began in earnest with “BNA Vision,” a comprehensive plan launched in 2017. This initial phase was focused on modernizing the airport’s core infrastructure and enhancing the traveler’s journey from the curb to the gate. It was a top-to-bottom renovation that touched nearly every aspect of the existing facility.
The “BNA Vision” project, which wrapped up in 2023, delivered a host of critical upgrades. Travelers flying through BNA today experience its benefits directly, from the spacious and modern central terminal lobby to the expanded and streamlined security checkpoint. Key achievements also included a state-of-the-art International Arrivals Facility, new parking garages to ease congestion, and the convenience of an on-site Hilton hotel.
Each component was designed to address immediate needs while preparing the airport for a higher volume of traffic. The project was more than a facelift; it was a strategic overhaul that improved operational efficiency and passenger flow. By modernizing the airport’s core, “BNA Vision” set the stage for more ambitious expansions, proving that BNA could successfully manage large-scale construction while continuing to serve a rapidly growing number of passengers.
This foundational work was crucial. Without the modernized lobby, improved security, and added amenities, the subsequent capacity-focused expansions would have been far less effective. It was a necessary first step that ensured the heart of the airport was strong enough to support a much larger body.
With the “BNA Vision” complete, the airport seamlessly transitioned to its next phase, “New Horizon.” Launched in 2022 and slated for completion by 2029, this $3 billion project is focused squarely on increasing the capacity of the existing terminal. It is a massive undertaking designed to squeeze every ounce of potential out of the current structure and its surrounding footprint. Key components of “New Horizon” are already coming online. The extension of Concourse D, which added new gates and amenities, officially opened to the public on July 8, 2025. Meanwhile, work is underway to completely demolish and rebuild Concourse A, the airport’s oldest concourse. This reconstruction will dramatically expand its capacity from six to 16 gates, with a targeted completion date of July 2028. The project also includes significant upgrades to the baggage handling system and terminal access roadways to manage the increased flow of people and planes.
However, even this colossal $3 billion investment has a defined limit. Airport officials have been clear that “New Horizon” will bring the current terminal to its maximum comfortable capacity of 35 million annual passengers. With projections showing BNA will hit that number by 2034, the project itself highlights the mathematical certainty that a second terminal is the only viable long-term solution.
The official announcement of a second terminal on October 27, 2025, moved the airport’s long-term strategy from the drawing board to the public stage. This next chapter is the culmination of years of planning and forecasting, driven by the undeniable reality of Nashville’s sustained growth. It represents a strategic pivot from maximizing the current facility to building for a new era of air travel in the region.
The decision to build a second terminal is a direct response to BNA’s staggering passenger growth. Having served nearly 24 million passengers in the 2024 fiscal year, the airport is on a clear path to reach 30 million by 2028. The critical number, however, is 35 million, the maximum capacity the current terminal can comfortably handle once the “New Horizon” expansions are complete. With forecasts predicting BNA will reach that milestone by 2034, the clock is already ticking.
Airport leadership is determined to stay ahead of the curve and avoid the operational challenges that come with overcrowding. The goal is to maintain a high-quality passenger experience, and that means having the necessary infrastructure in place before it’s critically needed. This proactive approach is essential for an airport that has become synonymous with the city it serves.
“The terminal behind us is built to be comfortable handling 35 million. Can it do more? Yes. But it will be crowded and people will be fussing. We don’t really have more room to grow in this current terminal. The reason we’re talking about it right now in ’24 is because you’ve got to start turning on switches to get things in place to where 10 years from today, we’re doing another ribbon-cutting on a new terminal.” The planning for this future terminal is already well underway. In May 2024, the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) board designated a 309-acre property located south of the existing terminal complex as the preferred site for the new development. This decision followed a thorough evaluation of eight potential locations, with the southern site being chosen for its strategic advantages.
This is a long-term vision, with a projected opening targeted for 2034 or 2035. Building an entirely new airport terminal is a complex, multi-year process involving extensive design, environmental reviews, and massive construction efforts. The decade-long timeline reflects the scale of the project and the airport’s commitment to getting it right.
While a final price tag has not been announced, officials describe it as a “multibillion-dollar” project. Funding is expected to follow a similar model to the “New Horizon” expansion, utilizing a combination of bonds, federal and state aviation grants, Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs), and other airport-generated funds. This self-sustaining model ensures that the financial burden does not fall on local taxpayers. The plan to build a second terminal at Nashville International Airport is more than just a construction project; it’s a bold declaration of the city’s future. It reflects a deep understanding of the region’s growth trajectory and a commitment to maintaining the infrastructure needed to support it. By moving through phased, strategic expansions, from the modernizations of “BNA Vision” to the capacity-building of “New Horizon” and now to the ambitious plan for a new terminal, BNA is methodically executing a long-term strategy to secure its position as a world-class transportation hub.
Looking ahead, this development will be critical in shaping the economic landscape of Middle Tennessee for generations to come. A larger, more efficient airport will attract new businesses, bolster the tourism industry, and provide greater global connectivity for residents. The second terminal is not merely about adding more gates; it’s about opening new doors of opportunity for Nashville and ensuring that its gateway to the world remains wide open.
Question: Is the new second terminal part of the current “New Horizon” construction project? Question: When is the new terminal expected to open? Question: Why does BNA need a second terminal? Question: Where will the new terminal be built?Nashville’s Sky-High Ambitions: BNA Announces Plans for a Second Terminal
A Legacy of Growth: From BNA Vision to New Horizon
The Foundation: Completing the BNA Vision
Expanding the Footprint: The $3 Billion New Horizon
The Next Frontier: Planning for a Second Terminal
The Justification is in the Numbers
Location, Timeline, and What We Know
Concluding Section: Nashville’s Gateway to the Future
FAQ
Answer: No. The “New Horizon” project is a $3 billion plan to expand and upgrade the existing terminal. The second terminal is a completely separate, new project planned for the future.
Answer: The target opening for the new terminal is projected for 2034 or 2035.
Answer: Passenger traffic is projected to reach 35 million people per year by 2034, which is the maximum comfortable capacity of the current terminal even after all “New Horizon” expansions are complete. The new terminal is needed to handle growth beyond that point.
Answer: The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) has selected a 309-acre site located to the south of the current terminal complex.
Sources
Photo Credit: BNA – Nashville Airport
Route Development
Heathrow Ends 100ml Liquid Limit with £1 Billion Security Upgrade
Heathrow Airport completes £1 billion upgrade with CT scanners, allowing liquids up to 2L and laptops in bags for departures.
Heathrow Scraps 100ml Liquid Limit Following £1 Billion Security Overhaul
Heathrow Airport has officially announced the completion of a massive security upgrade across all four of its terminals, marking the end of the restrictive 100ml liquid limit for departing passengers. According to an official press release issued on January 23, 2026, the airport has finalized a £1 billion investment to install next-generation Computed Tomography (CT) scanners, positioning itself as the largest airport in the world to fully deploy this technology across its entire operation.
The upgrade fundamentally changes the pre-flight experience for millions of travelers. Under the new regulations, passengers departing from Heathrow can now carry liquids in containers of up to 2 liters in their hand luggage. Additionally, large electronic devices such as laptops and tablets no longer need to be removed from bags during screening. The airport states that this move will not only streamline the security process but also significantly reduce single-use plastic waste.
Next-Generation Security Technology
The core of this upgrade involves the installation of advanced CT scanners, similar to technology used in medical environments. These machines generate detailed 3D images of cabin baggage, allowing security officers to rotate and analyze the contents on-screen without requiring passengers to physically separate items.
In its announcement, Heathrow confirmed that the requirement to place liquids in clear plastic bags has been eliminated. This operational shift is expected to have a substantial environmental impact. The airport estimates that removing the plastic bag mandate will save approximately 16 million single-use plastic bags annually.
Operational Efficiency Gains
Data released by the airport suggests the new technology is already delivering performance improvements. Heathrow reported that in 2025, it was named “Europe’s most punctual hub airport.” During that period, more than 97% of passengers waited less than five minutes for security screening. Furthermore, the airport noted that its baggage load rate improved to over 98% in 2025, indicating a reduction in missed bags.
Thomas Woldbye, CEO of Heathrow, highlighted the significance of the milestone in a statement included in the press release:
“Every Heathrow passenger can now leave their liquids and laptops in their bags at security as we become the largest airport in the world to roll out the latest security scanning technology. That means less time preparing for security and more time enjoying their journey, and millions fewer single-use plastic bags. This billion pound investment means our customers can be confident they will continue to have a great experience at Heathrow.”
AirPro News Analysis: Context and Traveler Advisory
While the completion of this project is a major achievement for UK aviation infrastructure, it comes after significant industry-wide delays. The UK government originally set a deadline of June 2024 for major airports to install this technology. Like Gatwick, Manchester, and Stansted, Heathrow faced logistical hurdles, including supply chain issues and the need to reinforce floors to support the heavy scanners, that pushed the completion date to January 2026.
The “One-Way” Rule Caveat
Travelers must remain vigilant regarding the limitations of this new rule. The ability to carry liquids up to 2 liters applies only to passengers departing from Heathrow. Many international destinations, as well as other airports within the UK and EU, may not have completed their upgrades.
Passengers transferring through other hubs or returning to Heathrow from airports without CT scanners will still be subject to the traditional 100ml liquid limit. Consequently, purchasing large liquids duty-free or packing full-sized toiletries in carry-on luggage could result in confiscation at the return airport or a connecting security checkpoint. We recommend checking the specific security regulations of all airports on your itinerary before packing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need to put liquids in a plastic bag at Heathrow?
No. The requirement to use clear plastic bags for liquids has been eliminated for departures from Heathrow.
What is the new liquid limit?
Passengers can now carry liquids in containers of up to 2 liters in their hand luggage.
Do I need to take my laptop out of my bag?
No. Laptops, tablets, and other large electronics can remain inside your cabin baggage during the screening process.
Does this apply to my return flight?
Not necessarily. These rules apply to departures from Heathrow. You must check the rules of the airport you are flying back from, as many still enforce the 100ml limit.
Sources
Photo Credit: Heathrow Airport
Route Development
San Francisco International Airport Opens New Operations Center with Digital Twin
SFO unveils a $250M Airport Integrated Operations Center featuring digital twin technology to centralize and enhance airport management.
This article is based on an official press release from San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
SFO Unveils High-Tech “Nerve Center” to Centralize Airport Operations
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has officially opened its new Airport Integrated Operations Center (AIOC), a centralized hub designed to unify critical airport functions under one roof. According to an official announcement from the airport, the facility began full operations with a celebration on January 22, 2026. The 22,000-square-foot center represents a significant shift in how the airport manages its daily logistics, moving from decentralized departments to a collaborative, technology-driven model.
Located within the newly constructed Courtyard 3 Connector (C3C), a secure building linking Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, the AIOC serves as the operational “brain” of the airport. SFO officials state that the facility brings together security, dispatch, facilities, and airline coordinators into a single workspace, enabling faster response times and better coordination during both routine operations and emergencies.
A $250 Million Infrastructure Investment
The AIOC is a primary component of the Courtyard 3 Connector project, which SFO reports has an estimated value of $250 million. The project was delivered by a design-build team led by general contractor Hensel Phelps, with architectural design by HOK and MEI Architects. The facility features 67 workstations designed to foster cross-functional collaboration, breaking down the traditional silos that often exist between different airport departments.
Beyond housing the operations center, the C3C building provides a secure post-security walkway for passengers moving between terminals. This dual-purpose design improves passenger flow while simultaneously upgrading the airport’s operational infrastructure. In line with SFO’s sustainability goals, the building is “Net Zero Energy ready” and is targeting LEED Gold certification.
Digital Twin Technology and Real-Time Monitoring
A key feature of the new center is its integration of “digital twin” technology. Developed in partnership with Esri, this system creates a real-time 3D digital replica of the entire airport complex. According to the project details, this system allows staff to monitor a wide array of operational metrics, including:
- Aircraft taxi times and movement
- Baggage handling system status
- Security checkpoint wait times
- Terminal congestion and restroom cleanliness
- Traffic flow on airport roadways
The system utilizes color-coded alerts to notify staff of potential issues before they escalate. For example, the system can flag delays or early arrivals, allowing the integrated teams to reallocate resources proactively. In the event of a crisis, such as a security breach or natural disaster, the AIOC converts into a command post to coordinate a unified response among all agencies.
Mike Nakornkhet, the Airport Director at SFO, emphasized the strategic importance of the new facility in the official release:
“The AIOC is all about running the very best airport operation to deliver a consistent and seamless airport experience for our guests. Utilising a wealth of emerging technologies and historical data, the AIOC’s primary purpose is to ensure teams have the capacity to proactively monitor conditions, activate contingency plans and deploy resources.”
AirPro News Analysis
The opening of SFO’s AIOC highlights a broader trend in the aviation industry toward “predictive operations.” Historically, airports have operated in a reactive mode, addressing bottlenecks at security or baggage claim only after they occur. By co-locating key decision-makers and equipping them with a digital twin, SFO is attempting to transition to a model where operational disruptions are identified and mitigated before they impact the passenger.
This consolidation of command and control is particularly critical for airports with constrained footprints like SFO. With limited physical space to expand, efficiency gains must come from better management of existing assets. The “digital twin” concept, while common in manufacturing and urban planning, is rapidly becoming the standard for major international hubs seeking to optimize gate utilization and turnaround times without pouring new concrete.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Airport Integrated Operations Center (AIOC)?
The AIOC is a centralized facility at SFO where security, dispatch, maintenance, and airline operations teams work together in a shared space to manage airport logistics 24/7.
Where is the new facility located?
It is located in the Courtyard 3 Connector (C3C), a new building that connects Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.
What is a “Digital Twin”?
A Digital Twin is a virtual 3D replica of the airport that uses real-time data to simulate and monitor operations, helping staff predict and prevent delays.
When did the AIOC open?
While the unit began initial operations earlier, the official opening celebration took place on January 22, 2026.
Sources
Photo Credit: San Francisco Airport
Route Development
United Airlines CEO Defends Gate Control at Chicago O’Hare in 2026
United Airlines commits to defending gate allocation at Chicago O’Hare amid competition with American Airlines using flight volume strategies in 2026.
This article summarizes reporting by Reuters and Rajesh Singh.
United Airlines CEO Draws “Line in the Sand” in Battle for O’Hare Dominance
The ongoing struggle for control over Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) intensified sharply on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. During United Airlines’ fourth-quarter earnings call, CEO Scott Kirby issued a stark warning to rival American Airlines, signaling that United is prepared to aggressively defend its market share and gate allocation at one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.
According to reporting by Reuters, Kirby explicitly stated that United is “drawing a line in the sand” regarding gate competition in 2026. The conflict centers on the airport’s “use-it-or-lose-it” leasing agreement, which reallocates gates based on flight departure volumes. With American Airlines attempting to regain ground lost in 2025, United has pledged to match any capacity increases necessary to prevent its rival from acquiring additional infrastructure.
The “Line in the Sand”: Financials and Gate Control
The core of this dispute is not just about rhetoric; it is a structural battle over real estate governed by the 2018 Airline Use and Lease Agreement (AULA). As reported by Reuters, Kirby emphasized that United would add “as many flights as are required” to maintain its current gate count.
During the earnings call, United leadership highlighted a significant financial divergence between the two carriers at their shared hub. Kirby claimed that while United’s O’Hare operations generated approximately $500 million in profit in 2025, American Airlines suffered a loss of roughly the same amount at the hub. United argues that this disparity makes American’s aggressive expansion unsustainable.
The 2025 Reallocation
The tension follows a decisive shift in airport real estate that occurred in late 2025. Due to United’s faster post-pandemic recovery and higher schedule density, the carrier triggered a lease clause allowing it to acquire five additional gates in October 2025. Conversely, American Airlines was forced to surrender four gates due to lower utilization metrics.
Current airport data indicates the following gate distribution:
- United Airlines: Approximately 97 gates
- American Airlines: Approximately 65 gates
“We’re not going to allow them to win a single gate at our expense.”
, Scott Kirby, United Airlines CEO (via Reuters)
American Airlines’ Counter-Offensive
Despite the financial figures presented by United, American Airlines has launched a “scorched earth” scheduling strategy to reclaim its footing. Industry reports indicate that American has added approximately 100 daily departures to its Spring 2026 schedule. The goal of this volume increase is to improve utilization metrics enough to trigger a “claw back” of gates in the next annual allocation cycle.
In addition to schedule padding, American Airlines executed a strategic real estate acquisition in late 2025. Following Spirit Airlines’ bankruptcy proceedings, American purchased two gates for $30 million, securing access outside of the city’s standard allocation formula.
The Route War
The competition has spilled over into regional route networks, creating a “tit-for-tat” scenario. When American announced new service to regional markets such as Erie, Pennsylvania, and the Tri-Cities in Tennessee in early January, United responded within 24 hours by announcing identical routes. This strategy effectively floods smaller markets with capacity, preventing either carrier from establishing a monopoly.
AirPro News Analysis
While passengers may benefit temporarily from the lower fares resulting from this capacity dumping, the long-term implications for O’Hare are complex. The aggressive “use-it-or-lose-it” rules were designed to ensure efficient use of public infrastructure, but they currently appear to be incentivizing airlines to fly potentially unprofitable schedules solely to hoard real estate.
Furthermore, this squabble is the prelude to the massive “O’Hare 21” expansion. The carrier that commands the most market share today will likely wield the most influence over the design and allocation of the upcoming Satellite 1 and Global Terminal projects. United’s “line in the sand” suggests they view 2026 not just as a battle for current gates, but as the deciding year for the airport’s future configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why are United and American fighting over gates?
- O’Hare allocates gates based on a “use-it-or-lose-it” formula. Airlines must maintain high flight volumes to keep their gates. United recently won more gates from American, and American is now adding flights to try to win them back.
- How does this affect passengers?
- In the short term, passengers can expect more flight options and lower fares as both airlines add capacity to win market share. However, if one airline retreats, prices could rise.
- What is the financial status of the hubs?
- According to United CEO Scott Kirby, United’s O’Hare hub profited ~$500 million in 2025, while American’s hub lost ~$500 million.
Sources: Reuters
Photo Credit: Hyoung Chang – The Denver Post
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