Nashville Airport Starts $40M Central Core Enhancement in 2026

This article is based on an official press release from Nashville International Airport (BNA).

Nashville International Airport (BNA) is embarking on a major infrastructure upgrade to keep pace with the city’s explosive population and tourism growth. Starting June 1, 2026, the airport will launch a $40 million “Central Core Enhancement” project aimed at modernizing the terminal’s primary circulation areas.

According to the official press release, the 18-month renovation is designed to expand terminal entrance areas and significantly increase elevator and escalator capacity. The ultimate goal is to prepare the facility to handle a projected 40 million annual passengers over the next decade, a sharp increase from previous forecasts.

This enhancement is a critical component of “New Horizon,” the airport’s ongoing $3 billion expansion campaign. Airport officials state that the project will ensure long-term flexibility and uninterrupted passenger flow as Nashville continues to rank among the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

Project Scope and Upgrades

The Central Core Enhancement, designed by Fentress Studios and constructed by Hensel Phelps, focuses heavily on improving passenger mobility within the terminal. As passenger volumes increase, vertical circulation has become a priority for the airport’s design teams.

Scaling Up for 40 Million Passengers

To accommodate the anticipated surge in travelers, the airport plans to increase the number of escalators in the Central Core from six to 16. According to the press release, this expansion aims to create seamless movement between ground transportation, baggage claim, ticketing, and the BNA Plaza.

Additionally, overall elevator capacity will double. The project includes adding one entirely new elevator and replacing two existing ones with upgraded, larger, and faster machinery to improve accessibility and comfort for all travelers navigating the multi-level facility.

Managing the 18-Month Construction Period

While the airport aims to minimize disruptions, the 18-month construction period, slated for completion in December 2027, will alter how passengers navigate the terminal during peak travel seasons.

Temporary Entry Changes and Mitigation

Arriving travelers who park in the Terminal Garages will temporarily enter the airport from the first level instead of the current Central Core entry points. However, the airport notes that passengers being dropped off or picked up will continue to have standard curbside access, and overall parking availability remains unaffected by the construction.

To assist travelers, BNA is deploying additional dedicated staff, implementing enhanced signage, and sharing continuous updates and traveler-perspective videos on its website and social media channels. The airport continues to advise passengers to arrive two hours before domestic departures and three hours before international flights.

Financials and Historical Context

Consistent with BNA’s previous capital improvement projects, the $40 million Central Core Enhancement is funded without the use of local tax dollars. The costs are covered through a combination of bonds, federal and state aviation grants, Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs), and other internal airport funds.

The “New Horizon” Expansion

In 2016, BNA forecasted it would reach 30 million annual travelers. However, during the 2024–2025 fiscal year, the airport welcomed a record-breaking 24.7 million passengers, prompting a rapid shift in projections to 40 million. The current project is part of the broader $3 billion “New Horizon” phase, which follows the “BNA Vision” program completed in February 2024. Combined, these initiatives bring BNA’s total development budget to $4.5 billion since 2017.

“Nashville’s explosive growth continues to outpace ambitious projections, and the MNAA is meeting that challenge with innovative, forward-looking strategies that prioritize the traveler at every step. These enhancements aren’t just about managing higher volumes; they represent our commitment to long-term flexibility, traveler safety and an uninterrupted flow through the terminal.”

, Doug Kreulen, President and CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA), in a company press release.

AirPro News analysis

At AirPro News, we note that BNA’s rapid pivot from a 30-million to a 40-million passenger capacity target underscores the unprecedented population and tourism boom in the Nashville region. The decision to heavily invest in vertical circulation, specifically jumping from six to 16 escalators, is a practical response to the bottlenecks often experienced in aging mid-sized hubs that suddenly transition to large-hub status. By securing funding through grants, bonds, and user fees (PFCs) rather than local taxes, the airport authority is following a standard, sustainable model for major US aviation infrastructure projects, insulating local taxpayers from the immediate costs of expansion.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Central Core Enhancement begin?
The project officially begins on Monday, June 1, 2026.

How long will the construction last?
The renovation is scheduled to take 18 months, with an estimated completion date in December 2027.

Will parking at BNA be affected?
No, parking availability is not impacted. However, entry points for travelers parking in the Terminal Garages will temporarily shift to the first level.

Are local tax dollars funding this project?
No. The $40 million project is funded through bonds, aviation grants, Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs), and internal airport funds.

Sources: Nashville International Airport (BNA) Press Release