Summary:
- Nashville International Airport accelerates $40m Central Core Enhancement to support projected 40 million passengers.
- Expanded escalators and upgraded elevators improve passenger flow, accessibility and operational efficiency.
- Phased renovation supported by proactive communications and wayfinding to maintain seamless travel during construction.
Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) is accelerating terminal expansion at Nashville International Airport (BNA) as it prepares for a projected 40 million annual travellers in the next decade. To meet this demand, BNA is launching the ‘Central Core Enhancement’ – a $40 million renovation to expand the current Central Core terminal entrance areas, with the aim of ensuring a world-class experience for millions of additional visitors.
To maintain fluid, efficient travel for all passengers, the Central Core Enhancement will:
- Increase the number of escalators from 6 to 16 to create seamless movement between ground transportation, baggage claim, ticketing and the BNA Plaza.
- Double elevator capacity by adding an elevator and replacing the two existing elevators with upgraded, bigger and faster machinery to improve efficiency, comfort and accessibility for all travellers.
- Build greater capacity and long-term flexibility to ensure the airport operates at peak performance even during the busiest travel seasons.
“Nashville’s explosive growth continues to outpace ambitious projections, and the MNAA is meeting that challenge with innovative, forward-looking strategies that prioritise the traveller at every step,” said Doug Kreulen, President and CEO of MNAA. “These enhancements aren’t just about managing higher volumes; they represent our commitment to long-term flexibility, traveller safety and an uninterrupted flow through the terminal. Our priorities are, and always will be, to ensure that ease of access and exceptional experiences remain the hallmarks of Nashville International Airport.”
The Central Core Enhancement will begin on 1 June 2026, with a forecasted completion date of December 2027.
As the project begins, BNA is implementing a comprehensive communications plan to ensure passengers are updated about progress that may impact their airport experience, which includes:
- Providing additional staff dedicated to guiding travellers through areas that are near the renovation and construction zones (Central Core and parking areas).
- Implementing and regularly updating enhanced signage and wayfinding tools to aid both arriving and departing travellers.
- Engaging content on social media and website with project updates, tips and tricks to navigate construction areas, traveller-perspective videos, and other news of interest.
- Encouraging travellers to “arrive and enjoy”. Arrive in plenty of time to experience the local flavours, live music, art galleries and spirited shops that make BNA uniquely Nashville.
“We encourage everyone to give themselves a little extra time to explore our award-winning concessions, shopping and live music stages before they fly,” said Kreulen. “The way you enter BNA may look different over the next 18 months, but the iconic Nashville experience inside remains unchanged.”
You may also be interested in
12 technology and CX trends that can enhance airline and airport operations in 2026
12 innovations that have the potential to enhance CX and future-proof airport operations
The FTE Commercial Collaboration Playbook – delivered in partnership with Munich Airport
