Nashville International Airport Soars with the Completion of BNA Vision and Embarks on a New Horizon
Nashville International Airport (BNA) has recently completed its ambitious BNA Vision project on February 20, 2024, along with embarking on the New Horizon project. Additionally, BNA has started making plans for a third project, Terminal 2, to meet growing demands and enhance traveler experiences.
BNA Vision began in 2017 as a project to create more space to keep up with growing traffic rates.
Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) President and CEO Douglas Kreulen explains, “Nashville has been continuing to grow for almost 12 years in a row. This year we'll set a new record come June. We needed to upgrade the infrastructure and so with the old terminal we basically had to widen both sides by 50 feet. We brought the front out approximately 50 feet and then on the backside, we added another 168 where our new international arrival facility is so that all that extra square footage allowed us to set up a more enjoyable large open space for our passengers to come in.”
BNA Vision was an enormous project that included several key features over many phases:
- Terminal Lobby Renovation and International Arrivals Facility (IAF):
- IAF opened in September 2023.
- Completed project providing an expanded central terminal and a state-of-the-art International Arrivals Facility.
- Key features include an expanded security checkpoint, a central marketplace, an upgraded IAF with 6 international gates, and a new Customs and Border Protection (CBP) area that accommodates 800 passengers per hour using the latest in biometric technology.
- Master architect: Corgan; Design-build team: Hensel Phelps and Fentress Architects.
- On-Airport, Hilton-Branded Hotel and Terminal Garage:
- Opened February 20, 2024.
- The Hilton-branded hotel features 298 rooms, including 7 suites, atop a Terminal Garage.
- Hotel amenities include dining options, meeting spaces, fitness center, and the BNA Sky Pavilion and rooftop pool.
- Satellite Concourse:
- Opened in October 2023.
- Completed project providing additional gates adjacent to Concourse C to accommodate growth in air travel demand.
- Features 8 domestic aircraft gates, concessions, and customer amenities.
- Donelson Pike Relocation and Terminal Access Roadway Improvements:
- Vital projects aimed at improving traffic access and circulation around BNA.
- To facilitate improved traffic flow, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is in the process of relocating Donelson Pike.
- Once TDOT completes the relocation of Donelson Pike, BNA will begin its Terminal Access Roadway Improvements.
- BNA and TDOT have established a years-long collaborative relationship that will ensure close coordination and communication as these projects develop.
- Concourse D and Terminal Wings Expansion:
- Completed in July 2020.
- Completed expansion of Concourse D, adding 6 domestic aircraft gates and renovating existing terminal space.
- Features include ticketing space, baggage claim carousels, and sustainability initiatives.
- Terminal Garage 1 and Terminal Garage 2:
- Terminal Garage 2 opened in December 2018, Terminal Garage 1 opened in June 2020.
- Completed projects providing state-of-the-art parking facilities near the terminal.
- Atop of the 5th floor of Terminal Garage 1 features a new airport administrative building, pedestrian plaza featuring a dog park, and the now-open Hilton Hotel.
- Both garages include EV charging stations, flight information displays, and sustainability features.
- Interim International Arrivals Building (IAB):
- First project to be completed under BNA Vision.
- The Interim IAB expansion became operational in February 2018.
- Completed expansion to serve as an interim international passenger processing facility until the permanent International Arrivals Facility (IAF) became operational in September 2023.
- Increased processing capacity and upgrades to Customs and Border Protection area.
- Terminal Apron and Taxilane Expansion:
- Phase 1 completed, adding significant space for aircraft parking and maneuvering.
- Phase 2 scheduled for completion in Fall 2023.
BNA Vision wrapped up with the completion of the International Arrivals Facility (IAF) in September 2023 and the Terminal Lobby Renovation (Grand Lobby) in January. Together the Grand Lobby and IAF make up 400,000 square feet and feature a consolidated security checkpoint with up to 24 screening lanes; a new central marketplace with dining, retail and service amenities; a new IAF with 6 international gates and a new Customs and Border Protection (CBP) area.
"We upgraded from 200 to 400 passengers an hour...and now we can do 800 passengers an hour, “Kreulen said regarding the IAF. “The facility boasts six international gates and state-of-the-art Customs and Border Protection (CBP) areas, offering efficiency and convenience to travelers.”
Fentress Architects Principal Corey Ochsner highlights the meticulous process involved in renovating the existing terminal while seamlessly integrating new structures and amenities.
"We built over the top of the original terminal and then tore out and reconfigured a lot of the interior programmatics of that building," Ochsner explains. Despite the complexity of the construction process, maintaining operational efficiency and passenger flow remained a top priority.
The grand lobby boasts a stunning airwave roof with an Oculus, reminiscent of a guitar, a subtle nod to Nashville's rich musical heritage. Ochsner emphasizes the importance of creating a space that not only reflects the city's identity but also enhances the passenger experience.
"The real theme is that the airport carried off on those underlying tones of the regionalism, as well as the music themes," Ochsner explains. These themes are evident in every aspect of the airport's design, from the architecture to the integrated art installations.
Throughout the airport, the integration of music themes, local cuisine, and art installations reinforces Nashville's vibrant culture. Ochsner highlights the presence of various stages and pop-up performances, providing travelers with an authentic Nashville experience.
"There's always a tie to the local flavor," Ochsner notes. From live performances to local artwork, every element contributes to creating a sense of place unique to Nashville. Even the choice of materials, such as warm-toned wood, adds to the overall ambiance of the airport.
Kreulen acknowledged the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, from the Board of Commissioners to architectural firms like Corgan and Fentress Architects, and construction firms like Hensel Phelps and JE Dunn. He emphasized the critical role of these partners in realizing BNA's vision.
“Horton Group built our satellite concourse and then you just name the thousands of other subs that have been working for those big primes. On average we would have about 3,500 construction workers working on various sites out here to try to keep this on schedule. It takes a village,” he said.
Looking ahead, BNA’s New Horizon project promises further expansion with improvements to concourses, a new air freight building, terminal roadway enhancements, and upgraded baggage handling systems.
New Horizon, a more than $1.5 billion project began in 2022. The project includes a Concourse D extension with five more gates expected to open in July 2025, and a new Concourse A to begin construction after the completion of Concourse D.
Burns Engineering played a pivotal role in various projects at BNA, including the recently completed BNA Vision and the New Horizon project. Matthew Meier, Project Manager at Burns Engineering, emphasized the significance of this endeavor, stating, "Concourse A is definitely an older terminal, has gotten a lot of use. But that's going to be replaced with 16 new gates, so, that will be a very significant improvement for anyone flying through that concourse."
BNA also plans to embark on a third project in 2028, Terminal 2. Kreulen said a study has already begun for the project, and the hope is to have Terminal 2 up and running by 2034/2035.
Ochsner delves deeper into the goals and vision behind this transformative project, "The Concourse D extension is going to have a walkway to get you around with additional concession opportunities down the way," he explains. The extension will not only accommodate increased passenger traffic but also offer new gathering spaces and amenities, such as an outdoor terrace.
Ochsner said, "Every aviation project has its own challenges...but seeing that grand opening and the total transformation...it's a rewarding experience." Indeed, the completion of the grand lobby and the ongoing efforts to shape the future of BNA represent a milestone in Nashville's journey towards becoming a world-class city.
