Knoxville, Tennessee, a vibrant hub in East Tennessee, is a growing destination for both business and leisure travelers. For those seeking budget-friendly and convenient air travel, Southwest Airlines often comes to mind. Known for its customer-friendly policies and extensive domestic network, Southwest is a popular choice in many cities, including major Tennessee hubs like Nashville and Memphis. This leads to a common question among Knoxville residents and visitors alike: Does Southwest Fly To Knoxville?
This article delves into the current air travel landscape at McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville and explores the possibility of Southwest Airlines extending its services to this East Tennessee region. We’ll unpack why Southwest isn’t currently serving Knoxville, the efforts being made to attract the airline, and what the future might hold for air travelers in the area.
The Current Situation: No Direct Southwest Flights to Knoxville
As of now, Southwest Airlines does not operate flights to or from McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville. While Southwest boasts a significant presence at Nashville International Airport (BNA), becoming the largest carrier there and even establishing a new crew base, and also serves Memphis International Airport (MEM), Knoxville remains outside of its service map.
McGhee Tyson Airport terminal showcasing a modern and spacious environment, illustrating the airport’s capacity and appeal to potential airlines.
This absence isn’t due to a lack of desire from Knoxville’s airport authorities. McGhee Tyson Airport has been actively working to attract Southwest, recognizing the airline’s popularity and potential to serve the East Tennessee market. In fact, Southwest is reportedly at the top of McGhee Tyson Airport’s wish list, highlighting the strong local demand for the airline.
Despite a nationwide scheduling disruption in December of the previous year that significantly impacted Southwest and even led to a U.S. Department of Transportation investigation, the desire for Southwest in Knoxville persists. When McGhee Tyson Airport sought public input through a customer survey regarding renovations and expansion plans, a dominant request emerged in the comments: “Southwest Airlines.” This clearly indicates the local community’s eagerness to welcome the airline.
It’s important to understand that airlines choose airports, not the other way around. While McGhee Tyson Airport can express interest and create attractive conditions, the ultimate decision rests with Southwest Airlines based on their strategic network planning. Nevertheless, airport leadership remains optimistic and believes Southwest is a logical next step for their growing airport, although its arrival is likely still some years away.
Why Knoxville Isn’t Currently Served by Southwest Airlines
Several factors influence an airline’s decision to serve a particular airport. While Knoxville may seem like an attractive market, Southwest Airlines considers various elements when determining its route network.
According to Patrick Wilson, president of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, Southwest Airlines has engaged in discussions with McGhee Tyson Airport and even conducted market assessments. He stated, “We think we would be a great market for Southwest, and Southwest is very open to talk to us, we’ve had various conversations with Southwest. They’re very aware that our community would love to have them, and we as the airport in our review data feel like they would be very successful here.”
However, the aviation industry is complex, and airline network planning involves numerous considerations. Airlines prioritize profitability, and to make a route viable, they typically need to fill at least 82% of seats on their flights. This requires careful analysis of passenger demand, competition, and operational costs.
Beyond passenger volume, airlines must strategically allocate their resources, including aircraft and crews. This is particularly relevant for Southwest Airlines, which operates a fleet exclusively composed of Boeing 737 aircraft. Boeing has faced manufacturing delays in recent years, impacting aircraft delivery schedules. These delays can constrain an airline’s ability to expand its network, as Southwest itself acknowledged when it indicated potential delays in new plane deliveries stretching for years.
A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 at Nashville International Airport, representing the airline’s significant presence in a nearby Tennessee city, yet highlighting its absence in Knoxville.
Furthermore, Southwest’s recent expansion at Nashville International Airport, including the addition of 1,300 crew members and four gates, could temporarily limit its expansion to other Tennessee cities. These resource commitments suggest a focused strategy on solidifying its Nashville presence before further regional expansion.
Despite these challenges, the dialogue between McGhee Tyson Airport and Southwest Airlines continues. Airport leadership emphasizes ongoing communication to highlight Knoxville’s market potential and keep Southwest informed of the growing demand.
Knoxville’s Incentives and Airport Growth
Recognizing the importance of attracting new airlines and expanding air service, McGhee Tyson Airport is prepared to utilize incentive programs. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines allow airports to offer incentives to airlines, such as reduced landing fees or community-sponsored revenue guarantees. These incentives can make an airport more financially attractive to airlines considering new routes.
Brian Simmons, chairman of the airport’s board of commissioners, confirmed McGhee Tyson Airport’s willingness to use incentives to attract Southwest. The airport’s marketing budget includes a dedicated airline incentive program, demonstrating a proactive approach to airline recruitment. “If we have airlines that want to come here or expand services, then we will help them in whatever way we can,” Simmons stated.
Beyond financial incentives, McGhee Tyson Airport is also investing in infrastructure improvements to enhance its appeal to airlines and passengers alike. A significant terminal expansion project is underway, aiming to add six new gates by 2028. This expansion is driven by the airport’s projected passenger growth, anticipating over 3 million annual passengers by 2025.
McGhee Tyson Airport currently offers nonstop flights to 26 destinations through airlines like Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier, and United. Allegiant Airlines even established an operational base at the airport in 2018, demonstrating the potential for airlines to thrive in the Knoxville market.
The Future of Southwest in Knoxville
While Southwest Airlines doesn’t currently fly to Knoxville, the door is not closed. McGhee Tyson Airport is actively pursuing Southwest, emphasizing the strong local demand and the airport’s growing infrastructure. The ongoing conversations and the airport’s willingness to offer incentives suggest a continued effort to attract the popular budget carrier.
For Knoxville travelers eager to see Southwest at McGhee Tyson Airport, patience remains key. While airport leadership is optimistic about Southwest’s eventual arrival, it is likely to be a matter of years rather than months. The factors influencing airline network decisions are complex and take time to materialize.
In the meantime, McGhee Tyson Airport continues to enhance its services and expand its offerings with existing airline partners. The airport’s commitment to growth and passenger experience positions Knoxville as an increasingly attractive market for air travel, potentially paving the way for Southwest Airlines to eventually join the roster of carriers serving East Tennessee.
For now, Knoxville residents will need to continue utilizing the existing airlines at McGhee Tyson Airport or consider driving to nearby airports like Nashville to access Southwest’s network. However, the persistent efforts to bring Southwest to Knoxville offer a glimmer of hope for more budget-friendly and convenient flight options in the future.
