Nashville International Airport expansion adds gates with new concourse. See what's inside.
Flights are now arriving and departing from a new extension of Nashville International Airport's main terminal: an eight-gate satellite concourse.
This latest addition to the ever-expanding campus mostly services short routes on Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines.
But passengers still arrive at the same 1 Terminal Drive address, as usual.
Those traveling through the satellite concourse go through the main terminal's security checkpoint before catching a shuttle bus in Concourse C to the satellite concourse. The bus ride is about 3 to 5 minutes.
The all-electric shuttle bus fleet runs to the satellite concourse every three minutes throughout the day.
Once travelers arrive at the mini-terminal, they can visit retail shops and foodservice options for breakfast, lunch and dinner sourced from local restaurants. Distillery District Market, Gulch Goods and Nashville Supply Co. have already opened, and restaurants Fat Bottom Brewery, Jimmy John's sandwiches, TX/MX and Bongo Java are coming soon.
"The opening of our new Satellite Concourse is a milestone for BNA as we continue to work to accommodate the exponential growth we’re experiencing while simultaneously enhancing the passenger experience," said Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of Nashville International Airport. "As we continue to work towards building a world-class airport for a world-class city, we are excited for our passengers to experience the newest addition to BNA."
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The soft opening of the new concourse was on Oct. 21 and a grand opening will take place at a later date. Roadwork to improve terminal access is ongoing.
The project is part of the $1.2 billion BNA Vision redevelopment that began in 2017 and is mostly complete. In December, the first terminal hotel, a nine-story Hilton, will open above one of three new terminal parking garages.
On Sept. 25, the new main terminal marketplace with 15 new concessions and an international arrivals facility opened.
The next phase of BNA redevelopment, called New Horizon, includes the expansion of concourses D and A to add more gates, a new cargo and freight shipping facility and terminal roadway improvements estimated at $1.4 billion.
Airport officials are now planning beyond New Horizon, with the goal of building a second terminal.
Those interested in viewing the airport additions can obtain a new "BNA PASSport" that will debut in November. The program provides one-day passes for those who want to shop, eat or just observe changes inside the airport.
Sandy Mazza can be reached via email at smazza@tennessean.com, by calling 615-726-5962, or on Twitter @SandyMazza.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville airport's new concourse services Allegiant Air, Spirit