Last Updated on July 9, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Nashville, Tennessee, often called “Music City,” is a hub of culture, history, and entertainment built around its country music heritage, growing tech scene, and Southern hospitality. As the city has grown, so has its airport — Nashville International Airport (BNA) now connects travelers to over 100 nonstop destinations, making it easier than ever to fly in for a weekend of live music or a business trip downtown.
Quick Answer
Nashville International Airport (BNA) is served by roughly 18 airlines, including major carriers like American, Delta, Southwest, and United; budget airlines such as Allegiant, Frontier, Spirit, and Avelo; and international carriers including British Airways, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, and Icelandair.
Key Takeaways
- Nashville, TN is a popular destination with a wide variety of airline options for travelers.
- Major airlines serving Nashville include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.
- Low-cost carriers like Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Avelo Airlines offer budget-friendly options.
- International options include British Airways, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Icelandair, WestJet, and Porter.
- Regional airlines like SkyWest (United Express) and Republic Airways (American Eagle) connect smaller cities to BNA.
Major Airlines Serving Nashville
Nashville International Airport (BNA) serves as the primary gateway for air travel in and out of the city. A number of major airlines operate from this airport, providing extensive domestic and growing international flight options. Southwest Airlines is one of the largest carriers at BNA, with an entire concourse largely dedicated to its operations and numerous flights across the United States.
Known for its no-frills service and competitive pricing, Southwest has made air travel more accessible for many travelers heading to Nashville. Other major airlines include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. American Airlines provides a robust network connecting Nashville to hubs such as Dallas/Fort Worth and Charlotte, facilitating easy access to onward domestic and international destinations.
Delta Air Lines connects Nashville with cities like Atlanta and New York City, while United Airlines primarily routes through its Chicago hub. The presence of these major carriers ensures travelers have a wide array of options when planning trips to Music City.
Note: BNA’s terminal has four concourses plus a set of international “T-Gates.” Concourse C is the largest, hosting American and Southwest; Concourse D is used mainly by Southwest; Concourse B mainly serves Frontier and JetBlue; and Concourse A, traditionally used by Delta and United, is closed for reconstruction and expected to reopen in 2028, so double-check your gate on the day of travel.
Low-Cost Carriers in Nashville
In addition to major airlines, Nashville is served by several low-cost carriers that cater to budget-conscious travelers. Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines have both established a foothold in the Nashville market. Spirit is known for its ultra-low-cost model, which keeps base fares low by charging separately for extras like seat selection and baggage — an approach that appeals to travelers who prioritize price over amenities.
Frontier Airlines also offers competitive pricing from Nashville, and in 2026 added new nonstop routes to destinations including Phoenix and Las Vegas. Allegiant Air and the newer entrant Avelo Airlines round out the budget lineup, both operating out of BNA’s satellite concourse and adding routes to smaller and mid-size U.S. cities. The rise of these low-cost carriers has increased competition among airlines and expanded the economical options available to travelers seeking to reach Music City.
Pro Tip: Budget carriers add and drop routes often. Set up fare alerts and check the airline’s own route map directly before booking, since third-party search tools can lag behind the latest schedule changes.
International Airlines in Nashville
| Airline | Type of Service | Top International Destinations |
|---|---|---|
| British Airways | Year-round | London Heathrow, UK |
| Aer Lingus | Year-round | Dublin, Ireland |
| Icelandair | Year-round | Reykjavik, Iceland |
| Air Canada | Year-round / seasonal | Toronto & Montreal (year-round), Vancouver (seasonal) |
| WestJet | Seasonal | Calgary & Toronto, Canada |
| Porter Airlines | Year-round | Toronto Billy Bishop, Canada |
While Nashville is primarily known for domestic flights, it has seen a steady increase in international air service in recent years. British Airways provides non-stop service from Nashville to London Heathrow, making it easier to connect with Europe, and both Aer Lingus and Icelandair add further transatlantic reach to Dublin and Reykjavik. Southwest Airlines, meanwhile, has expanded into leisure international markets, offering seasonal or year-round flights to destinations such as Cancún, Mexico, and spots in Costa Rica and Jamaica. The growing presence of these carriers reflects Nashville’s evolving status as a travel hub with genuine reach beyond U.S. borders.
Regional Airlines Serving Nashville
Regional airlines play a vital role in connecting smaller cities and towns with larger metropolitan areas like Nashville. These carriers often operate smaller aircraft and provide essential services that link rural communities with the bustling city life of Music City. SkyWest Airlines is a notable regional carrier serving Nashville, operating flights under the United Express brand and connecting Nashville with various regional destinations that feed into BNA’s larger network.
Republic Airways is another regional player, operating flights under the American Eagle brand and providing connections between Nashville and smaller airports throughout the Southeast and beyond. These regional airlines are crucial for maintaining accessibility for travelers who may not live near major airports but still want to experience all that Nashville has to offer.
Airports in the Nashville Area
Nashville International Airport (BNA) is the primary airport serving the city; however, other airports in the surrounding area cater to different needs. Smyrna Airport (MQY), located about 25 miles southeast of downtown Nashville, serves general aviation traffic as well as some charter flights and is popular among private pilots.
John Tune Airport (JWN), just west of downtown Nashville, provides facilities for business jets and recreational flying. While these airports don’t offer the same level of commercial service as BNA, they support the aviation needs of the local community and provide alternatives for travelers seeking different types of air travel experiences.
Getting To and From BNA
Once you’ve booked your flight, it’s worth planning ground transportation ahead of time. WeGo Public Transit’s Route 18 bus connects BNA to downtown Nashville’s WeGo Central for a flat $2 fare each way, with express trips taking about 20 minutes and local trips 35–45 minutes. Rideshare and taxi pickup is available at the Ground Transportation Center on Level 1 of the Terminal 2 Garage, and several airport-area hotels, including the Drury Inn & Suites and Sonesta Nashville Airport, offer complimentary shuttle service.
Warning: Concourse A is closed for reconstruction and not expected to reopen until 2028. If your airline traditionally used Concourse A, confirm your gate assignment on the airport’s screens before heading to security, since gate assignments can shift.
Tips for Finding the Best Deals on Flights to Nashville
Finding affordable flights to Nashville can be a challenge, especially during peak travel seasons or major events like CMA Fest or the Nashville Film Festival. Being flexible with travel dates is one of the most effective strategies — airfare can vary significantly by day of week or time of year, so using fare comparison tools that show prices across a range of dates can lead to real savings.
Booking well in advance is another useful tip, since many airlines offer lower fares for tickets purchased several months ahead of departure. Signing up for fare alerts from travel websites can help you catch price drops or promotions on flights to Nashville, and airline loyalty programs can yield benefits such as discounted fares or free upgrades for frequent travelers.
Exploring Nashville through its Airline Options
Nashville’s growth as a travel destination has been mirrored by its expanding airline options, making it easier than ever for visitors to explore this dynamic city. With major airlines providing extensive domestic routes alongside low-cost carriers offering budget-friendly alternatives, travelers have a wealth of choices when planning trips to Music City. The steady growth of international service further enhances Nashville’s appeal as a global destination.
As you navigate your options, use the tips above to find the best deals, whether you’re arriving for a weekend getaway filled with live music or a business conference in one of Nashville’s thriving industries. With each flight landing at BNA or one of the regional airports nearby, travelers are welcomed into a city rich with history, creativity, and Southern charm waiting to be explored.
If you’re planning a trip out of Nashville, Tennessee, you’ll want to know which airlines fly out of the city. Check out this article for more information on packing for your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airlines fly out of Nashville, Tennessee?
Airlines operating out of Nashville International Airport (BNA) include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Frontier, Allegiant, Spirit, Avelo, British Airways, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Icelandair, WestJet, and Porter, among others.
How many airlines operate out of Nashville International Airport?
As of 2026, roughly 18 airlines operate scheduled passenger service out of Nashville International Airport, offering nonstop flights to more than 100 destinations.
Which destinations can I fly to from Nashville, Tennessee?
From BNA, travelers can reach destinations across the United States as well as select cities in Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and Europe — including year-round service to London, Dublin, and Reykjavik.
Are there any low-cost airlines that operate out of Nashville, Tennessee?
Yes. Southwest Airlines, Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Avelo Airlines all offer budget-friendly flight options out of Nashville International Airport.
Can I fly internationally from Nashville, Tennessee?
Yes. Nashville International Airport offers international service to destinations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Iceland, Canada, Mexico, and parts of the Caribbean and Central America through carriers like British Airways, Aer Lingus, Icelandair, Air Canada, WestJet, Porter, and Southwest.
Sources
- Nashville International Airport (BNA) — Airline Information — official directory of carriers serving BNA
- FlightsFrom.com — BNA Route Map — current airline count and destination data
- FlightConnections — Flights from Nashville (BNA) — international route details