CHATTANOOGA — A new state-appointed Airport Board for the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport has scheduled its first meeting for Thursday, July 16, 2026. The move comes unresolved legal challenges over who holds governing authority at the airport following a change in state law.

Local officials sued after the Tennessee Legislature moved the airport board appointment process from the mayor to the state level. Chattanooga Airport officials said the governance issue remains tied up in the courts. “Authority Board of Commissioners and the City of Chattanooga are aware of a notice published regarding a special called meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 16, at the Chattanooga Airport,” they said.

Attorney John Konvalinka, representing the airport authority, detailed the judicial status of the dispute. “The Hamilton County Chancery Court is awaiting the Tennessee Supreme Court's determination as to whether a three-judge panel or the Chancellor will hear the claims for declaratory and injunctive relief filed by the City of Chattanooga and the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority,” he said. Konvalinka added that “litigation concerning Public Chapter 978 remains pending” and “the legal issues surrounding the legislation, including questions regarding the Authority's governance, remain before the courts.”

The Federal Aviation Administration has not yet recognized the new board. “The FAA has stated that it does not intend to make any determination regarding board recognition until July 27 or thereafter,” Konvalinka said. “Accordingly, there is only one Board currently recognized by the FAA.” He warned that “having competing groups issuing potentially conflicting directives creates uncertainty that is not in the best interest of airport operations, employees, airlines, or the traveling public.” Konvalinka emphasized that “this is precisely the type of disruption the Board and the City sought to avoid by requesting injunctive relief, with the goal of preserving continuity and the safe and orderly operation of the airport while the Court resolves the legal issues.”