NASHVILLE — The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority will begin the $40 million Central Core Enhancement at Nashville International Airport on June 1, 2026, to accommodate projected growth to 40 million annual travelers in the next decade. The project will expand the current Central Core terminal entrance areas and is part of the airport’s $3 billion New Horizon growth and expansion plan.

The current projection of 40 million annual travelers is higher than the 2016 forecast of 30 million. Upon completion, the Central Core Enhancement will increase the number of escalators from six to 16, improving passenger flow between ground transportation, baggage claim, ticketing, and the BNA Plaza. The project will also double elevator capacity by adding one new elevator and replacing two existing elevators with larger, faster models.

During construction, arriving travelers who park in the Terminal Garages will enter the airport from the first level. Passengers using curbside drop-off and pick-up will retain access throughout the renovation. Parking at the airport will not be impacted by the project.

Nashville International Airport is adding staff dedicated to guiding travelers near the construction zone and has implemented enhanced signage and wayfinding tools for both arriving and departing passengers. The airport continues to recommend travelers arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures.

Project updates, navigation tips, traveler-perspective videos, and other information will be shared through the airport’s website, flynashville.com, and its social media channels under @flynashville. The Central Core Enhancement is designed to build greater capacity and long-term operational flexibility, ensuring the airport performs efficiently during peak travel seasons.