Travelers return in droves to Nashville International Airport

The number of travelers moving through Nashville International Airport peaked at its highest since the pandemic began on Sunday. 

BNA security officials screened 30,589 departing passengers — only about 2,000 less than the record daily high reached in 2019, officials said. 

"Sunday’s passenger volume is the best we’ve seen in almost two years, which is very welcome news and an encouraging sign of recovery as we emerge from the pandemic," said BNA President Doug Kreulen. "As confidence returns to air travel, we are continuing to increase air service opportunities and enhance ongoing COVID-19 safety measures."

Nashville ranked as the 20th busiest airport in the U.S. on Sunday, according to BNA officials. They added that the airport has grown to service 80 nonstop markets with 262 daily departures. 

Airport traffic tanked during the pandemic, causing the loss of an estimated $80 million in otherwise anticipated revenue. But, on many days, business has returned to 2019 levels, which were all-time records highs for the airport. 

Global travel and business trips lagged a boom in leisure travel around the country this summer. 

Meanwhile, BNA is rebuilding most of its campus to modernize and accommodate Nashville's rapid growth in recent years.

Improvements include public transit accessibility, parks for dogs and children, new parking garages, and a remade terminal building that is larger with more shopping and eating options for travelers. 

"We’re building a bigger, better airport to serve even more passengers with our BNA Vision expansion and renovation program," Kreulen said. "We’re excited to welcome more and more travelers back to BNA and see a bright future on the horizon."