News

Actions

Holiday air travel picks up at Nashville International Airport

6P KYLE_ HOLIDAY TRAVEL_frame_148.jpeg
Posted at 4:20 PM, Dec 24, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-24 19:38:47-05

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Holiday air travel is picking up at Nashville International Airport.

Thursday morning, the airport Twitter page sent out a message the parking was starting to get tight.

However, after an hour they opened up an additional parking garage to accommodate the extra people.

Travel went up slightly as the holidays neared, but the airport is still seeing a dramatic reduction in travel since this time last year.

"Since the pandemic we've seen our traffic volume, passenger volume basically plummeted," said Kym Gerlock, spokesperson for the airport. "It's about 50-55% lower in terms of passenger volume than in the same time last year."

During the downtime, progress at the airport has been consistent and quick. Gerlock said the lack of people made plans to renovate the airport easier to complete.

Passengers should allow for more time to accommodate the changes at the airport.

"There's a lot of change going on at BNA. A lot of construction that we've had all working towards a bigger better airport. So, you're going to see two terminals. That's what we're asking people be sure you know your airline and what terminal you're going to. North and South Terminal. If you follow our signs you should be in good shape," said Gerlock.

An estimated 10,000 to 11,000 people will travel out of Nashville on Christmas Eve.

The airport is requiring mask-wearing, encourages social distancing and has hand sanitizer throughout the terminals.