KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Starting Thursday, March 6, 2025, through Monday, March 24, 2025, McGhee Tyson Airport is expecting higher than normal passenger traffic due to Spring Break travel. With an increased number of travelers in the airport, it is important to be aware of the following information when traveling during those dates:
- IMPORTANT TRAFFIC NOTICE: To manage heavy traffic during Spring Break travel and minimize potential safety risks with vehicles backed up onto 129 South (Alcoa Highway), the airport is implementing a new traffic pattern on certain dates and times. From Thursday, March 6, 2025, to Monday, March 10, 2025, the main airport entrance off 129-South (Alcoa Highway) will be closed from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. each night. During this time, traffic will be redirected to the Hunt Road exit, with signs guiding drivers to the terminal building. The entrance will also be closed from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. on March 13-18 and March 20-24. Traffic coming from 129-North (Alcoa) will not be affected, and the exit process will remain the same. See attached image “Hunt Rd Detour Spring Break”.
- IMPORTANT CONSTRUCTION NOTICE: Starting the week of March 10, 2025, the airport will be relocating the parking garage entrance. The new entrance will be near the current one, so drivers won’t need to change their planned route. Signs will be posted to clearly indicate the new entrance. See attached image “New Garage Entrance Copy”.
- Here are three simple things you can do before heading to the airport to make your Spring Break travel easier. First, check FlyKnoxville.com for real-time parking availability and choose the best parking option for your plans. Next, download your airline’s app to get your boarding pass and stay updated on your flight and luggage details. Finally, pack light and put your medications, personal items, and a change of clothes in a carry-on bag.
- When more people travel, there is a higher demand for airport parking. Some airport parking lots require a short walk or a shuttle ride to the airport terminal building. Please account for the additional time it will take to get to the terminal from the parking lot. Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure, even for the 5 a.m. flights.
- TSA’s checkpoint screening equipment requires that carry-on bags strictly meet airline size requirements. Oversized luggage will need to be checked for your flight. Luggage measurement devices are located at the airline ticket counters and at the entrance to checkpoint.
- When picking someone up at the airport, the curbside is only for pick-ups and drop-offs, and parking at or near the curb is not allowed. Instead, consider using the Phone & Wait Lot. It’s a FREE parking area where you can wait in your car until your guest has their luggage and is ready to meet you on the lower level. This lot helps reduce traffic and minimizes the need to circle the airport while waiting to pick up your passenger.
- Not traveling for Spring Break but planning summer travel, make sure to get REAL ID or renew your passport. Learn more https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.
