Nashville’s new Concourse D to open for business

Nashville International Airport’s new Concourse D will handle its first flights today, with Southwest Airlines operating the first services from the six new gates at the complex.

“On behalf of the Board of Commissioners and everyone associated with Nashville International Airport [BNA], I wish to express our excitement with this excellent addition to our airport and highlight our continued efforts to accommodate the robust passenger growth that is projected well into the next decade, ” said Trey Harwell, chair of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority’s Board of Commissioners.

“The new Concourse D and extended ticket wings bring much-needed components to our airport and are part of the ‘BNA Vision,’ our ongoing programme to provide this region with the world-class airport it requires and demands.”

Delivered by the design build team of Hensel Phelps and Fentress Architects Progressive, the 115,000-square-foot expansion signifies a major milestone for the Tennessee gateway.

Indeed, its BNA Vision calls for a dynamic expansion and renovation plan aimed at maintaining the airport’s status as a world-class facility to keep pace with the airport’s record-breaking passenger volumes and projected growth.

The new concourse is a key element of the $292 million, 315,000-square-foot Concourse D and Terminal Wings Expansion project. According to Fentress, Iit will significantly enhance the passenger experience as the airport continues to bring BNA Vision to reality.

As Concourse D opens, Hensel Phelps and Fentress Architects are at work on another major project at BNA: a substantial terminal lobby renovation and state-of-the-art International Arrivals Facility, which will be completed in late 2023.

“The new Concourse D elevates the passenger experience as a state-of-the-art facility with modern finishes that will delight travellers as they come and go at BNA,” said Curtis Fentress, principal in charge of design at Fentress Architects.

“The flexible design allows the airport to accommodate future growth, passenger needs, evolving technology and aviation trends, all while creating a modern gateway befitting Nashville’s world-class prominence. We’re excited to continue working with the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority and Hensel Phelps to bring the BNA Vision to life.”

The 115,000-square-foot expansion of Concourse D adds six new domestic aircraft gates, public art, and a variety of traveler amenities, along with improved ramp amenities and function space.

Additional components of the project include a 136,000-square-foot renovation of existing terminal space and a new 11,000-square-foot Central Utility Plant to heat and cool the terminal.

“If the airport is to continue as a major catalyst for economic growth and job creation in Nashville and Middle Tennessee, we need to add capacity to BNA while maintaining a welcoming and accessible environment for our passengers,” said Doug Kreulen, BNA’s president and chief executive officer.

“With the new Concourse D, we’ve added gates for more flights and attractive customer amenities, all in a modern and convenient setting that brings out the best of BNA. This is another vital step forward for air travel in Nashville, and I commend all whose great work made this possible.”

This fall, the team will complete BNA’s 200,000-square-foot North and South Terminal Wings Expansions, providing for interim TSA checkpoints, permanent ticketing check-in counters, baggage claim devices and support offices.

In response to coronavirus (COVID-19), the project team implemented safety and social distancing protocols in line with CDC guidelines to strengthen the wellbeing of both project team members and passengers while creating a safe and healthy airport experience. Developing an adaptive and agile response, the team delivered Concourse D on time.

According to a recent study, in 2019 alone, BNA generated more than $8.1 billion in total economic impact, supported more than 76,000 jobs in the region and produced more than $443 million in state, local and federal taxes.