NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Story courtesy of WVLT / WSMV) – Travelers are now able to hop on a flight from Nashville to Knoxville, and back, due to a new service offered by a major airline.
Southwest Airlines announced back in August of 2025 that it was going to be offering connecting flights between Nashville International Airport and McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville in the Spring of 2026.
Those flights began March 5.
The launch comes after heavy feedback from the travelers, according to the Metro Nashville Airport Authority.
After the expansion was announced in August 2025, President of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority Patrick Wilson told WVLT that the move will only add to the record amount of travel they’ve seen in recent years.
“In 2024, we set a new record of serving 3.3 million passengers at McGhee Tyson airport,” he said. “That represents a 18% increase over the prior year.”
The short flights provide Tennesseans the opportunity to quickly visit the many attractions East Tennessee has to offer, including the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, and Dollywood.
Sports fans in Nashville can also hop over to the 865 to catch some elite Division 1 sports, as the Tennessee Vols have recently produced some of the best football, baseball, softball, and basketball teams in all of college sports.
“We sell out basketball, we sell out baseball,” University of Tennessee President Randy Boyd said. “So we’re going to have people flying Southwest into Knoxville for all sports events all year long.”
Or, if you’re in East Tennessee and fancy a weekend of live country music or a Nashville Predators game, a short Southwest flight can now make that happen without the stress of driving 3.5 hours.
To book a flight between Nashville and Knoxville, visit https://www.southwest.com/air/low-fare-calendar/.
