McGhee Tyson Airport got its name from a United States Navy pilot. Charles McGhee Tyson disappeared during patrol duty in World War I and the airport was named to honor his memory in 1927. The original 60-acre piece of land was relocated to the 351 acres it currently resides on in 1935. Improvements on the airport have continued through the decades, with the most recent large construction occurring in 2000 for about $70 million. This round of work added two more concourses that spawned 12 gates. In 2009 a new food court brought new dining options to passengers.
TYS Airport is in the Knoxville area of Tennessee, in Blunt County, a short 30-minute drive from Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the second level of the airport is decorated to illustrate the beauty of the area. That top levels houses restaurants, shops, security and ticket counters. The first level is made up of baggage claim and rental car counters as well as airline offices. Allegiant Air, American Air Lines, Delta, Frontier, United Express and US Airways Express are just some of airlines serving McGhee Tyson Airport.
McGhee Tyson Airport is located off I-40 and there are many taxi, bus and charter services available to travel to and from the airport. There are short-term, economy and long term options for parking, as well as a free temporary Phone and Wait lot. Several hotels can be found within five miles or less from TYS.