Press Release

Air Carrier’s Commitment to Partnership Further Reflects Airport’s Growth Trajectory

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 15, 2023) – Nashville International Airport® (BNA®) is extremely proud to be selected as Southwest Airlines newest Crew Base starting in 2024, marking BNA as the air carrier’s 12th Crew Base, a commitment that demonstrates Southwest’s continued investment in Music City.

The new Crew Base will house an estimated 500-700 Flight Attendants and 150-200 Pilots beginning in 2024, with continued growth plans on the horizon. BNA continues to work with Southwest Airlines to add four gates in the fourth quarter of 2023 to support its operation with a goal of 20 gates total by the end of the year.

“This is an outstanding and momentous announcement that truly reflects our valuable partnership with Southwest Airlines and signifies our shared vision of elevating travel to new heights,” said Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of Nashville International Airport. “Southwest Airlines’ dedication to safety, service, and innovation perfectly aligns with our commitment to providing our customers with an unparalleled experience, and we’re thrilled for this expansion.”

Southwest Airline’s commitment to BNA further demonstrates the airport as a true asset to the Middle Tennessee region and a critical asset to the region’s growth and prosperity. BNA recently announced a record-breaking year with a 21.9 million total at the end of its fiscal year – 18.7% higher than the previous record-breaking year, 2022. Air Service continues to grow at BNA with a record-breaking number of 99 nonstop destinations and an average of 600 daily operations (300 departures and 300 arrivals), and passengers at BNA have doubled in the past ten years (2013: 10.6 million; 2023: 21.9 million).