Tri-Cities Airport Prepares for Swift Growth as Summer Travel Intensifies, More Flights in the Pipeline

SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn.– The Tri-Cities Airport is readying for an increase in passenger movement as the peak summer travel season approaches. Recognized for its significant contribution to the economic development of the Tri-Cities region, the airport has been actively working to accommodate a growing volume of travelers.

Growth and Demand in Passenger Traffic

According to the Tri-Cities Airport Authority’s President and CEO, Gene Cossey, the airport is performing exceptionally. He noted, “Our passenger numbers are up to as much as we can possibly get, we are filling up every seat, our schedules are in good shape, and we are doing a good job”. But as seats continue to fill up, the airport is also planning strategic growth.

Bringing More Carriers to the Community

Cossey elaborated on the measures undertaken to entice more carriers. Describing it as a challenging task that requires time, he mentioned: “The airport is here for the community, and what we want to always make sure we are doing is making sure the airport is the right size for the community.” He emphasized the need for more air services to adequately serve the community, “When we talk about the size, we mean the number of flights that we have, the number of hangers, all of those things. For this community, the size of this community, we are undersized, which implies we need more air service.”

Expanding Direct Flight Options

Looking at future improvements, the Tri-Cities Airport is eyeing the introduction of direct flights to Chicago. “That’s what our Small Community Air Service Grant is for,” Cossey explained. “The Small Community Air Service Grant is for routes to Chicago, specifically to Chicago, and that’s because Chicago has such a great hub connection to places where we don’t have as good of connections now.”

A Vacation Destination in the Making

The airport’s goals expand beyond just adding flights. “We are also looking at ways to try to get the community to build this as more of a vacation destination so people want to fly here,” said Cossey. “The purpose of the airport is to serve the community. The community wants people to come here to spend their money here.”

Optimistic Local Businesses

Encouraging spending, coupled with an upsurge in foot traffic, provides a promising outlook for local businesses. Brooke Gibson, the store manager at Boomtown in Kingsport, said, “It has been gradually picking up — I think once we inch more towards the warmer months, it’s going to pick up significantly. The fun part about summer months is travelers, it’s always fun meeting people from different states.”