Tri-Cities Airport Master Plan
The Tri-Cities Airport Master Plan (AMP) will shape TRI’s future for the next two decades, and the local community is invited to participate in this transformative process.
Planned project completion – Spring 2025
What is an Airport Master Plan?
An Airport Master Plan is a study to determine the long-term development plans for an airport including the extent, type, and schedule of development required to meet an airport’s forecasted needs. Airport master planning is a strategic process used to establish guidelines for the efficient development of airports that is consistent with local, state, and national goals.
Downloadable Resources
To help foster a greater understanding of the Airport Master Planning process, our partners at AtkinsRéalis have provided these helpful resources.
Recent Meetings
Download information shared at recent Airport Master Plan meetings.
Master Plan Purpose
The purpose of an Airport Master Plan is to study the airport and provide a 20-year development program that will create a safe, efficient, economical, and environmentally responsible airport facility.
This study will ensure the airport can facilitate the demand for aviation services expected, meet the development goals of TRI, and create additional public value for residents in the Tri-Cities area and the aeronautical community at large.
The final product will serve as a critical tool for TRI. It will depict the existing airport facilities and planned development initiatives. This document is vital for coordination between the Tri-Cities Airport Authority (TCAA), the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure capital improvement needs are met.
Master Planning Process
The Master Planning process is a continual process that revolves around four basic elements – Investigation, Recommendation, Implementation, and Review. The Airport Master Plan requires continual input from interested stakeholders and the public in order to gain positive acceptance and ultimate implementation.
Proposed Alternatives
As part of the Master Plan process, a set of three development alternatives are created for the airport.
The primary objective of the development alternatives is to formulate a comprehensive strategy for advancing Tri-Cities Airport. This strategy aims to meet the evolving aviation demands while adhering to the developmental objectives. The three development alternatives are then combined into a preferred alternative that will be utilized to shape the rest of the Master Plan.
The following are the developmental objectives that influenced the creation of the preferred alternative:
- Land Management – The preferred alternative should maximize development with compatible land uses that match with airport and community needs.
- Economic – The preferred alternative for airport development should prioritize initiatives and growth that diversify revenue sources and strengthen the airport’s economic stability.
- Airside Facilities – The preferred alternative should provide a proactive plan that will meet future demand throughout the planning period and beyond, as well as increase the number of based aircraft.
- Operational – The preferred alternative should aim to enhance the passenger experience within the terminal, including customer service, safety, security, convenience, and cleanliness, as well as also attract additional airline service.
- Environmental – The preferred alternative should consider the implementation of enhancing energy use including updates to lighting, HVAC systems, building insulation, and other modifications, as well as provide car and aircraft charging facilities and enhance and implement programs to promote sustainability within the community.
- Regional Growth/Development – The preferred alternative should propose development that positively contributes to the local economy and attracts new business, both aeronautical and non-aeronautical, encourage routes and services that can accommodate local business, as well as provide services and facilities that open the door for career and business opportunities for the surrounding community.
Get Involved
The Tri-Cities Airport Authority is dedicated to a transparent, complete, and inclusive planning process. The Airport is excited to engage the community and stakeholders to gather feedback in developing the Airport Master Plan. TRI welcomes all interested individuals and stakeholders to join in this significant initiative. The community’s input and involvement are highly encouraged, as we collectively shape the future of our region’s vital transportation hub.
For more information about the Tri-Cities Airport Master Plan and the Public Involvement Program, please contact the AtkinsRéalis Planning Team.