Sunshine, Thrills & Family Magic: Why Orlando Should Be Your Next Escape

Kylie Toler on December 5, 2025

If you’re looking for a getaway filled with family-friendly excitement, Orlando, Florida may be the perfect destination for your next adventure. Thanks to Breeze Airways’ new nonstop flights from Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) beginning December 12, 2025, the magic of Orlando is more accessible than ever.

Orlando may be best known for its world-class theme parks, but the fun doesn’t stop there. This central Florida city offers something for travelers of all kinds. 

  • Families & Theme-Park Lovers
    Orlando is synonymous with world-class theme parks. With TRI’s new Breeze route, you can jet off to Walt Disney World®, Universal Studios®, and SeaWorld®, all without the hassle of connecting flights. Helping you maximize your travel time.
  • Relaxation & Luxury Seekers
    Orlando offers championship golf courses, spa retreats, and upscale resorts. You can unwind during a romantic couples’ trip complete with fine dining and outlet shopping or plan a weekend golf trip with friends.
  • Nature & Outdoor Enthusiasts
    Orlando offers access to nature’s serenity and urban convenience. The city serves as a launch point for airboat rides through the Everglades, crystal-clear springs, and eco-tours.

Take Advantage of Breeze’s “Seriously Nice” Service

Breeze offers low fares, flexible fare bundles (Nice, Nicer, Nicest), and no change or cancellation fees, which is ideal for travelers who want choice and peace of mind. One-way nonstop flights from TRI to Orlando are available as low as just $39.

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Why Fly TRI

By flying out of Tri-Cities Airport, you bypass long drives to major hubs, saving both time and stress, while supporting regional air service.

New Breeze service to Orlando and Washington D.C. are the result of collaboration and support from the Tri-Cities community. Every ticket you buy helps expand regional connectivity, and build a foundation for even more air service in the future.

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Whether you’re planning a family vacation or just craving sunshine and relaxation, Orlando is now just a breeze away from the Tri-Cities.

Your Guide to Smooth Holiday Travel from TRI

Kylie Toler on November 20, 2025

The holidays are one of the most joyful (and busiest) times to fly. A little prep goes a long way in keeping your trip stress-free, and we’re here to help you start your trip on the right note. If you’re heading home, chasing sunshine, or welcoming family to the Tri-Cities, here’s everything you need to know before you arrive at TRI.

Before You Leave Home: Your Holiday Travel Checklist

Give yourself the gift of an easy travel day by taking care of the essentials early:

  • Arrive early. Holiday travel brings more guests through the terminal, so build in extra time for parking, check-in, and security.
  • Check in for your flight. Most airlines open check-in 24 hours before departure.
  • Review your flight status. Weather and seasonal traffic can impact schedules, so keep an eye on updates from your airline.
  • Confirm your itinerary and travel details. Look over your boarding pass, seat assignments, connection times, rental car info, and hotel reservations.
  • Know what you can pack. Holiday foods and gifts can be tricky. Review the TSA “What Can I Bring?” list before you zip up your bags.
  • Review your airline’s reminders. Check baggage guidelines, carry-on limits, and any holiday travel tips they’ve shared so you know exactly what to expect.

A little planning upfront makes your commute to the airport smoother and your whole trip more relaxed.

Parking at TRI: What to Know This Holiday Season

We want parking to be predictable, so here’s the latest so you can plan ahead:

  • Short-Term Parking Gate: The short-term gate is currently down. Short-term parking is still available and can be accessed through the long-term lot.
  • Express Credit Card Lot: The Express lot is temporarily closed for improvem
  • Allow extra time if you plan to park. With more holiday travelers and adjusted traffic patterns, a few extra minutes can make all the difference.
  • Construction Notice: As you arrive, you may see ongoing work near the terminal. This is part of our long-term project to expand and improve parking options across the airport. Infrastructure upgrades are on the way, and we appreciate your patience while we make room for the future.

For a visual of our parking lots, you can view our airport map.

A Quick Reminder About REAL ID

REAL ID requirements are still in place for air travel. If you’re flying within the U.S. and plan to use your state-issued ID or driver’s license, make sure it’s REAL ID-compliant. If not, you’ll need another accepted form of identification, such as a U.S. passport.

Not sure where you stand? Check your license for the star marking and visit your state’s DMV website for up-to-date details on how to get your REAL ID if you need it.

A Few More Holiday Travel Tips

  • Security screening is easier than ever. You no longer need to remove your shoes, jackets, or electronics thanks to updated screening technology.
  • Keep essentials handy. Medications, chargers, important documents, and holiday treats for the road belong in your carry-on.
  • Stay connected. Sign up for airline text alerts to stay informed before and after you arrive at the airport.

Remember: Travel days can be busy, but they also bring people together. A little patience, and maybe a warm coffee, helps everyone feel the holiday spirit.

Tri-Cities Airport Launches Community Drive to Support Essential Employees During Federal Shutdown

Kylie Toler on October 27, 2025

The Tri-Cities Airport Authority is rallying community support for local Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Aviation Administraion (FAA) employees affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown.

TSA officers and FAA staff at Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) continue to serve, keeping passengers safe and ensuring air operations remain reliable, despite not receiving pay during the shutdown. To show appreciation and provide relief, TRI has established a donation collection point at the Airport Services Counter in the terminal.

We will begin collections on Tuesday, October 28th.

Donations will be accepted 24/7 to directly benefit TSA and FAA staff and their families. Items most needed include:

  • Grocery and gas gift cards ($20 or less)
  • Non-perishable food and snacks
  • Toiletries and personal care items
  • Baby and pet supplies

TSA and FAA management will distribute donations confidentially to ensure they reach employees most in need. Any undistributed items will be donated to local food banks.

“The TSA and FAA teams play an essential role in keeping our airport and passengers safe every day,” said Gene Cossey, President and CEO of Tri-Cities Airport Authority. “They continue to serve our community with dedication and professionalism under difficult circumstances. We’re grateful for their commitment and proud to see our community step forward to support them.”

“This is about neighbors helping neighbors,” added Gabe Sherrill, Customer Experience Coordinator at Tri-Cities Airport. “Even small gestures, like a $10 gas card or a few pantry staples, can make a real difference for our essential workers right now.”

We encourage local businesses, tenants, and community members to participate. Larger donations, such as meals, gift vouchers, or bulk supplies, can be coordinated directly through the airport by contacting Gabe Sherrill at gsherrill@flytri.com.

We will post updates on the donation drive and progress on the airport’s social media channels.

Tri-Cities Airport Breaks Monthly Passenger Record in June

Kylie Toler on August 12, 2025

Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) is excited to share that June was a record-breaking month for passenger travel. A new all-time high for monthly passenger traffic was set, with a total of 49,014 travelers flying through the airport. This milestone surpasses the previous monthly passenger record of 45,557 passengers set in October 2024.

The announcement comes just weeks after TRI unveiled new airline service and routes, further signaling strong momentum and demand for air travel in the region.

“We’re excited to share this accomplishment, especially on the heels of our new airline and route announcement,” said Trevor Rice, Director of Marketing & Air Service Development for the Tri-Cities Airport Authority. “Passenger growth is one of the most critical metrics airlines evaluate when considering new routes or added capacity. These numbers show that our market is strong, and growing stronger.”

June’s record-breaking traffic numbers are a 15.2% increase in total passengers year over year, up from 42,563 in June 2024. The growth reflects a strong mix of both leisure and business travel, driven by more local travelers choosing to fly TRI.

“As more people choose to fly local, we’re able to demonstrate the demand for more flights and more destinations,” Rice added. “It’s encouraging to see the region rally behind its airport. With our community’s continued support, this is only the beginning of what’s possible.”

Fall travel is just around the corner and new routes are coming this December! Tri-Cities Airport remains committed to providing a smooth, reliable travel experience and growing to provide options that meet every passenger’s needs.

Tri-Cities Airport Welcomes Breeze Airways with Two New Nonstop Routes 

Kylie Toler on July 29, 2025

New airline brings nonstop service to Orlando, FL and Washington, D.C. 

Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) announced today that Breeze Airways will begin service at the airport with two new nonstop routes: Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). 

Beginning today, Tri-Cities travelers can book nonstop flights on Breeze to: 

  • Orlando, Fla. (Fridays and Mondays, starting Dec. 12, 2025); and 
  • Washington, D.C. (Fridays and Mondays, starting Dec. 15, 2025) 

This marks the first time Breeze Airways has served the Tri-Cities region and represents a major milestone in the airport’s ongoing efforts to expand air service and meet growing demand from the community. 

“Bringing a new airline to TRI is the result of years of work, strong partnerships, and steady support from travelers across the region. We are excited to bring Breeze Airways into our partnership and look forward to years of success,” said Gene Cossey, President and CEO of Tri-Cities Airport Authority. “This is what happens when you fly local. Every ticket makes a difference and today’s announcement is a result of that.” 

Embracing their tagline, “Seriously Nice,” Breeze Airways focuses on providing efficient service between secondary airports, bypassing traditional hub-and-spoke connections to shorten travel times and simplify the flying experience. “Breeze is redefining what affordable air travel looks like by proving it can still be a nice experience,” said David Neeleman, Breeze Airways’ founder and CEO. “With our nonstop flights, our Guests can leverage our built-in convenience with premium options like extra legroom seats to curate their experience based on what they want most. We’re excited to introduce Tri-Cities travelers to this new way of travel and are confident they’ll love it from the moment they step onboard.” 

“Breeze’s approach to air service is a great fit for our region,” said Trevor Rice, Director of Marketing & Air Service Development at Tri-Cities Airport. “Their focus on efficient, affordable nonstop routes aligns with what travelers here have been asking for. We’re excited to add more connectivity for our passengers and to welcome a new airline that understands the value of serving strong, growing markets like ours.” 

This new service is the result of a collaborative effort led by the BRIDGE Economic Partnership and supported by a broad network of community leaders and organizations who understand the critical role regional air service plays in driving economic growth. Because airports are limited in the incentives they can offer new carriers, strong public-private partnerships are essential to attracting and sustaining new air service. 

With support from local governments, businesses, and economic development leaders, BRIDGE led the charge in securing a Minimum Revenue Guarantee (MRG) to help make Breeze Airways’ launch at TRI possible. 

“We’re especially grateful to BRIDGE for the critical role they played in making this possible,” said Cossey, “Airports like TRI rely on strong regional partnerships to grow, and BRIDGE stepped up in a big way. Their work, and the support they received from across the community, turned this opportunity into a reality.” 

Tickets are now available for purchase at flybreeze.com or by downloading the Breeze Airways app. 

Tri-Cities Airport remains committed to expanding air service and improving access for travelers throughout the region.  

Tri-Cities Airport’s Fly Local Campaign Earns Top Awards

Kylie Toler on April 16, 2025

Tri-Cities Airport’s “Fly Local” campaign continues to make an impact, earning top recognition at the American Advertising Federation (AAF) Southwest Virginia American Advertising Awards. The campaign received a Gold ADDY – the highest level of distinction – and was also named Best in Show for its creative excellence.

“The Fly Local campaign has been an incredible success, and we are thrilled to see it recognized in such a meaningful way,” said Trevor Rice, Director of Marketing and Air Service Development at Tri-Cities Airport. “Working with local partners allowed us to bring this campaign to life in a way that truly resonated with our community. Fly Local isn’t just a message – it’s a movement that strengthens air service and benefits travelers throughout our region.”

The Fly Local initiative encourages travelers to choose Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) for their journeys, reinforcing the benefits of flying local and supporting regional air service growth. This award-winning campaign was made possible through the collaboration of ARO Creative, The Leverage Group, and Kat Bundy Strategic Marketing. Together, they crafted engaging visuals and content, executed strategic media placements, and worked to maximize the campaign’s reach.

“We are honored to have had the opportunity to collaborate with Tri-Cities Airport and The Leverage Group on the Fly Local campaign,” said Ashley Shutt, President of ARO Creative. “The success of this initiative reflects the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to enhancing the airport’s presence and impact in the region.”

“Our partnership with ARO Creative on the Fly Local campaign is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the advantages and importance of choosing Tri-Cities Airport,” said Rob Bunch, Senior Executive of The Leverage Group. “When we choose to fly local, it strengthens our community and gives us as consumers more options.”

Tri-Cities Airport is proud to see Fly Local recognized among the region’s top creative efforts. In addition to the ADDY honors, the campaign was also named a finalist in the Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) Excellence in Airport Marketing, Communications, and Customer Experience Awards. Competing against airports across North America, Fly Local was recognized as a finalist in the Overall Marketing Programs category, highlighting its impact in strengthening regional air service and engaging the community.

Tri-Cities Airport remains committed to connecting the region with convenient travel options and strengthening local air service. The recognition from both the AAF SWVA American Advertising Awards and ACI-NA underscores the impact of the Fly Local campaign and the power of collaboration in supporting regional growth.

Tri-Cities Airport Reports Impressive Surge in Passenger Numbers for 2023

Tri-Cities Airport on January 30, 2024

Blountville, Tenn – Tri-Cities Airport is pleased to announce a significant increase in passenger numbers for the year 2023, reflecting the airport’s continued growth and commitment to providing exceptional air travel services.
In 2023, the total number of passengers reached an impressive 448,514, marking a remarkable 15.83% increase compared to the previous year, where the passenger count stood at 387,227. In a testament to sustained progress, the 2023 figures also show an impressive 41.75% rise over 2021, which had a total of 316,406 passengers. This significant growth underscores Tri-Cities Airport’s pivotal role as a community asset, serving and connecting the communities of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

Gene Cossey, Executive Director of Tri-Cities Airport, expressed enthusiasm about the positive trajectory, stating, “The notable increase in passenger numbers for 2023 is a testament to our team’s dedication and the community’s trust in their airport. We are proud to be a vital gateway for the Tri-Cities region, connecting travelers to destinations worldwide. The continued growth reflects our commitment to providing exceptional service and fostering economic development in the region.”

As Tri-Cities Airport continues to expand its services and connectivity, it emphasizes the importance of local passengers’ support. The growth achieved in 2023 is not only a reflection of the airport’s efforts but also a result of the community’s commitment to utilizing and endorsing its services.

“We encourage our local passengers to recognize the role they play in our success. Their continued support ensures that we can maintain and enhance the services we offer, fostering further growth and providing even more opportunities for our community,” added Kristi Haulsee, Director of Marketing and Air Service Development.

Tri-Cities Airport invites the community and stakeholders to celebrate this achievement, emphasizing the collaborative effort that has contributed to the airport’s success. As the numbers continue to rise, Tri-Cities Airport remains committed to enhancing air service and connectivity, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for all passengers.

Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) is a full-service commercial airport serving Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Western North Carolina, and Eastern Kentucky. TRI offers non-stop flights to five hubs (Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, Orland Sanford, and St. Pete-Clearwater) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit flyTRI.com.

Trevor Rice
Tri-Cities Airport Authority Marketing & Air Service Development Manager
423-325-6030
trice@TRIflight.com