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.
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.
Baseball fans, mark your calendars for Saturday, August 2, 2025—a day when history takes the field at Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS). For the first time ever, Major League Baseball comes to Tennessee as the Atlanta Braves face off against the Cincinnati Reds at the iconic “Last Great Colosseum.”
Whether you’ve already purchased tickets to the Speedway Classic, or you are still considering your options, flying TRI can make travel to Bristol as easy as trotting the bases after a walk-off home run.
Why Choose Tri‑Cities Airport (TRI)?
Proximity – TRI is just 13 miles from BMS, a scenic 18-minute drive
Convenience of Nonstop Flights – TRI connects you to the world via nonstop flights to Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Orlando and St. Pete, Florida. With just one stop, TRI travelers can reach more than 250 destinations worldwide.
Save Time, Skip the Hassle – Why drive further and contend with more traffic at larger airports when TRI offers quick, easy and convenient travel directly to the Tri-Cities? Skip the long drives and congested airports—fly TRI and enjoy hassle‑free access to one of the most anticipated baseball events in decades.
Don’t Miss the MLB Speedway Classic
Date – Saturday, August 2, 2025 Teams – Atlanta Braves vs. Cincinnati Reds Location – Bristol Motor Speedway infield Time – 7:00 PM first pitch
An incident involving a Beechcraft Bonanza Model V35 occurred at Tri‑Cities Airport over the weekend. Below are the final details Tri-Cities Airport will release.
DATE: Saturday, June 21, 2025 TIME OF INCIDENT: Approximately 11:30 AM AIRCRAFT TYPE: Beechcraft Bonanza Model V35
INCIDENT DESCRIPTION: The incident occurred when the landing gear of a Beechcraft Bonanza collapsed during a touch‑and‑go on Runway 23. TRI emergency personnel responded immediately. The pilot, the sole occupant, exited the aircraft unassisted before crews arrived and was evaluated by EMS on site.
TRI emergency responders and maintenance crews worked quickly and efficiently to safely secure the scene, remove the aircraft, and return the runway to service with minimal disruption.
IMPACT ON TRI OPERATIONS: Runway 23 was closed for approximately two hours, reopening at 1:30 PM. Commercial flights were minimally impacted, with a Delta Air Lines flight delayed by 1 hour and 41 minutes.
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.
The holiday season officially begins today with the opening of the Tri-Cities Airport Ice Rink at Bristol Motor Speedway. Open through January 12, this popular seasonal attraction offers families and friends the chance to enjoy festive ice skating while supporting a meaningful cause.
As part of the Food City Speedway in Lights powered by TVA, the Tri-Cities Airport Ice Rink is the perfect complement to the holiday light display. Together, they offer an evening of festive fun – skating on the rink and enjoying the spectacular lights – while supporting Speedway Children’s Charities and their mission to improve the lives of children across the region.
Bristol Speedway Children’s Charities has served the community for nearly 30 years, providing resources and support for children’s health, education, and well-being. Funds raised by events like the Tri-Cities Airport Ice Rink and the Food City Speedway in Lights help this charity make a lasting impact in our region, ensuring local children receive the care and opportunities they need.
“We’re proud to partner with Bristol Motor Speedway to bring this beloved holiday event to life,” said Kylie Toler, Marketing and Communications Specialist at Tri-Cities Airport Authority. “The Tri-Cities Airport Ice Rink represents more than just seasonal fun; it’s a way for our community to unite and support local children. Each skate helps build a brighter future for kids in our region.”
The Tri-Cities Airport Ice Rink is open daily through January 12, 2025, though it will be closed on Mondays from November 18 to December 16. Ticket prices are $12 per skater Monday through Thursday and $15 per skater Friday through Sunday. Operating hours vary by day, so guests are encouraged to review the schedule in advance by visiting the Bristol Motor Speedway website.
Tri-Cities Airport takes pride in supporting the Bristol Speedway Children’s Charities and the Tri-Cities region. TRI welcomes skaters of all ages to this year’s rink and invites everyone to join in this special holiday experience.
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.
Tri-Cities Airport, in collaboration with Snap-on Tools Elizabethton, hosted a special send-off for five local veterans participating in the landmark 20th Snap-on Honor Flight Tour. The send-off took place at 9:00 AM on Friday, October 11, at the airport.
This heartwarming event at Tri-Cities Airport was full of excitement as both airport and Snap-on employees gathered to give the veterans a heartfelt send-off. With signs, flags, and plenty of smiles, they were celebrated from the moment they arrived to the moment their flight departed. Starting with a big welcome in the terminal, the honor continued throughout their journey, through security and all the way to the concourse, making sure they felt the appreciation every step of the way.
“We were honored to host this special send-off for our local veterans,” said Gene Cossey, President and CEO of Tri-Cities Airport. “It was a privilege to come together as a community to celebrate and support those who have served our country.”
After the heartfelt send-off at Tri-Cities Airport, the group went on their way to the nation’s capital to participate in the memorable events of the 20th Snap-on Honor Flight Tour.
Since 2013, Snap-on has teamed up with the Honor Flight Network to give veterans an unforgettable experience of visiting the memorials dedicated to their service in Washington, D.C. This program brings veterans and their companions together, allowing them to share their stories, reflect on their service, and honor their fellow comrades. Each veteran is celebrated during a special dinner, where their service, military roles, and conflicts are highlighted, and they receive heartfelt appreciation from everyone they meet throughout their journey.
For the 20th Honor Flight, five local veterans nominated by Snap-on associates and retirees joined 20 others in the nation’s capital. The local veterans honored on this special tour include:
Bobby Arnett of Elizabethton, a Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam and the National Guard, nominated by his wife Rose Arnett, a Snap-on retiree.
Wade Campbell of Mountain City, an Army veteran who trained in a military motor pool during Vietnam, nominated by his son Michael Campbell, a 20-year Snap-on employee.
Bruce Price of Mountain City, an Army helicopter crew chief and door gunner during Vietnam, nominated by his son-in-law Michael Campbell.
Jim Bates of Bristol, a Marine Corps veteran who served in communications roles during Peace Time and took part in the Cuban Blockade, nominated by his nephew Scott Bateman.
Albert Cox of Bristol, an Army Vietnam veteran who was part of the 8th Infantry Bullets drill team, also nominated by his nephew Scott Bateman.
The send-off not only honored these brave veterans but also showcased our commitment to recognizing their sacrifices. As they embark on this special journey, the stories and camaraderie they share will undoubtedly create lasting memories, reminding us all of the importance of gratitude and support for those who have served our nation. Tri-Cities Airport is proud to play a part in this meaningful experience, ensuring that these veterans receive the recognition and appreciation they deserve.
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.
Tri-Cities Airport Authority (TCAA) is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the 25th consecutive year.
The award recognizes the TCAA’s annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.
The GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. TCAA’s continued recognition over a quarter of a century highlights the Accounting Department’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of financial accountability and transparency.
TCAA extends its gratitude to Rene Weber, Director of Finance, and the entire Accounting Department for their exemplary work. “We are incredibly proud of our staff for this outstanding achievement,” said Gene Cossey, President and CEO of Tri-Cities Airport Authority. “Receiving the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for 25 consecutive years reflects the hard work and diligence of our team. Their commitment to financial excellence is critical to our airport’s success, and we are grateful for their continued dedication.”
As TCAA continues to serve the region with excellence, the Accounting Department remains a cornerstone of its operations. This recognition from the GFOA honors past achievements and sets the bar for future financial reporting.
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.
Tri-Cities Airport Authority announces an upcoming event focused on the development of our Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program goals. We will be hosting a DBE 3-Year Goal Consultation Meeting.
This meeting is a critical component in the process of formulating our DBE program goals for fiscal years 2025 through 2027, in compliance with Federal Regulations, 49 CFR Part 26. We are seeking input and feedback from representatives of minority and women-owned businesses to assist in establishing these goals.
The consultation meeting aims to discuss:
Proposed DBE goals
Availability and opportunities for potential DBEs at Tri-Cities Airport
Strategies to enhance DBE participation
Your participation is essential to ensure that our DBE program effectively addresses the needs and opportunities for disadvantaged businesses at Tri-Cities Airport.
Meeting Access: The meeting will be conducted via GoToWebinar and can be accessed from a Mac, PC, or mobile device. For further details and to register for the session, please visit our dedicated page here.
For any questions or additional information, please contact Christopher Stipo at cstipo@flytri.com.
###
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, Orlando Sanford, and St. Pete-Clearwater) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, please visit flyTRI.com.
Tri-Cities Airport Authority is excited to announce a partnership with Eastman, a global specialty materials company, to enhance plastic waste recycling efforts at the airport. This initiative will introduce convenient plastic recycling receptacles throughout the airport, promoting responsible recycling practices among travelers and staff alike.
“At Tri-Cities Airport, we are dedicated to sustainability and are excited to partner with Eastman in this important recycling initiative,” said Gene Cossey, President and CEO of Tri-Cities Airport Authority. “By providing convenient recycling options for our passengers, we are promoting responsible practices within our community and contributing to the innovative solutions developed here in our region.”
The collected plastic waste will be transported to Eastman’s new state-of-the-art mixed plastics processing facility in Kingsport, Tennessee. As the largest material-to-material recycling facility in the world, this plant underscores Eastman’s commitment to innovative and sustainable recycling solutions.
“Eastman is happy to announce another local partnership to help us as we all work to fight the plastic waste crisis,” said Brad Lich, Eastman executive vice president and chief commercial officer. “This partnership demonstrates our shared vision for a more sustainable future, where plastic waste is seen as a valuable resource that can be transformed into new products. It’s another proof point of how local businesses can come together to foster sustainability to help keep our region beautiful.”
By collaborating with Eastman, Tri-Cities Airport is taking a significant step towards a more sustainable future, making it easy for travelers to participate in these efforts.
###
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, Orlando Sanford, and St. Pete-Clearwater) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, please visit flyTRI.com.
Parking Notice: short-term gates are currently closed. The short-term parking lot may be accessed through the long-term lot. All parking will be $13/day until further notice.
