Tri-Cities Airport Reopens Runway 5/23, Resumes Normal Operations

Kylie Toler on June 11, 2026

Tri-Cities Airport has reopened Runway 5/23 following the completion of repairs and all necessary safety evaluations related to a sinkhole discovered beneath the runway surface earlier this week.

The runway has been returned to service and normal airport operations have resumed.

“We appreciate the hard work of our staff, contractors, and airline partners throughout this process, as well as the patience and understanding shown by our passengers and community,” said Gene Cossey, President and CEO of Tri-Cities Airport. “Thanks to their efforts, we were able to complete repairs and safely return the runway to service.”

Airport operations have returned to normal and airline service has resumed as scheduled. As always, flight schedules are determined by the airlines and can be impacted by many factors. Passengers are encouraged to check directly with their airline for the latest information regarding their specific flight.

Tri-Cities Airport appreciates the patience and understanding of passengers, airline partners, and the community throughout the repair process.

Runway 5/23 Temporarily Closed Until Further Notice

Kylie Toler on June 9, 2026

JUNE 10, 2026

5:15 PM UPDATE: Repair work on Runway 5/23 continued throughout the day Wednesday following the discovery of a sinkhole beneath the runway surface.

Crews are continuing to monitor the curing process while preparing for final inspections and evaluations.

Based on the progress, the airport anticipates reopening Runway 5/23 and resuming normal operations on Thursday, June 11. The reopening timeline remains reliant on the successful completion of all repairs and required evaluations. This timeline is subject to change.

Decisions regarding flight schedules, delays, and cancellations are made by the individual airlines. Passengers should check directly with their airline regarding the status of upcoming flights.

The safety of the traveling public remains the airport’s top priority, and the runway will not return to service until all repairs, inspections, and evaluations have been completed.

9:55 AM UPDATE: Repair work on Runway 5/23 continues following the discovery of a sinkhole beneath the runway surface.

Concrete was poured as part of the repair process, and crews are allowing adequate time for the material to cure before additional work and evaluations can be completed.

Runway 5/23 will remain closed today. Airline flights will be unable to operate as normal until the runway reopens. Decisions regarding delays or cancellations are made by the individual airlines. Passengers are encouraged to check directly with their airline regarding the status of upcoming flights.

Additional updates will be provided as repairs continue and more information becomes available.

JUNE 9, 2026

7:30 PM UPDATE: Runway 5/23 remains closed after the identification of a condition requiring evaluation and repair.

Further investigation revealed an approximately 20-foot by 20-foot by 17-foot sinkhole beneath the runway surface. Repair efforts are currently underway.

Runway 5/23 will remain closed through Wednesday, June 10.

Airline flights will be unable to operate as normal until the runway reopens. Passengers are encouraged to check directly with their airline regarding the status of upcoming flights.

5:15 PM UPDATE: Tri-Cities Airport has temporarily closed Runway 5/23 until further notice following the identification of a condition requiring evaluation and repair.

Airport personnel and are actively assessing the situation and developing a repair plan.

A timeline for reopening has not yet been determined. The runway will remain closed until all necessary repairs have been completed and the runway is cleared to return to service.

Runway 9/27 remains open at this time.

Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.

Start Date Adjusted for United Airlines Service to Chicago O’Hare

Kylie Toler on May 1, 2026

United Airlines has updated the start date for its new nonstop service between Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). The route, originally scheduled to begin June 8, will now launch October 25, 2026.

The adjustment is due to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) capacity constraints at O’Hare during the peak summer travel season. As part of a broader effort to reduce delays at one of the nation’s busiest airports, the FAA is limiting the number of daily operations at ORD, impacting several new and existing routes across multiple markets.

“This schedule change reflects efforts to ensure safe and efficient operations at O’Hare this summer,” said Gene Cossey, President and CEO of Tri-Cities Airport. “It is not a reflection of the strength of this market. We remain confident in this service and appreciate United’s commitment to the Tri-Cities region.”

United Airlines will become a new carrier at TRI when its service begins this fall. Once launched, this service will further expand connectivity for travelers across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, offering additional access to one of the nation’s largest hub airports and its global network.

Passengers with existing reservations on United Airlines will be offered the option to rebook on alternative flights or receive a full refund. Customers are encouraged to contact United Airlines with any questions related to their itinerary.

Tri-Cities Airport looks forward to welcoming this new service in the fall and encourages travelers to check TRI first when planning their next trip.