Economic Impact Study Shows Tri-Cities Airport Plays Significant Role in Regional Economy

Kylie Toler on August 21, 2026

A recent economic impact study of Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) found that the airport supported approximately 2,100 jobs and $289 million in economic activity in 2024. The study also estimates that activity connected to TRI generated more than $42 million in tax revenue for federal, state, and local governments.

The study was conducted by InterVISTAS Consulting USA LLC on behalf of the Tri-Cities Airport Authority and looked at the many ways the airport contributes to the economy, including its day-to-day operations, construction and improvement projects, and the spending of visitors who fly into the region.

“TRI is an important part of the community we serve, and this study helps show how far that impact reaches,” said Gene Cossey, President & CEO of Tri-Cities Airport. “The benefits of the airport extend well beyond the terminal. They reach local businesses, employees, hotels, restaurants and attractions, and help connect our region with opportunities across the country.”

One of the biggest ways TRI contributes to the local economy is by bringing people into Northeast Tennessee.

The study estimates that about 130,000 visitors arrived in Tennessee through TRI in 2024, spending approximately $96 million during their visits. That spending supports businesses throughout the region, including hotels, restaurants, retail stores, car rental companies, and other tourism-related businesses.

Visitor spending connected to TRI supported an estimated 1,330 jobs and $153 million in economic activity in 2024.

The airport also plays an important role in business travel. Of the visitors who arrived through commercial service, approximately 30% were traveling for business. General aviation visitors were even more likely to be traveling for business, with about 68% traveling for business purposes.

“Air service helps bring people here for business meetings, college visits, race weekends, family trips and vacations,” Cossey said. “Those visitors are spending money in our communities, and that spending supports jobs and businesses throughout the region.”

Tri-Cities Airport helps support regional jobs and investments. The airport itself and the businesses operating at TRI directly supported approximately 390 jobs in 2024. When the broader economic activity created by those jobs and airport operations is included, the total rises to approximately 670 jobs and $121 million in economic activity.

TRI’s continued investment in its facilities also contributes to the economy. The airport invested nearly $11 million in capital projects in 2024, with capital improvements supporting an estimated 90 jobs and more than $15 million in total economic activity.

The study also found that TRI’s economic activity generated an estimated $42.2 million in federal, state, and local tax revenue in 2024. Approximately $18 million of that total went to state and local governments in Tennessee.

Tri-Cities Airport serves as a regional asset. Its core market includes the Tri-Cities of Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport, with travelers also coming from communities throughout Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Southeast Kentucky, and Western North Carolina.

The airport handled approximately 447,000 commercial passengers in 2024, a record level of passenger activity for TRI and a significant increase from the years immediately following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“TRI’s success is closely connected to the success of Northeast Tennessee,” Cossey said. “When our region grows, we want the airport to be ready to support that growth. And when we have strong air service, it helps our communities attract visitors, support businesses, and stay connected to the rest of the world.”

The 2024 Economic Impact Study was based on employment data from businesses operating at TRI, surveys of travelers using the airport, general aviation activity, and other aviation and economic data. The study examined the direct activity associated with TRI as well as the additional economic activity created when those dollars are spent throughout the economy.

To view the full study, click here: TRI Economic Impact Study 2024

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.