Welcome to Tri-Cities Airport
About the Airport
Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) is a full-service commercial airport serving Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Western North Carolina and Eastern Kentucky. The Airport offers nonstop flights to five hubs (Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas/Ft.Worth, Orlando Sanford and St. Pete-Clearwater) on Allegiant, American, and Delta.
TRI is centrally located between the cities of Bristol, Kingsport and Johnson City, Tennessee, just 3 miles off Interstate 81 at Exit 63. The Airport’s 23,000-sq-ft. concourse provides comfort and convenience for travelers with seven spacious gates, restaurant, bar, gift shop, business center and free WiFi. The main terminal offers travelers a restaurant, bar, gift shop, ATMs, free WiFi, and a staffed airport services counter to answer questions, page individuals and provide tours. A full range of rental car options are available in the terminal. Taxi/limo or TNC services are available by mobile app, online or phone.
The Airport’s property covers approximately 1,260 acres, including an 119,000-sq-ft.-terminal, a fixed based operator, corporate hangars, FAA air traffic control tower, and TRI Aerospace Park with an Air Cargo Logistics Center. The Tri-Cities Air Cargo Logistics Center houses U.S. Customs Port No. 2027 and Foreign-Trade Zone No. 204. These departments facilitate cargo transportation and serve as the Airport’s economic development tool for cities, counties, and economic development boards regarding regional trade and logistics.
TRI is governed by a 12-person board, appointed by the Cities of Kingsport, Bristol, Johnson City, TN and Bristol, VA; Washington and Sullivan Counties, TN. Full board meetings are held bi-monthly with committee meetings held bi-monthly or on an as-needed basis.
The Airport Authority and staff are responsible for maintaining facilities and grounds, negotiating contracts with vendors, complying with federal safety and security mandates, planning, budgeting and guiding the Airport’s development from year-to-year.
Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) is governed by a 12-person Authority appointed by the Cities of Kingsport, Bristol, Johnson City, TN and Bristol, VA; Washington and Sullivan Counties, TN. Airport Authority Board meetings are held bi-monthly with committee meetings held bi-monthly or scheduled as needed. The Airport Authority Board currently has five standing committees: Administration and Operations, Airfield Development, Executive, Foreign Trade Zone and Marketing.
Airport Authority Officers
- William “Bill” Sorah, Chairman represents Bristol, TN, and has served since 2013.
- J. Parker Smith, Vice-Chairman, represents Kingsport, TN, and has served since 2007.
- Randall Eads, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, represents Bristol, VA, and has served since 2021.
- Lewis Wexler, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, represents Washington County, TN, and has served since 2023.
Airport Authority Members
- Mark Ireson represents Sullivan County, TN, and has served since 2023.
- Dan Mahoney represents Johnson City, TN, and has served since 1989.
- Ken Maness represents Kingsport, TN, and has served since 2006. He previously served from 1996-1999.
- Cathy Ball represents Johnson City, TN, and has served since 2023.
- Todd Hensley represents Washington County, TN, and has served since 2012.
- Jon Smith represents Johnson City, TN, and has served since 2015.
- Richard Venable represents Sullivan County, TN, and has served since 2023.
- Kenneth Huffine represents Washington County, TN, and has served since 2023.
Over the years, several myths have developed about Tri-Cities Airport. Here’s a glimpse into what’s myth and what’s reality.
Myth: If the Airport wants more passengers, it should just reduce fares.
TRI does not set fares, the airlines do. Airline pricing and revenue staff use complicated yield management systems to adjust fares and restrictions to gain the maximum revenue in a market. In an effort to encourage competitive fares, the TRI staff works diligently with the airlines to help keep fares balanced. When the Airport discovers a non-competitive fare, an airline representative is made aware of the situation.
TRI usually has competitive fares. However, because only a percentage of the seats per flight are offered at a reduced rate, these fares are sold quickly. Airlines have more tickets to sell when they have higher number of flights on larger aircraft, therefore selling more at a reduced rate than in a regional market.
Myth: My ticket would be cheaper out of Tri-Cities if the Airport didn’t charge the airline so much.
Airlines set fares based on competition and demand. TRI’s fee structure is very competitive with similar size airports.
Myth: If the Airport lowered landing fees, more airlines would come to TRI.
Landing fees at TRI are very reasonable and have little to do with ticket prices. While airlines always consider costs of operating at an airport, the number one reason a carrier serves a city is passenger demand.
Myth: The Airport can quote or book fares.
The staff of TRI cannot quote or book flights. However, you can search and book your airline tickets through our online booking engine on the Airport’s website here.
Working with a travel agent also provides a more personalized planning process. A travel agent can quote or book a flight, hotel room and rental car. The agent can help coordinate plans and has access to travel packages.
Airport leaders are always interested in feedback from the public. If you have questions or comments, please write to 2525 Highway 75 Suite 301, Blountville, TN 37617 or email us at comments@triflight.com.
Schedule changes are possible and may not be reflected on this schedule
Tri-Cities Airport Authority
10:00 a.m. on the fourth Thursday of February, April, June, August, October and December
Administration and Operations Committee
8:00 a.m. on the Second Thursday of February, April, June, August, October and December
Airfield Development Committee
9:15 a.m. on the Second Thursday of February, April, June, August, October and December
Called Meetings
Executive Committee, Foreign Trade Zone Committee, and Marketing Committee