Bristol TN Tri Cities Airport: A Hub for Regional Travel

Located in Blountville, Tennessee, the Bristol TN Tri-Cities Airport (IATA: TRI, ICAO: KTRI, FAA LID: TRI) is a primary commercial service airport that serves the Tri-Cities area of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. The airport has a rich history dating back to 1937 when it was first dedicated by Senator Kenneth McKellar.

Initially, the airport was built on 323 acres in Sullivan County, between the cities of Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol. Prior to this, both Johnson City's airfield and Kingsport's airstrip were deemed impractical for expansion due to their small size. The National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems categorized it as a primary commercial service airport, serving more than 10,000 enplanements per year.

Throughout its history, the airport has been served by several airlines, including Piedmont Airlines, which flew to TRI from 1948 until it merged into USAir Capital Airlines and successor United Airlines stopped at TRI from the 1940s until 1977 when Allegheny Airlines replaced them. In 2008, the airport had 202,730 passenger boardings (enplanements), with numbers increasing to 217,783 in 2009 and 202,114 in 2010.

Today, the Tri-Cities Airport Authority (TCAA) governs the airport, whose members are appointed by the cities of Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol (TN), Bristol (VA), Washington County (TN), and Sullivan County (TN). The airport serves as a vital transportation hub for the region, providing easy access to major destinations across the country.

In addition to its commercial airlines, the airport also hosts general aviation services, including fixed-base operators, aircraft maintenance facilities, and flight schools. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, Bristol TN Tri-Cities Airport is an ideal choice for those looking to explore the Tri-Cities area and beyond.

Bristol tn tri cities airport