The Nashville International Airport (BNA) is taking the next step in its transformative vision to expand the facility after unveiling plans to build a second terminal as part of the $3 billion New Horizon project.
The design phase for Terminal 2 – officially known as Beyond New Horizon – began in 2024. While the project has received official approval, the construction date has not yet been publicly released. Officials anticipate the project being completed by 2038.
While details for the new structure are still in development, BNA has found a 3099-acre plot of land that will be the ideal location for the facility. Terminal 2 will be situated south of Runway 13/31, adjacent to Terminal 1.
The airport plans to develop the facility across four phases, culminating in a total of five new, modern concourses and additional parking garages. At full buildout, the terminal will double the number of gates from 70 to 140. BNA will continue to hone the terminal’s concept to ensure the airport can accommodate rapidly growing demand from millions of passengers. Once completed, the terminal will:
- Optimize the passenger journey.
- Efficiently manage vehicular and aircraft operations.
- Implement cost-effective solutions to uphold the airport’s world-class standards.
- Integrate sustainable practices.
The terminal will be a continuation of work already underway in the first portion of the New Horizon project. The first two phases for the project have been divided between developing and expanding the airport’s airside and landside areas.
New Horizon I – pertaining to all airside development – has several initiatives that are either in planning or are already underway. Among these, the program will expand and improve baggage handling systems, expand ramp space for parking and deicing, expand concourse D with new gates and concessions and build Concourse A.
The other half of the project for landside development – New Horizon II – will prioritize efforts of ground-level operations. These will include expanding employee parking and valet storage, building a larger rental car complex, adding additional parking areas and improving terminal roadways.
Sustainable building practices are among the core focuses for all development throughout the New Horizon projects. The airport will install electrochromic glass across all structures, a material that uses an electric charge to change opacity. A geothermal lake plate cooling system is the preferred selection for keeping all terminals cool year-round. In addition, BNA will recycle all fill materials for future projects and is utilizing technologies to advance sustainable mobility, parking and transportation options.
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