Nashville International Airport is one of the fastest-growing aviation hubs in the United States, yet its three-letter IATA code, BNA, remains a source of confusion for many travelers. Unlike airports in cities like Atlanta (ATL) or Boston (BOS), Nashville’s code does not immediately mirror the city’s name. The answer to what BNA stands for lies in the rich historical layers of Tennessee's capital and a legacy that dates back nearly a century.

BNA stands for Berry Field Nashville. The "B" and the "F" (represented in earlier aviation contexts) honor Colonel Harry S. Berry, a pivotal figure in the airport’s founding. While the facility was officially renamed Nashville International Airport in 1988, the aviation industry’s reliance on permanent identification codes means that the memory of Berry Field remains embedded in every boarding pass and luggage tag processed today.

The Origins of Berry Field and Colonel Harry S. Berry

To understand why Nashville’s airport carries this specific designation, one must look back to the mid-1930s. During this era, aviation was transitioning from a novelty to a critical component of national infrastructure. In 1935, Nashville Mayor Hillary Howse appointed a citizens' committee to select a site for a new, modern airport that could accommodate the growing demands of commercial flight.

The committee selected a 340-acre site southeast of downtown Nashville, which at the time consisted of four adjoining farms along the Dixie Highway. Construction began in 1936 as a project of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a central part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal.

When the airport opened in June 1937, it was named Berry Field in honor of Colonel Harry S. Berry. Berry was the Tennessee administrator for the WPA and a tireless advocate for the development of aviation infrastructure in the region. His leadership was instrumental in securing the federal funding and labor required to transform farmland into a facility featuring a terminal building, two hangars, and a 4,000-foot concrete runway. American Airlines and Eastern Airlines were the first to provide service, and within its first year, the airport served nearly 190,000 passengers—a staggering number for the time.

Why BNA and Not NAS or NSH?

The naming convention for airport codes is governed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). These codes are designed to be unique and permanent to ensure safety and efficiency in global flight tracking and baggage handling.

In the early days of aviation, many airports used two-letter codes provided by the National Weather Service. As the industry expanded, the system shifted to three letters. Typically, an airport would take its city name (like PHX for Phoenix). However, many of the obvious choices for Nashville were already taken or reserved. "NAS" was already assigned to Nassau in the Bahamas, and "NSH" was allocated to other smaller airstrips or military uses.

By the time Nashville reached international prominence, the identification was already solidified around Berry Field. When the three-letter system became standardized, "BNA" was the logical choice: "B" for Berry, "N" for Nashville, and "A" for Airport (or simply using the phonetic flow of Berry Nashville). Even as the airport’s marketing name changed to reflect its international status in the late 1980s, changing an IATA code is a complex, multi-year process that involves updating global databases, flight systems, and navigation charts. Consequently, the historical BNA remains.

The Military Transition and Post-War Growth

The identity of BNA was further shaped by the events of World War II. Shortly after its initial success, Berry Field was requisitioned for military use. In 1942, it became a base for the 4th Ferrying Command, playing a vital role in the movement of aircraft and supplies across the country. This period saw a massive expansion of the airfield’s footprint, as the military built more robust runways and support structures to handle heavy bombers and transport planes.

In 1946, following the end of the war, the military returned 1,500 acres to the city of Nashville. This gifted infrastructure allowed BNA to enter the jet age much earlier than many of its regional peers. By 1961, the airport opened a new 145,900-square-foot passenger terminal and began its first scheduled jet service. The transition from a local "field" to a regional powerhouse was underway, though the BNA code stayed as a constant reminder of its WPA roots.

BNA in 2026: A Global Gateway

Fast forward to today, and BNA is unrecognizable from the quiet airfield of 1937. As of 2026, Nashville International Airport has solidified its position as a major global gateway, driven by the massive "BNA Vision" and the subsequent "New Horizon" expansion programs.

The airport now serves over 24 million passengers annually, a milestone that seemed impossible just a decade ago. The recent completion of the New Horizon project has increased the airport's capacity to serve a projected 40 million passengers in the coming years. This growth isn't just about domestic travel; Nashville has become a significant player in transatlantic and international aviation.

Expanding Nonstop Destinations

In 2025, BNA reached a historic milestone by offering 114 nonstop destinations. This includes robust service to major European hubs, with airlines like Icelandair connecting Nashville to Reykjavík and Aer Lingus providing direct links to Dublin. These routes have transformed BNA from a regional stopover into a primary point of entry for international tourists and business travelers alike. The "Summer of 100" campaign, which celebrated surpassing 100 nonstop routes, has become a standard for the airport's marketing success, proving that the demand for Music City is global.

The Robert C. H. Mathews Jr. Terminal

The central hub of activity at BNA is the Robert C. H. Mathews Jr. Terminal. In 2026, this facility represents the pinnacle of modern airport design, blending high-tech efficiency with the "Music City" aesthetic. The terminal is divided into four primary concourses, each serving a specific role in the airport’s ecosystem:

  • Concourse A: Known for hosting several international partners and domestic carriers, Concourse A has undergone significant renovations to improve passenger flow and customs processing. It remains the primary gateway for those arriving from across the Atlantic.
  • Concourse B: This concourse serves a mix of legacy carriers and low-cost airlines, featuring an array of Nashville-centric retail and dining options that allow travelers to experience the city before they even reach the exit.
  • Concourse C: As the largest concourse at BNA, it is the primary home for Southwest Airlines, which maintains a massive presence in Nashville. Concourse C is famous for its live music stages, where local artists perform daily, maintaining the airport's reputation as an extension of Broadway.
  • Concourse D: The newest addition to the terminal family, Concourse D was a key component of the BNA Vision. It added thousands of square feet of gate space and modern amenities, specifically designed to handle the surge in domestic traffic from budget-friendly carriers.

Navigating BNA: Practical Tips for Travelers

Traveling through a rapidly expanding airport can be daunting. With the current infrastructure layout in 2026, here is what travelers need to know to make their journey through BNA as seamless as possible.

Parking and Ground Transportation

BNA has invested billions into its parking and transportation centers. For those driving to the airport, there are now six distinct parking options. The Terminal Garages 1 and 2 offer the most convenient access, located just a short walk from the check-in counters. These garages utilize an advanced parking space guidance system, reducing the time spent circling for a spot.

If you are using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, the Ground Transportation Center is located on Level 1 of Terminal Garage 2. It is a dedicated, climate-controlled facility that separates airport traffic from passenger pickups, significantly reducing congestion at the curb.

Security and TSA PreCheck

Wait times at BNA are generally efficient, with most passengers clearing security in less than 15 minutes. However, during peak festival seasons—such as the CMA Fest or Bonnaroo—it is highly recommended to arrive at least two and a half hours before your flight. BNA offers multiple TSA checkpoints throughout the main hub, and those with TSA PreCheck or CLEAR can take advantage of expedited lanes that are consistently staffed.

Sustainability Initiatives

Modern BNA isn't just about size; it's about responsibility. The airport has implemented several "green" initiatives, including a massive vegetation wall on the parking structures and a 20,000-gallon rainwater harvesting system used for landscape irrigation. These features are part of the airport's goal to achieve high-level LEED certification across its new facilities.

The Spirit of Music City in the Terminal

What truly sets BNA apart from other major airports is its commitment to the Nashville identity. The airport is often referred to as a "Music City" experience in its own right. Beyond the live performances in Concourse C, the airport features an extensive "Arts at the Airport" program. This includes permanent and rotating exhibits from local and regional artists, ranging from large-scale sculptures to intricate photography.

The dining scene at BNA has also been curated to reflect the local flavors of Tennessee. Travelers can find authentic hot chicken, local craft beers, and world-class barbecue within the terminal, often provided by the same iconic brands found in the 12 South or Gulch neighborhoods. This focus on local business ensures that even a short layover provides a taste of what makes Nashville unique.

Looking Ahead: The New Horizon Program

The growth of BNA shows no signs of slowing down. The "New Horizon" program, a $3 billion investment currently underway, is focusing on the next phase of the airport’s evolution. This includes the design and construction of a permanent, state-of-the-art International Arrivals Facility (IAF) to replace the interim buildings.

Additionally, the airport is preparing for future transit options. Renderings for the new terminal plaza include a proposed transit station, ensuring that BNA is ready to connect with future light rail or rapid bus systems that will link the airport directly to the heart of Nashville. This forward-thinking approach ensures that BNA remains a competitive and accessible choice for the 40 million annual passengers expected by the next decade.

Conclusion: A Code of Honor

While the name "Nashville International Airport" communicates the facility’s current status as a global player, the code "BNA" preserves the memory of its humble beginnings. It honors the vision of Colonel Harry S. Berry and the thousands of workers who built the first runways during the Great Depression.

For the resident of Nashville, BNA is more than just an airport; it is the gateway to home. For the visitor, it is the first and last impression of a city that values its history as much as its future. The next time you see "BNA" on your luggage tag, you’ll know it represents more than just a destination—it represents a century of ambition, community, and the enduring spirit of Berry Field.