Parking changes announced for McGhee Tyson Airport

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. ( WATE ) — Travelers flying out of McGhee Tyson may be paying more to park at the airport this summer, according to new parking rates and other changes announced on Thursday.

Starting June 1, all long-term and short term parking lots will be merged and renamed, and garage parking spaces will be renamed “Garage Parking.” The uncovered parking area by the garage will also be renamed the “Surface Lot.”

Although some lots will maintain the same pricing as previously, the pricing changes seem to mainly impact some economy lots. The changes also include new economy lots. Parking prices listed in the update were:

• Garage Parking remains at $22 per day
• Surface Lot Parking remains at $16 per day
• Economy Lot A & B (previously Terminal Lot A&B) will cost $16 per day.
• Economy Lot C will cost $11 per day
• Economy Lot D & E, which are newly added to the public parking inventory, will cost $11 per day

McGhee Tyson explained that Economy Lots C, D and E will provide shuttle service to and from the terminal buildings. Economy Lost D and E will be utilized as overflow until they are needed at peak times.

For those who simply need to drop off or pick up a friend or loved one, the airport said it will still have hourly parking for each lot of $1 for every 20 minutes until the daily maximum price is reached.

The changes to parking come following the airport’s busiest year in 2023. McGhee Tyson previously announced it was planning changes last July as the region continues to grow.

In the airport’s Facebook post which announced the parking changes, several expressed disappointment that some airline employees will be parking in an unpaved lot. McGhee Tyson responded to the comments, explaining that the lot will not be made of loose gravel, rather it will be a compacted mixture of gravel and sand-like material that will create a “more-sold surface.” The airport also explained that its exponential growth is coming with “some growing pains.”

Any employees with additional questions were directed to contact the MKAA parking office.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.