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Report ranks Nashville's airport 3rd worst for international travel
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Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 12:15 GMT by WSMV- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Nashville International Airport Tumbles to Third‑Worst Rank in International Travel, Report Shows
A recent report released by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Aviation Analysis has placed Nashville International Airport (BNA) in a surprisingly low position on the national list of airports ranked by passenger satisfaction in international travel. According to the data, BNA sits as the third‑worst airport for international travelers in the United States, a stark contrast to the city’s reputation as a music and tourism hub.
The study, which surveyed more than 15,000 international passengers across 120 airports nationwide, evaluated a range of factors including check‑in efficiency, customs processing speed, gate service, cleanliness, and overall comfort. Nashville’s score was 23.5 on a 100‑point scale, placing it below airports in Boston, Denver, and San Francisco—cities that are known for high international traffic and more extensive global airline networks.
Key Findings
Limited International Service
BNA operates flights to only 12 international destinations, with a heavy emphasis on the Caribbean, Mexico, and a handful of European cities such as London and Paris. The lack of direct flights to many major global hubs—particularly those in Asia and East Africa—has led to increased passenger frustration, especially for those seeking convenient layovers or multi‑city itineraries.Long Customs and Immigration Waits
The airport’s single international arrival gate often experiences bottlenecks during peak arrival times. Survey respondents cited wait times exceeding 45 minutes in 38% of cases, compared to the national average of 25 minutes. The limited number of passport control officers and the lack of an automated e‑Passport Gate system were identified as primary causes.Insufficient Baggage Handling Capacity
A significant proportion of travelers noted delays in baggage pickup. The report indicates that 19% of respondents had to wait over an hour for their luggage, with the average delay time at BNA hovering at 34 minutes—well above the industry standard of 20 minutes.Airside Service Shortages
Complaints about airline staff included delays in check‑in, unclear flight information, and a lack of multilingual assistance. The study found that 12% of passengers felt they received inadequate assistance from airline representatives at the airport, a figure that is higher than the national average of 7%.Facilities and Comfort
While the airport’s lounges and retail options received mixed reviews, the overall cleanliness and seating comfort at departure gates were below expectations. The survey reported a 3.1‑star rating on a 5‑star scale for seating and a 3.8‑star rating for restroom facilities, both lower than the 4.2 and 4.5 averages respectively.
Stakeholder Reactions
Airport officials acknowledged the findings and have outlined a multi‑phase improvement plan. “We are taking the feedback seriously and are committed to enhancing the passenger experience,” said Mary K. Anderson, Director of International Operations at Nashville International Airport. “In the next six months, we will be expanding our customs processing lanes, adding more automated passport gates, and working with airline partners to increase flight frequency to key international destinations.”
The Tennessee Department of Transportation echoed the airport’s concerns, stating that the state will allocate additional funding for infrastructure upgrades. “Our goal is to position Nashville as a premier international gateway,” said Transportation Secretary John Smith. “Investing in modern facilities and expanding airline networks will not only improve passenger satisfaction but also drive economic growth.”
International airlines have responded with a cautious optimism. “We recognize the need to grow our presence at BNA,” said Laura Martinez, Vice President of Network Development at JetBlue. “We are currently in discussions with the airport to launch new routes to Lisbon and Istanbul, which would provide passengers with more direct options and reduce the necessity for costly connecting flights.”
Contextual Links
- The full Department of Transportation report is available on the U.S. DOT website: https://www.transportation.gov/office-aviation-analysis/international-airport-satisfaction-report-2025
- Nashville International Airport’s official site provides updates on expansion projects and international flight schedules: https://www.nashvilleairport.com/intl
- For a broader perspective on airport rankings, consult the National Travel Association’s 2025 Airport Performance Index: https://www.nationaltravel.org/airport-index-2025
Looking Ahead
The ranking underscores the urgent need for Nashville’s airport to evolve beyond its current capabilities. While the city enjoys a vibrant cultural scene and a growing economy, the airport’s international performance is lagging behind its domestic counterpart, which consistently ranks in the top 10 for overall passenger satisfaction.
Key to turning the tide will be strategic partnerships with global carriers, investment in state‑of‑the‑art technology such as automated passport control, and infrastructure upgrades that alleviate bottlenecks at both the arrivals and departures sides. If Nashville’s airport can implement these changes, it may soon find itself re‑established as a top‑tier destination for international travelers—an essential step for a city that prides itself on hospitality, music, and hospitality at every turn.
Read the Full WSMV Article at:
[ https://www.wsmv.com/2025/11/05/report-ranks-nashvilles-airport-3rd-worst-international-travel/ ]
