TYS Airport Code: IATA, KTYS, Location and Travel Info
TYS is the Knoxville airport code travelers use for McGhee Tyson Airport. This guide explains the TYS airport abbreviation, country, time zone, map location, departures, parking, pickup, ground transport and common trip-planning mistakes.
Quick answer:TYS is the IATA airport code for McGhee Tyson Airport, the commercial airport serving Knoxville and East Tennessee. The FAA/ICAO-style aviation identifier is KTYS. The airport is in Alcoa, Tennessee, United States, about 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville.
Independent airport guide: Airport-Guides.org is not McGhee Tyson Airport, the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, TSA, FAA, an airline, a parking operator, a taxi company or a ride-share provider. Use this page for planning, then verify live flights, road conditions, parking availability and airline requirements with official sources.
Current travel-day alert:
McGhee Tyson Airport has posted a lower-level roadway lane closure beginning Monday, August 24, 2026, through spring 2027 for new parking-garage canopy construction. Arrivals pickup and baggage-claim traffic may move slower during busy periods.
Same-day command center
Check these official TYS pages before leaving
Airport-code articles are static. Departures, arrivals, parking occupancy, airline schedules, roadwork and pickup conditions can change the same day. Use these official links before driving to Alcoa Highway.
TYS is the three-letter IATA code for McGhee Tyson Airport. It is the airport code travelers see on airline tickets, boarding passes, baggage tags, flight trackers and booking sites when flying to or from Knoxville, Tennessee.
Airport Travel Command Center
Airport live checks & travel tools
Use current local conditions, official live-status links and planning calculators before you travel. Airline gate, terminal and flight times can change; your carrier remains the final source for flight-specific details.
Airport—
Local time—
Terminals—
WeatherLoading…
Live flight center
Check the airport's official flight board, then confirm any last-minute gate or timing change with the airline.
“Live” here means a current source is being opened or fetched. This block does not invent gates, delays or flight status when a verified feed is unavailable.
Current airport-area weather
Useful for planning your trip to the airport. This is model-based local weather, not an aviation METAR or an airline operational forecast.
—
Loading current conditions…
Feels like—
Visibility—
Wind—
Cloud cover—
Source: Open-Meteo current model dataNot loaded
Current weather could not be loaded. Use the official aviation-weather link instead.
Quick official checks
Open the source that matches the decision you are making right now.
A planning estimate based on flight type and common time buffers. Always increase the buffer for severe weather, major holidays, unusual airport alerts or airline instructions.
Enter your departure time to build a plan.
Connection-risk checker
This is a planning heuristic, not an airline minimum-connection-time rule. International arrivals that require U.S. entry processing, baggage claim and security can need substantially more time.
Adjust the options to estimate how much buffer you have.
Parking cost estimator
Uses the airport-specific rates stored in this article's configuration. Rates can change; verify availability and final pricing on the official parking page before driving in.
Landing time is not curb-ready time. Add time for taxiing, deplaning, baggage claim, customs when applicable and walking to the correct pickup zone.
Enter the landing time to estimate when the passenger may actually reach pickup.
The TYS airport abbreviation comes from the Tyson part of McGhee Tyson Airport’s name. McGhee Tyson Airport is named for Charles McGhee Tyson, a Knoxville-born U.S. Navy pilot who was lost during World War I.
Passenger codeTYS
Use for booking, flight search, baggage tags and airline apps.
FAA / aviationKTYS
Used in FAA procedures, aviation weather and flight operations.
Airport nameMcGhee Tyson
Main commercial airport for Knoxville and East Tennessee.
CountryUnited States
TYS airport code country is the U.S.
Time zoneEastern Time
Uses EST/EDT depending on daylight saving time.
Traveler takeaway: Search TYS for passenger flights. Search KTYS only when you need aviation, weather, chart, ADS-B, pilot or FAA procedure information.
Knoxville airport code vs McGhee Tyson airport code
Search phrasetys airport code
Correct answer: TYS.Best for tickets, departures, arrivals, baggage and airport pickup.
Search phraseknoxville airport code
Correct answer: TYS.McGhee Tyson Airport is the main commercial airport serving Knoxville.
Search phrasemcghee tyson airport code
Correct answer: TYS / KTYS.TYS is passenger-facing; KTYS is aviation-facing.
Search phrasetys airport code location
Alcoa, Tennessee.The airport serves Knoxville but is physically south of the city in Blount County.
Search phrasetys airport code departures
Use the official FlyKnoxville flight board.Gate, delay and airline information can change close to departure.
Fast answers
TYS airport facts most travelers need first
Fact-checked 2026-08-27
TYS
Airport code
TYS is the passenger airport code for McGhee Tyson Airport.
IATATicketsBaggage
KTYS
Aviation code
KTYS appears in FAA procedures, aviation weather and pilot-facing systems.
FAAChartsWeather
US
Country
TYS is in the United States, in the state of Tennessee.
USATennessee
ET
Time zone
TYS uses Eastern Time: EST in winter and EDT during daylight saving time.
America/New_York
12
Distance from Knoxville
The airport is about 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville.
Alcoa HighwayUS 129
1
Terminal layout
TYS is a compact airport with one main passenger terminal, ticketing, one TSA checkpoint and baggage claim.
Simple layoutShort walks
Interactive travel tools
TYS trip tools: departure buffer, parking estimate and pickup plan
These tools use static planning logic and published rates. They do not pull live flight, TSA, rideshare, road or parking-occupancy data.
Departure arrival-time calculator
Estimate how early to reach the terminal curb or parking lot.
Choose your situation, then calculate.
Parking cost estimator
Uses current published daily maximums for planning.
Enter parked hours to estimate. Confirm official rates and occupancy before arriving.
Pickup readiness checker
Reduce looping around the arrivals roadway.
Select passenger status to get a pickup plan.
Ground transport decision tool
Choose the better option for Knoxville, Maryville, Pigeon Forge or the Smokies.
Select destination type to get a practical recommendation.
Terminal guide
McGhee Tyson Airport terminal layout
TYS is easier to use than many large hub airports. The core passenger path is simple: ticket counters and drop-off on the upper level, TSA screening before the concourse, baggage claim and pickup on the lower level, and rental car counters near baggage claim.
Traveler taskChecking in
Use the ticketing/check-in area in the main terminal.Pro tip: check the operating airline, not just the marketing airline on a codeshare.
Traveler taskSecurity
Use the TSA checkpoint shown on the official terminal map.Pro tip: early morning airline banks can still create lines at small airports.
Traveler taskBaggage claim
Baggage claim is on the lower level.Pro tip: tell pickup drivers to wait in the Phone Lot until bags are in hand.
Traveler taskRental cars
Rental car counters are on the lower level near baggage claim.Pro tip: reserve ahead; the airport itself recommends advance reservations.
Traveler taskFood and amenities
Food and retail are concentrated around the terminal and post-security concourse.Pro tip: confirm hours if you are flying very early, late or on a low-frequency day.
Traveler takeaway: TYS does not require a terminal-to-terminal transfer for normal passenger movement. Your bigger risks are parking-lot choice, early-morning lines, rental-car availability and arriving too late from Economy parking.
Departures and airlines
Knoxville airport code departures: how to check the right flight
For Knoxville airport code departures, search by TYS on the official FlyKnoxville flight board or your airline app. Flight trackers can lag, so use your airline for boarding, seat, bag-drop and cancellation instructions.
AA
Airline app first
Use your airline app for boarding pass, gate update, baggage rules, cancellation and delay rebooking.
TYS
Airport board second
Use the TYS departure board for airport-wide departure status and pickup planning.
BAG
Bag-drop cutoff
Airline counter rules can differ. Do not assume a small airport means late bag check is safe.
Airlines serving TYS
McGhee Tyson’s official airport site says the airport offers nonstop flights through six airlines. Southwest service at TYS began in March 2026. Because airlines can add or pause routes, use the official airline directory before booking around a specific carrier.
Carrier typeLegacy network airlines
American, Delta and United commonly connect Knoxville through large hubs.Good for one-ticket domestic and international connections.
Carrier typeLow-cost and leisure airlines
Allegiant, Frontier and Southwest can be useful for nonstop leisure or point-to-point routes.Check operating days, bag fees, seat rules and schedule frequency.
Carrier typeCodeshares
The airline on your ticket may not be the airline operating the flight.Use the operating carrier for counter location, app notifications and day-of-travel help.
Practical move: If someone is picking you up, send the official TYS arrivals link plus your airline and flight number. Do not send only “TYS” or “Knoxville airport.”
Parking and wait lot
TYS parking rates, lot choice and mistakes to avoid
McGhee Tyson Airport’s published parking structure charges $1 for every 20 minutes until the daily maximum. Economy Lot C and Economy Lot G changed to $13 per day effective July 1, 2026. Lot availability can change, so check the official parking map before you leave.
Parking optionGarage Parking
$22/day. Closest covered option; 7′2″ height clearance.Best for fastest terminal access, short business trips or bad weather.
Parking optionTerminal Lot B
$16/day. Walking distance to terminal with sidewalk access.Best value when you want to walk instead of using an Economy shuttle.
Parking optionEconomy Lot C
$13/day. Shuttle service to terminal building.Add shuttle time; official guidance says ADA-compliant bus service runs every 15 minutes.
Parking optionEconomy Lot G
$13/day. Overflow Economy parking with shuttle access when open.Check occupancy before arrival; do not assume overflow is open.
Parking optionPhone and Wait Lot
Free. Open 24 hours and located behind the Airport Hilton.Use only while you remain with the vehicle; unattended vehicles are not allowed.
Terminal Lot A note
Terminal Lot A is temporarily closed while the airport installs new parking equipment. Use the official parking page before driving to the terminal.
Oversized vehicle warning
Trailers, motorhomes, buses and oversized vehicles are not permitted in airport parking lots. Contact Republic Parking before arrival if your vehicle is unusually tall or long.
Long stays
If parking longer than 30 days, contact Republic Parking in advance. Parking questions are handled by Republic Parking at 865-970-2749.
Airport mistake to avoid: Economy parking can save money, but it can cost time. Add at least 20–30 extra minutes for parking, shuttle wait, luggage and walking when using Economy Lots C or G.
Pickup and drop-off
TYS passenger pickup and drop-off guide
For departures, use the upper level. Passengers may be dropped off curbside on the upper level at Departures/Ticketing.
For arrivals, use the lower level. Passenger pickup happens at the terminal’s lower level near Arrivals/Baggage Claim.
Wait in the Phone and Wait Lot until the passenger is ready. The official pickup guidance tells drivers to wait until the traveler has claimed luggage and contacts them.
Do not stop early in active traffic lanes. The lower-level roadway construction closure can make curb congestion worse, especially during arrival banks.
IN
Picking someone up
Use the free Phone and Wait Lot behind the Airport Hilton until your passenger has bags and is ready at lower-level arrivals.
OUT
Dropping someone off
Use the upper level for Departures/Ticketing. If you want to walk inside, the parking garage is the most convenient option.
Ground transportation
Transportation from TYS: rideshare, taxis, rental cars and shuttles
McGhee Tyson Airport does not provide an off-property airport shuttle. Plan your ride ahead, especially for late-night arrivals, Smoky Mountains trips, campus weekends or remote destinations where Uber and Lyft supply may be limited.
OptionUber and Lyft
Ride-share pickup is outside on the lower level; after exiting, pickup is directly to the right.Best for Knoxville hotels, UT area and short city trips. Schedule ahead when arriving off-peak.
OptionTaxi or car service
Use official ground transportation information and airport signage.Best for travelers who need a guaranteed ride or do not want app uncertainty.
OptionRental car
Counters are on the lower level near baggage claim; returns are on the first floor of the parking garage.Best for Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Oak Ridge, Maryville or multi-stop trips.
OptionHotel shuttle
Some nearby hotels offer airport shuttles, but TYS itself does not operate off-property shuttle service.Confirm pickup location, hours and whether advance booking is required.
OptionAccessible transport
Airport accessibility guidance lists organizations with accessible wheelchair lifts; reservations are required.Do not wait until arrival if wheelchair-accessible ground transportation is required.
Rental car companies at TYS
Alamo
Counter near baggage claim.
Avis
Advance reservations recommended.
Budget
Shares airport rental-car area.
Enterprise
On-airport rental counter.
Hertz
On-airport rental counter.
National
On-airport rental counter.
Dollar
On-airport rental counter.
Payless
On-airport rental counter.
Smokies traveler tip: If your final stop is Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg or Great Smoky Mountains National Park, compare app ride availability with rental-car cost. A one-way app ride may be easy at noon and difficult late at night.
Amenities and accessibility
Family travel, accessibility and airport help at TYS
TYS has a compact terminal, but travelers with children, service animals, mobility needs or language support should still plan ahead. Airline wheelchair assistance should be requested through the operating airline before travel.
WIFI
Free Wi-Fi and charging
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, with plug-in stations for charging devices.
INFO
Information booth
The information booth is on the first floor in baggage claim and is staffed daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
PUSH
Wheelchair help
Airport representatives are available for wheelchair and additional assistance from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. For vehicle-side help, call 865-342-3180 during those hours.
FAM
Family restrooms
Family restrooms are located on the concourse near Gate 2 and Gate 7.
MILK
Lactation pod
A Mamava lactation pod is located on the concourse near Gate 7, past the TSA checkpoint.
PET
Service animal relief
Relief areas are located outside near the Airport Hilton and on the concourse past TSA screening.
Request airline wheelchair service before travel, not only at the curb.
Build extra time if you need assistance from parking, ticketing or baggage claim.
Use the information booth for paging, language help and airport/community questions.
Keep medication, mobility-device batteries and child essentials in carry-on bags.
Troubleshooting
TYS travel problems: what to do next
ProblemYour flight is delayed
Possible reason: weather, late aircraft, crew, maintenance or airline network delays.What to do: check your airline app first, then the official TYS flight board.
ProblemYou cannot find rideshare
Possible reason: pickup is not at the upper-level departure curb.What to do: go to the lower level and exit; the ride-share area is directly to the right.
ProblemEconomy lot shuttle adds time
Possible reason: shuttle wait, luggage loading or peak parking demand.What to do: add 20–30 minutes or choose Garage/Terminal Lot B when timing matters.
ProblemYou lost an item
Possible reason: item may be with airline, TSA, rental car company, rideshare or airport staff.What to do: start with where the item was last seen. Aircraft and checked-bag issues go to the airline first.
ProblemYou need customs or currency exchange
Possible reason: TYS is not an international airport and does not offer currency exchange.What to do: handle currency through your bank and use a connecting international gateway for customs.
Location and map
TYS airport code location and map
TYS airport code location: McGhee Tyson Airport is at 2055 Alcoa Highway, Alcoa, TN 37701. It serves Knoxville, Maryville, Blount County, Oak Ridge, the University of Tennessee area and travelers heading toward the Great Smoky Mountains.
Route note: From Knoxville, the main driving approach uses I-40 West to Exit 386B for 129 South / Alcoa Highway / Airport / Smoky Mountains. From Nashville or Chattanooga, official directions route travelers via I-40 East to I-140 and then 129 South.
Avoid airport-code confusion
TYS vs other Tennessee and Knoxville-area airport codes
Airport-code confusion matters because Tennessee has several airports and Knoxville also has a general-aviation airport close to downtown. Use the right code before booking, shipping, tracking a flight or arranging pickup.
CodeTYS
McGhee Tyson Airport near Knoxville.Use for commercial airline travel to/from Knoxville and East Tennessee.
CodeKTYS
FAA/aviation identifier for McGhee Tyson.Use for aviation weather, procedures and pilot-facing systems.
CodeDKX
Knoxville Downtown Island Airport.General aviation airport, not the main commercial airline airport.
CodeBNA
Nashville International Airport.Different city and airport; do not book BNA if you need Knoxville.
CodeTRI
Tri-Cities Airport.Serves Northeast Tennessee/Southwest Virginia region, not central Knoxville.
TYS is the IATA code for McGhee Tyson Airport, the commercial airport serving Knoxville and East Tennessee. The abbreviation comes from the Tyson name in McGhee Tyson Airport.
What is the TYS airport code country?
TYS is in the United States. The airport is located in Alcoa, Tennessee, near Knoxville.
What time zone is TYS airport code in?
TYS uses Eastern Time. It observes Eastern Standard Time in winter and Eastern Daylight Time during daylight saving time.
Where is TYS airport code located?
TYS is McGhee Tyson Airport at 2055 Alcoa Highway, Alcoa, TN 37701, about 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville.
Is Knoxville airport code TYS?
Yes. The main commercial Knoxville airport code is TYS. The airport’s full name is McGhee Tyson Airport.
Is McGhee Tyson airport code TYS or KTYS?
For travelers, the code is TYS. In FAA, aviation and weather systems, the identifier commonly appears as KTYS.
How do I check Knoxville airport code departures?
Use the official FlyKnoxville departures and arrivals page, then confirm boarding, gate, baggage and cancellation details through your airline app.
Does TYS have international customs?
McGhee Tyson Airport says it is not an international airport and does not have customs offices. International travelers usually connect through a larger gateway airport.
Where is Uber or Lyft pickup at TYS?
Ride-share pickup is outside on the lower level of the terminal. After exiting the building, the pickup location is directly to the right.
Is there free waiting parking at TYS?
Yes. The Phone and Wait Lot behind the Airport Hilton is free, open 24 hours and intended for drivers waiting with their vehicle until passengers are ready.
How much is parking at McGhee Tyson Airport?
Current published daily maximums are $22/day for Garage Parking, $16/day for Terminal Lot B and $13/day for Economy Lots C and G. Check the official parking map for availability and current notices.
