How a regional airport helped a city break free from industrial monopoly

Countries & Cities · Published 14 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In the early 20th century, the city of Alcoa was economically tethered to a single industrial giant. The development of McGhee Tyson Airport wasn't just about aviation; it was a strategic move to diversify the local economy and secure independence from the world's third-largest aluminum producer.

The economic history of Alcoa, Tennessee, is deeply intertwined with the production of aluminum. Because of its proximity to hydroelectric dams along the Little Tennessee River, the city became a primary hub for the world's third-largest aluminum producer, Alcoa Inc. While this provided industrial growth, it also created a heavy economic dependence on a single corporation. The development of McGhee Tyson Airport served as a critical catalyst for the city to diversify its economic base and gain independence from the dominance of the aluminum industry.

The airport's physical evolution reflects the rapid growth of mid-century aviation. Originally opening in 1930 on just 60 acres in West Knoxville, the site was moved in 1935 to a 351-acre plot in Blount County. By the late 1930s, the airport was already expanding its infrastructure, growing its primary runways from roughly 3,100 and 4,200 feet to 4,000 and 5,000 feet respectively. The United States Air Force later established facilities there in 1951, including a 7,500-foot runway, which paved the way for scheduled jet service by 1965.

Today, McGhee Tyson serves as a major multi-use hub, employing about 2,700 people and hosting the 134th Air Refueling Wing of the Tennessee Air National Guard. It manages a complex balance of commercial, military, and cargo operations. For instance, 90% of its air cargo operations are handled by UPS and Federal Express, supported by a 21-acre facility built in 1992. The airport continues to expand, with a recent $27.9 million FAA grant funding a project to lengthen a north runway to 10,000 feet, completed in late 2021.

The facility is also a study in themed infrastructure. The passenger terminal features a Smoky Mountain aesthetic, incorporating wood carvings of bears and faux waterfalls. Despite its rural surroundings, the airport has seen massive scaling; in 2025, it set an all-time record of over 3.6 million passengers, an 8.7% increase over the previous year. This growth is driving new projects, including a planned six-gate terminal expansion targeted for 2028 and a new six-story garage to add 3,500 parking spots.

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