Tri-Cities Airport in 2024 supported 2,100 jobs, $289M in economic activity

BLOUNTVILLE — A recent economic impact study of Tri-Cities Airport or TRI found that the airport supported approximately 2,100 jobs and $289 million in economic activity in 2024. The study also estimates that activity connected to TRI generated more than $42 million in tax revenue for federal, state and local governments. The study was conducted by InterVISTAS Consulting USA LLC on behalf of the Tri-Cities Airport Authority and looked at the many ways the airport contributes to the economy, including its day-to-day operations, construction and improvement projects and the spending of visitors who fly into the region. "TRI is an important part of the community we serve, and this study helps show how far that impact reaches," Gene Cossey, president and CEO of Tri-Cities Airport, said in an airport news release. "The benefits of the airport extend well beyond the terminal. They reach local businesses, employees, hotels, restaurants and attractions, and help connect our region with opportunities across the country." VISITORS One of the biggest ways TRI contributes to the local economy is by bringing people into Northeast Tennessee, the release said. The study estimates that about 130,000 visitors arrived in Tennessee through TRI in 2024, spending approximately $96 million during their visits. That spending supports businesses throughout the region, including hotels, restaurants, retail stores, car rental companies and other tourism-related businesses. Visitor spending connected to TRI supported an estimated 1,330 jobs and $153 million in economic activity in 2024. The airport also plays an important role in business travel. Of the visitors who arrived through commercial service, approximately 30% were traveling for business. General aviation visitors were even more likely to be traveling for business, with about 68% traveling for business purposes. "Air service helps bring people here for business meetings, college visits, race weekends, family trips and vacations," Cossey said. "Those visitors are spending money in our communities, and that spending supports jobs and businesses throughout the region." Tri-Cities Airport helps support regional jobs and investments. The airport itself and the businesses operating at TRI directly supported approximately 390 jobs in 2024. When the broader economic activity created by those jobs and airport operations is included, the total rises to approximately 670 jobs and $121 million in economic activity. TRI's continued investment in its facilities also contributes to the economy. The airport invested nearly $11 million in capital projects in 2024, with capital improvements supporting an estimated 90 jobs and more than $15 million in total economic activity. The study also found that TRI's economic activity generated an estimated $42.2 million in federal, state and local tax revenue in 2024. Approximately $18 million of that total went to state and local governments in Tennessee. Tri-Cities Airport serves as a regional asset. Its core market includes the Tri-Cities of Bristol, Johnson City and Kingsport, with travelers also coming from communities throughout Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia and Western North Carolina. The airport handled approximately 447,000 commercial passengers in 2024, a record level of passenger activity for TRI and a significant increase from the years immediately following the COVID-19 pandemic. "TRI's success is closely connected to the success of Northeast Tennessee," Cossey said. "When our region grows, we want the airport to be ready to support that growth. And when we have strong air service, it helps our communities attract visitors, support businesses, and stay connected to the rest of the world." The 2024 Economic Impact Study was based on employment data from businesses operating at TRI, surveys of travelers using the airport, general aviation activity and other aviation and economic data. The study examined the direct activity associated with TRI, as well as the additional economic activity created when those dollars are spent throughout the economy. AIRPORT SERVICE TRI offers non-stop flights to seven airports: Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Orlando International (MCO), Orlando Sanford (SFB), St. Pete-Clearwater (PIE), Washington DC (IAD) on Allegiant, American, Breeze and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit flyTRI.com.