Starting December 2025, Tri‑Cities Airport will launch nonstop flights to two major U.S. international airports, marking the first time the region has had direct access to global travel networks. The new service will operate twice weekly and is expected to significantly reduce the need for connecting flights through traditional hubs like Atlanta or Charlotte.
The announcement is being framed as a major breakthrough for Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. For years, residents and business travelers have had to rely on layovers to reach key domestic or international destinations. With this new expansion, that era may be coming to an end.
Airport officials are expected to formally unveil the airline partner and destinations during a public announcement, with service beginning in time for holiday travel. While the frequency is currently limited to two flights per week, the strategic importance of having direct links to international gateways is substantial. It streamlines the passenger experience, cuts down travel time, and opens up faster access to the global economy.
Local business leaders are already praising the move as a catalyst for growth. Easier access to global markets could boost tourism, attract new conferences, improve export potential, and make the region more appealing for future investment. For local residents, it means more convenient options for vacations, family visits, and business trips without spending hours navigating multiple airports.
The launch also signals that smaller regional airports are starting to play a bigger role in the country’s aviation map. As airlines look to expand into new, underserved markets, moves like this could set the tone for broader national connectivity.
A quiet regional terminal is about to become a global jumping-off point—and that’s just the beginning.
