Officials at Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) say they are waiting on approvals from Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that would allow direct flights from Nashville International Airport (BNA) to Asia. 

The project to expand BNA’s runways actually started under the previous presidential administration. In October, MNAA also unveiled plans for a second terminal. 

MNAA CEO Doug Kreulen told reporters that environmental-study approvals and runway-extension clearance were expected before a recent government shutdown. Now, he says those approvals could come within the next few months. 

To make direct long-haul flights to destinations such as Japan, Korea or China possible, the airport needs a longer runway. Once approved, the extension will take about six years to complete. The current runway crosses over Murfreesboro Pike; the expansion will bring an additional runway over the road to meet the length requirements. 

Meanwhile, BNA is also expanding its terminal space: once the renovation of Concourse A is finished (expected in 2028), the airport will grow from 54 to 70 gates, increasing its capacity for future growth and international traffic.