Chattanooga: Your Gateway to the Tennessee Mountains
Located at the confluence of the Tennessee River and the Appalachian foothills, Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a vibrant city of roughly 180,000 residents and a growing tourism hub. Travelers and business professionals alike rely on the city’s primary aviation gateway, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA), to connect to major hubs such as Atlanta, Dallas, and Chicago. In 2023 the airport handled over 1.1 million passenger enplanements, supporting local employers like the Tennessee Valley Authority, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and dozens of logistics firms. The airport’s strategic position—just 5 miles north of downtown and adjacent to the historic St. Elmo neighborhood—makes it the fastest “airport in Chattanooga” for commuters living in North Chattanooga, St. Elmo, and the Highland Park district.
Chattanooga Airport Locations
The Chattanooga region is served by three public‑use airports, each catering to a different segment of air travel. The commercial hub is Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA), situated on John Ross Bridge Road. For general‑aviation pilots, McCalla Airport (XGN) offers a 4,000‑foot runway just 7 miles southeast of downtown, near the Riverbend area. Hixson Airport (0A0), located in the Hixson community on Highway 58, provides a 3,500‑foot runway and flight‑training services for the suburban population east of the city. Together these facilities ensure that the phrase “airport near Chattanooga” returns multiple options for private, corporate, and commercial travelers.
Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) – The Main Commercial Hub
CHA features a single 10,000‑foot asphalt runway (04/22) capable of handling Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 family aircraft. The terminal houses three airline gates, a TSA‑screened security checkpoint, and a U‑S Customs and Border Protection preclearance desk for occasional international charters. Airlines such as American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Express provide nonstop service to Atlanta (ATL), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), and Chicago O’Hare (ORD). The airport’s annual cargo throughput exceeds 20,000 tons, largely supporting regional manufacturers and the nearby Volkswagen Chattanooga Assembly Plant. Parking facilities include a short‑term garage (200 spaces) and a long‑term economy lot with a 0.6‑cent per‑hour rate, both within a 10‑minute drive to the terminal.
McCalla Airport (XGN) – General Aviation Near the River
McCalla Airport, operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority, sits at 1900 McCalla Road, just off US‑27. The 4,000‑foot runway accommodates single‑engine planes, business jets, and occasional air‑taxi services. The fixed‑base operator (FBO) offers 24‑hour fuel, hangar rentals, and a pilot lounge overlooking the Tennessee River. The airport is approximately 7 miles (11 km) from downtown Chattanooga, making it the preferred “airport near the Tennessee Aquarium” for private flyers seeking quick access to the city’s riverfront attractions.
Hixson Airport (0A0) – Community‑Focused Flight Services
Located at 5000 Old Lee Highway in the Hixson suburb, this public‑use field provides a 3,500‑foot runway, aircraft maintenance shops, and flight‑training schools partnered with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s aviation program. Residents of the Hixson and Ooltewah neighborhoods often use this facility for recreational flying, and it serves as the “closest airport to the Hixson community” at just 3 miles from the local shopping district.
How to Reach Airport in Chattanooga
Travelers can reach Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport by several convenient routes. The most direct highway connection is via US‑27 North, a four‑lane corridor that links downtown, the North Chattanooga and St. Elmo neighborhoods to the airport in roughly 12‑minute drive time under normal traffic. For those staying near the Riverbend or Southside districts, I‑24 East provides a 15‑minute commute, while the I‑75 corridor serves the western suburbs of Red Bank and Soddy‑Daisy. The Greater Chattanooga Regional Transportation Authority (CRT) operates the #38 “Airport Express” bus that departs every 30 minutes from the downtown Intermodal Center, stopping at the airport terminal and the nearby rental‑car hub. Ride‑share services such as Uber and Lyft are plentiful, with average fares ranging from $18 to $25 depending on pickup location. Bicycle‑friendly commuters can use the Tennessee Riverwalk trail to connect to a secure bike‑rack facility at the airport’s east‑side parking lot, a popular option for “airport near me” searches from the North Shore.
Airport Services in Chattanooga
The Chattanooga airport office, located at 1000 John Ross Bridge Road, offers a visitor information desk, airline ticketing counters, and a dedicated “Chattanooga airport office” line for corporate inquiries. The office is open Monday through Friday, 7:00 am–5:00 pm, and Saturday 8:00 am–12:00 pm. Travelers can call the main phone number (423) 947‑5600 for flight status, parking reservations, or assistance with TSA pre‑check enrollment. Inside the terminal, free Wi‑Fi is provided throughout the gate area, and a modest food‑court offers regional specialties such as Tennessee BBQ and Cherokee fries. Rental‑car agencies—including Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis—operate a consolidated shuttle hub just outside the main entrance, reducing wait times for “airport near Chattanooga” renters. For business travelers, the airport features a quiet lounge with complimentary coffee, conference‑room rentals, and a conference‑call booth. Additional services include a pet‑relief area, a 24‑hour medical clinic, and a baggage‑claim carousel equipped with a “lost‑and‑found” kiosk that processes over 1,200 items per month.
International Airports
An international airport is a vital component of any major metropolitan area. It connects domestic and international travelers, providing them with a means to connect to the rest of the world.
An international airport is a large airport that is equipped to handle both domestic and international flights. It also has a significant economic impact on the local community.
These major Tennessee Airports generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the local economy through tourism and other related industries.
A large international airport also offers a variety of amenities for travelers. These can include shopping centers, dining options, lounges, and other services such as currency exchange and luggage storage.
Private Airports
Private airports, also known as general aviation airports, are airports that are not open to commercial airlines and are used primarily by private aircraft.
One of the main benefits of a private airport is the exclusivity and privacy it offers.
These airports are often used by high-profile individuals, such as celebrities and business executives, who value their privacy and want to avoid the crowds and security lines of commercial airports.
Private airports also offer more flexibility and convenience for aircraft owners. They can also be used for training pilots and hosting aviation events.
There are 0 Private Airport in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Regional Airports
Regional airports are smaller airports that serve a rural geographic region, such as a smaller city or county with a population of less than 100,000.
Small airports mostly offer flights within the same country, but some may offer flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of regional airports is their convenience. They also tend to have shorter security lines and fewer crowds, making the overall travel experience more enjoyable.
There are 1 Regional Airport in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Chattanooga Regional Airport
Municipal Airports
Municipal airports which are also called "public airports" are owned and run by local governments like cities and counties.
Most of the time, they are smaller airports that serve a certain area and have mostly domestic flights, but some may also have flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of municipal airports is their accessibility. They are often located in or near major cities, making them a convenient option for travelers.
Municipal airports provide a vital link for businesses in the region, allowing them to easily connect to other parts of the country.
There are 0 Municipal Airport in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Local Airports
There are 2 Local Airport in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Lookout Mountain Airport
Chattanooga Airport - Cha
Airports near Chattanooga
Frequently Asked Questions — Chattanooga Airport Services
What is the address and phone number of the Chattanooga airport office?
The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport office is located at 1000 John Ross Bridge Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421. For direct assistance, call the main line at (423) 947-5600 between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm on weekdays.
How far is the closest airport to the North Chattanooga neighborhood?
From the North Chattanooga district, the closest airport is Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA), approximately 5 miles (8 km) north via US-27. The drive typically takes 12-15 minutes, making it the most convenient “airport near me” for residents of St. Elmo, Riverview, and the Walnut Street area.
Where is the airport near the Tennessee Aquarium?
The Tennessee Aquarium sits along the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga. The nearest airport is CHA, located about 7 miles north of the aquarium. Travelers can reach the airport via US-27 North in roughly 15 minutes, or by taking the CRT #38 Airport Express bus from the Intermodal Center.
What are the airport office hours for Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport?
The Chattanooga airport office operates Monday-Friday from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, and is closed on Sundays. These hours apply to the visitor information desk, ticketing counters, and corporate liaison services.
Which parking options are available at the airport near the downtown Chattanooga district?
CHA offers a short-term garage with 200 covered spaces located directly adjacent to the main terminal, ideal for quick drop-offs. A long-term economy lot sits 0.3 miles east of the terminal and provides 1,200 spaces at a rate of $0.60 per hour, with a complimentary shuttle to the terminal every 10 minutes. Valet parking is also available for the downtown business crowd, and a designated electric-vehicle charging station was added in 2022.