With 20 Mio. passengers in 2022, Nashville Airport is the biggest airport in the state of Tennessee and even the 25th biggest in the USA. It is a major hub for Southwest Airlines, and a focus city for Allegiant Air. There is a single intercontinental service to London Heathrow opb British Airways. Noticeable cargo flights are operated by Amazon and FedEx. Expect some military movements as there is a Air National Guard base at the airport.

Written by Jason O. Last Update: June 2026, Spot 1

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
02L/20R	2.348 m (7.704 ft) Concrete
02C/20C	2.439 m (8.001 ft) Concrete
02R/20L	2.439 m (8.001 ft) Concrete
13/31	3.362 m (11.030 ft) Concrete
Terminals
Concourse A	Alaska, United
Concourse B	Delta, JetBlue, American
Concourse C	American, Southwest
Concourse D	Southwest only
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not needed.
Car/Public Transport	Car is needed as ther is no public transport to the locations.
Drinks/Food	Nothing close to the locations.
Hotels	Many hotels in the northern area of the airport but no one next to the terminal.
Season	Due to the north-south direction of three of the four the runways, we recommend the summer months.
Security	The airport is not really spotter friendly so expect ID checks. Never ever stay directly at the fence! The official viewing area Spot 1 is fine and you should have no problems there as long as you stay there.
Runway Usage
Northern Wind	02L/20R: Mostly west bound departures with an occasional arrival if the arrival is in A or B Terminal (Delta, United, Spirit, Frontier, JetBlue) 02C/20C: Arrivals from west with occasional departures by GA aircraft and military aircraft. 02R/20L: Arrivals from east and east bound departures 13/31: Not really used
Southern Wind	20R/02L: Arrivals from west 20C/02C: Mostly all departures 20L/02R: Arrivals from east 13/31: not really used
Crosswinds	Very very rare but in this case 13/31 is the only active runway.

	Spot #1 – Aircraft Observation Area – 02L/20R movements
WHERE	This is the official Aircraft Oberservation Area of the airport. It’s a small paking lot with a good view towards the runways. You sit in the grass or on the guardrail. Coming from Murfreesboro Pike (US route 41 / 70S) exit northbound on Briley Parkway (Tennessee 155) for half a mile an exit right into Vultee Blvd. On the end of the road you can see the parking lot. Address: Vultee Blvd, Nashville, TN 37214, USA Update June 2026: Closed permanently. Per a BNA spokesperson — “The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority is planning to close the former observation area to pursue additional development opportunities on the West side of the airport. This new development may include additional support facilities, maintenance repair and overhaul facilities, aircraft hangars, and/or a future airport rescue and firefighting facilities to support the continued growth of Nashville International Airport® (BNA®). Additionally, safety and security remain our top priorities, and these enhancements are critical to ensuring a modern, efficient, and safe experience for all passengers and visitors. We appreciate the public’s understanding as we continue building for the future of BNA.”
WHAT	Best if RWY 02L or 20C are used as the spot is next to these thresholds. 20R and 02R should be okay too. Furthermore all taxiways around these two runways. RWY 13/31 is also in sight but very far. But pictures are possible if there is no heat distortion as you can see below on the BA 787 sample photo.
TIME	From afternoon till sunset. Almost all day for the crosswind runway 13/31.
MISC.	You only have some waste bins, at Briley Parkway you’ll find a gas station. Do not leave the observation are. Stay on the grass but don`t go down the hill as the airport police maybe will get called.
FOCAL LENGTH	Up to 300mm for runway 20R/ 02L , 450mm for runway 20C / 02C, 550mm for runway 13 / 31 (BA 787)

BNA-Spot1

BNA-Spot1

BNA-Spot1

	Spot #2 – Knight Valley Dr – 02C movements
WHERE	The spot is on the southernmost end of the airport at the threshold of runway 02C, next to the King Valley Dr. Access to this road is via Murfreesboro Pike. Get rid of your car in the nearby neighborhood. We recommend Portview Dr as it is a dead end road. You can spot from there or you cross the main road and place yourself behind the crash barrier to get a bit closer. Do not stay too close to the airport fence.
WHAT	You can easily photograph all arrivals and departures on runway 02C. The location is elevated, so the fence isn`t an issues.
TIME	From afternoon till sunset.
MISC.	Nothing nearby. Still expect ID Checks does not happen all the time but does happen.
FOCAL LENGTH	130MM For 757 230MM For 737

	Spot #3 – Hilton Hotel Observation Deck – Apron, 02R/20L movements
WHERE	A new Hotel has opened in 2024 and offers a observation deck on the roof top. The Hilton Nashville Airport is directly at the terminal and if you a are a hotel guest you have access to the rooftop and the pool area. The views from the top are amazing.
WHAT	All 20L movements as well as all 02R arrivals on the taxiway which left the runway. 02R departures and view of the apron of the C and D gates to the south and A gates to the northwest.
TIME	Runway is best from the afternoon until sunset. Ramp depends on the angel of the planes but backlit mos t of the time. Be aware of the massive heat distortion during summer! Runway should be okay in the evening hours.
MISC.	Be aware that the rooftop might be closed for private events. Check the official website before your visit. Terminal parking is quite expensive with up to 30USD/day. If you use the hotel parking lot (follow signs) you can park for $10, using validation from eating at the viewing terrace. Just go to the front desk of the hotel as you leave. This only works if you park in the official hotel parking lot, though. The viewing area is open all afternoon. The restaurant part opens at 4pm.
FOCAL LENGTH	Southwest 737 taxiway = 130mm; A321 runway = 160mm; Southwest 737 ramp = 90mm

BNA-Spot3

BNA-Spot3

BNA-Spot3