MEMPHIS, TENN. (February 23, 2026) – The Tennessee Association of Air Carrier Airports (TAACA), representing the state’s five primary commercial service airports in Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville, and the Tri-Cities, released the findings of its 2025 Economic Impact Study – based on calendar year 2024 data. The study affirms the aviation industry’s significant and expanding role as a driver of economic growth across Tennessee.
Memphis International Airport (MEM) is highlighted as a major economic engine for Tennessee’s economy according to the study, with data revealing that MEM supports 67,550 local jobs and generates $10.7 billion in statewide economic output.
The study was conducted by InterVISTAS Consulting, an internationally recognized aviation and transportation consulting firm with a proven record of delivering comprehensive economic impact analyses, air service development initiatives, strategic and business plans, market assessments, and economic recovery strategies for airports, transportation systems, tourism organizations, business associations, and government clients.
The study evaluated the economic contributions generated by aviation activity at Tennessee’s commercial airports, including job creation, personal income, business revenue, and tax generation. The findings demonstrate the far-reaching economic value of commercial aviation to communities across the state, supporting thousands of jobs, enabling tourism and commerce, and generating substantial federal, state, and local tax revenues.
Tennessee’s Five Primary Commercial Service Airports impact is as follows:
- $28.3 billion in total economic impact for Tennessee.
- Over 171,000 Tennessee jobs are facilitated by airport activity.
- Contributes to $4.1 billion in total taxes which includes $2.5 billion in federal, $1.08 billion in state and $548 million in local taxes.
- This represents an $8.8 billion, 45%, increase in economic impact since the State of Tennessee sponsored CY19 study.
Key findings for MEM:
- $10.7 billion in statewide economic impact
- Of the $10.7 billion, $8.34 billion came from on-airport activities, $1.9 billion from visitor spending, and $402 million from capital improvements.
- Contributes to $1.5 billion in total taxes which includes $1.1 billion in federal, $300 million in state and $100 million in local taxes.
In reference to MEM, the report stated, “The airport’s economic benefits are reflected not only in the employment and income it supports directly, but also in its broader contributions to the regional economy through GDP and economic output.”
The study also underscores the need for continued investment in terminal facilities, airfield infrastructure, and roads to meet future demand and remain competitive. These findings will support collaboration among Airport Authority leadership, the business community, and elected stakeholders to advance projects at the airport to strengthen the region’s economy and workforce.
MEM’s economic impact report can be found here.
“This recent study demonstrates MEM’s role as a significant economic engine within the state of Tennessee,” said Terry Blue, President and CEO of the Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority. “MEM takes great pride in its integral role not only locally and statewide, but across the Mid-South region by connecting people and commerce to the world.”