Indy Airport Lands Long-Awaited Nonstop Flight to Nashville, Tenn.
Partnership with Indy corporate community credited with the strategic win
INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 22, 2024) – Today is proof positive that consistent and committed effort pays off, as the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) announces a long-awaited strategic win in landing a Southwest Airlines nonstop flight to the country music capital of the world — Nashville, Tennessee.
Southwest Airlines will launch a daily nonstop flight from the Indy airport to Nashville (BNA) on March 6, 2025.
“We’ve been pursuing this nonstop flight with Southwest for over 7 years,” said Mario Rodriguez, executive director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority. “And it will launch just in time for the Spring Break travel season — and operate year-round.”
Maggie Cunningham, IAA director of air service development, said the Indy corporate, tourism and economic development community convinced the airline of the current drive market demand during a recent meeting with Southwest officials. Community leaders shared that Hoosiers were traveling to Nashville by car because it was quicker than a connecting flight – enough to warrant a new nonstop flight.
Indianapolis and Nashville share business in many target industries for the regions, including healthcare, tech, logistics/manufacturing, motorsports and music. The cities are close enough for weekend getaways, conferences and visits with loved ones.
“This flight will connect business and leisure travelers to the Music City and serve as a conduit for passengers connecting on other flights through Southwest’s Nashville focus city,” said Cunningham.
The Indy airport continues to work with its airline partners to improve nonstop access to key business and leisure destinations. When community partners are at the table, which includes local corporate and community leaders, airlines pay attention.
Southwest also announced that it will increase its capacity overall through the Indy airport year over year during the peak 2025 Spring Break travel season.
Currently Southwest flies nonstop out of Indy to Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Cancun, Dallas-Love, Denver, Panama City, Ft. Lauderdale, Houston-Hobby, Las Vegas, Kansas City, Orlando, Miami, Phoenix, Ft. Myers, San Diego, Sarasota/Bradenton and Tampa.
To purchase tickets for the inaugural nonstop flight to Nashville, visit https://www.southwest.com/.