NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nashville International Airport (BNA) is expanding its international reach with a new nonstop route to Paris, a move expected to generate more than $80 million annually in economic activity across Tennessee.
Air France will launch nonstop service between Nashville and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport on May 14, 2027, with flights operating three days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Airport officials joined Gov. Bill Lee, Air France representatives and local tourism leaders on Wednesday, Oct. 14, to celebrate the announcement.
The new route follows years of negotiations between the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority and Air France. Airport officials hope the service will eventually expand to daily flights as passenger demand increases.
According to the Nashville Business Journal, the airport has agreed to defer Air France’s operating costs for two years to help the airline establish the route.
Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority President and CEO Doug Kreulen estimated the arrangement could represent approximately $2 million to $3 million annually in incentives. However, he said the anticipated economic benefits could reach $80 million to $100 million per year.
The projected economic impact includes increased tourism, business travel and opportunities for international investment throughout Tennessee.
Lee emphasized the potential economic development benefits, noting that France has been an important source of major business investments in the state.
“We are excited about being able to jump on a plane and go to Paris and other folks from Europe coming directly into Nashville,” Lee said. “But the economic development prospects that this provides for our state, which at the end of the day means jobs for Tennesseans and access to opportunity.”
Lee also described the announcement as another indication of Nashville’s growing international presence.
Nashville Airport Continues Record Growth
The Paris announcement comes as Nashville International Airport experiences substantial passenger growth and infrastructure investment.
BNA reported a record 26.7 million passengers during its 2025-26 fiscal year. July also established a monthly passenger record, with approximately 2.6 million travelers passing through the airport.
In September, the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority approved construction projects and expenditures totaling more than $1 billion, reflecting efforts to accommodate rising demand.
Air France officials identified Nashville’s expanding economy and growing international tourism market as major factors behind the decision to establish service.
Charlotte Bouman, an Air France-KLM executive, said Nashville represents an attractive market for both American travelers visiting Europe and international tourists interested in Tennessee.
The new flight will also give Nashville-area passengers additional access to Air France’s international network, which serves nearly 170 destinations.
New Paris Route Expands Nashville’s European Connections
The addition of Paris strengthens Nashville’s expanding network of nonstop European destinations.
British Airways restored nonstop transatlantic service to Nashville in 2018 with flights to London, ending a 22-year period without direct air service between Nashville and Europe.
Additional routes to Iceland and Ireland launched in 2025, bringing the number of nonstop European destinations to three before the latest announcement.
Paris will become another major international gateway for travelers throughout Middle Tennessee and surrounding states.
Tourism officials believe the new connection could also bring more European visitors to Nashville, supporting the city’s hospitality, entertainment and restaurant industries.
Deana Ivey, president and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp., said France has become an increasingly important tourism market for the city, with visitor numbers rising over the past two years.
“International has been such an important growth market for us. International visitors — they stay longer, and they spend more money,” Ivey said.
She added that expanded international air service is particularly important as Nashville continues adding hotel capacity and tourism-related jobs.
With its new Paris connection, Nashville International Airport is positioning itself as a growing international transportation hub while creating additional opportunities for tourism, trade and economic development throughout Tennessee.
