Country music star Trace Adkins surprised guests at the unveiling of Nashville International Airport’s newest expansion with a live appearance after narrating a video celebrating BNA’s past and future.

His entrance, behind a shimmering curtain, kicked off the July 1 ribbon-cutting for the latest addition to Concourse D — a key milestone in the airport’s ongoing $4.5 billion renovation.

The newly completed extension features five gates, eight retail and dining spots, and two signature elements: a circular rotunda dubbed the “Record Node” and BNA’s first outdoor terrace, offering panoramic views of downtown and the runways. Though none of the concessions nod to Adkins’ chart-topping hit “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” the moment encapsulated Nashville’s unique blend of travel and entertainment.

The $247 million project opens to the public on July 8 and clears the way for the airport’s next major undertaking — the demolition and reconstruction of Concourse A. That project is expected to wrap up by July 11, 2028, expanding BNA’s total gate count from 54 to 70.

“Nashville is moving fast, and the airport is a reflection of that momentum,” said Mayor Freddie O’Connell at the ceremony.

Southwest Airlines operates all gates in the expanded Concourse D and remains BNA’s largest carrier, serving most of the airport’s nearly 25 million annual passengers. The airline will soon surpass 180 daily flights, according to Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson, a Nashville native who graduated from Hillsboro High School.

“Cities with strong business, tourism, and local communities attract air travel,” Watterson said. “And we’re not done yet — there’s more coming later this year.”

As guests arrived for the event, a nonstop Aer Lingus flight from Dublin touched down, one of two new international routes launched in April, alongside a direct Icelandair flight. Airport officials and state leaders are actively working to secure more overseas service.

“We’re investing in bringing more international routes here,” said Stuart McWhorter, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. “I can guarantee more announcements are coming soon — and I’m very excited about that.”