Media Room

McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and Downtown Island Airport (DKX) personnel will provide members of the media with all possible cooperation at both facilities. During emergency operations, news media coverage will be accommodated as public safety permits.

When coming to the airport for non-emergency purposes and it pertains to the operations of either airport, please contact the Director of Public Relations at (865) 342-3014. When media coverage involves a specific airline, please contact that airline directly.

All media vehicles must be marked and parked in airport’s overflow employee parking lot located immediately off of the airport’s entrance from Alcoa Highway. Any unattended vehicles parked on the roadways will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense in accordance with airport security policies.

Representatives of the media are required to display affiliate identification at all times.

ROUTINE MEDIA ACCESS AND PROCEDURES

MKAA welcomes media coverage and therefore provides as much media access to the airport as is possible within the parameters of the airport’s security restrictions, which are mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Under normal security conditions, there is access to all public areas of the airport. Public areas include portions of the terminal; baggage claim and parking garages open to the public. It is recommended, as a courtesy, that media representatives contact the Director of Public Relations prior to coming to the airport.

Please note that media must observe restricted filming around checkpoint areas as determined by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Further, each airline has its own policy concerning media coverage; it is recommended that media contact the corporate office of that airline or agency to obtain media information.

Airport Microwave System for Live Shots

Live news reports are permitted at McGhee Tyson Airport and media representatives are encouraged to use the airport’s microwave system to transmit. The microwave system is located adjacent to the Northwest Airlines ticket counter on the second floor of the airport terminal building. Access to the microwave system is limited to key holders only. If you are an authorized user and you need assistance getting into the microwave box, please contact the Director of Public Relations. Any other parking locations will be considered only upon prior approval, which can be requested through the Airport’s Media Relations Office.

Access to Airfield/Ramp Areas

In consideration of the extremely busy nature of airport operations and the understandable emphasis on airline safety and security, access to restricted areas of the airport and airfield including all ramp areas, is provided only under limited circumstances.

Filming At The Airport

McGhee Tyson Airport prohibits the filming and photography of passengers’ luggage exiting the Transportation Security Administration’s new explosives detection system, or EDS machines. Individuals and media organizations are also prohibited from filming or photographing the search of questionable baggage by TSA representatives. Filming of the airport’s security checkpoint is restricted and requests will be addressed on a case by case basis.

This filming policy was implemented to protect the privacy of our customers and to ensure their safety. The restriction also prevents the dissemination of operational information to parties with unlawful intentions.

Requests for commercial filming or photography are to be made to the Director of Public Relations for approval at least three (3) days prior to filming. Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to film appointments or a $100 fee will be assessed.

There is an escort fee of $25 per hour (two hour minimum; non-refundable, even upon cancellation) during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. After 4:30 p.m. an escort fee will be negotiated on a project basis. In addition, a location fee of $100 per hour to film on airport property. McGhee Tyson Airport reserves the right to restrict filming of the security checkpoint at any time.