BRISTOL, VA, March 31, 2025 - The Bristol, Va., City Council today unanimously approved a resolution to support additional air service at Tri-Cities Regional Airport in the amount of $75,000 over two years.  

 

“BRIDGE is grateful to the city council of Bristol, Va., for their unanimous support and their recognition of the economic development benefits of expanding air service at Tri-Cities Airport,” said John Rose, executive director of BRIDGE. "This project depends on partnership between the communities who own the airport and private companies in the region.”  

 

“Two communities are expected to consider resolutions supporting air service expansion this week,” Rose said. “BRIDGE also has received commitments from private companies and has talked with companies who are still considering their level of participation. We appreciate their consideration of the air service project and look forward to them making their own announcements soon.” 

 

BRIDGE is working with a low-cost airline to bring regular, non-stop service from TRI to two major markets in 2025. Under the terms of the agreement, BRIDGE and its partners would fund a $2 million minimum revenue guarantee for the airline over two years. The deadline for BRIDGE and the airline to sign an agreement for the service is April 7. 

 

BRIDGE aims to enhance regional connectivity and economic opportunities by expanding commercial air travel options for the region. Since the FAA does not allow airports to directly incentivize new air service from individual airlines, BRIDGE is filling that role. “Tri-Cities Airport currently loses around 60% of the region’s passenger traffic to other airports. By addressing airline recruitment and untapped passenger market potential, we can unlock significant economic benefits for the region."   

 

About BRIDGE   

BRIDGE is a privately funded regional economic development organization committed to fostering economic growth and opportunity in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.