McGhee Tyson Airport Updates Parking Access System
Knoxville travelers can now use mobile pay and license plate scanning at the airport parking garage.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Air Travel
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McGhee Tyson Airport has implemented a modern parking access and revenue control system within its garage. This upgrade introduces contactless payment options and faster transaction speeds for travelers.
Why it matters
The airport is modernizing its facilities to offer more efficient credit card processing and convenient payment methods for airport patrons. These improvements aim to reduce congestion at exit gates during peak travel periods.
The new system supports tap-to-pay, Google Pay, and Apple Pay, with credit card transactions now requiring less than 30 seconds. A 24/7 remote attendant is available via a help button at all exit gates to assist drivers.
The players
McGhee Tyson Airport
This is the primary commercial service airport serving the Knoxville metropolitan area and surrounding East Tennessee region.
The details
Drivers can now use license plate readers to exit the garage if they have pre-paid, or they can scan QR codes on tickets to complete mobile payments. Airport staff are managing the transition by directing drivers to specific lanes based on ticket color while older and newer systems operate simultaneously.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: Airport officials answered questions regarding the transition.
October 26, 2026: The new garage parking system officially launched.
October 28, 2026: The official news regarding the parking transition was released.
November 16, 2026: Expected completion date for the full system transition across all airport lots.
Travel Outlook
The adoption of contactless parking access and revenue control systems follows a nationwide trend in airport infrastructure to reduce gate wait times. This technology replaces legacy insertion-style machines with digital scanners that prioritize speed and modern payment flexibility.
Travelers should look for the different colored parking tickets to ensure they use the correct lane at the exit. While the garage operates on the new system, Lot B remains closed for equipment modifications, so drivers should check for current lot availability before arrival.
The takeaway
Travelers should prepare for a learning curve while both parking systems remain in operation through mid-November. Utilizing mobile payment and license plate scanning can significantly decrease time spent navigating the airport garage exit.
What happens next
The airport anticipates the full transition to the new scanning system across all parking lots will be finished by November 16, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on transit options, visit the Air Travel section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Times.
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