Nashville International Airport is looking to land a massive 20,600‑square‑foot credit card lounge on the north mezzanine of its post‑security terminal, pitching the site as a rare premium concession for a major issuer. The solicitation calls for a hefty upfront buildout and a steep minimum payment the airport says will help bankroll broader New Horizon upgrades. American Express and Chase have already told airport staff they’re interested, setting the stage for a high‑stakes bidding fight.
According to the MNAA Finance Committee packet, the authority is marketing the north mezzanine as a 20,600‑square‑foot "credit card/common use lounge" and plans to issue an RFP. The packet outlines a 15‑year term, a minimum capital commitment of $20.6 million (roughly $1,000 per square foot), an additional $5.15 million investment at year seven and a guaranteed minimum annual payment to the authority of $5.15 million with a 3% escalation and an 18% share of ancillary sales. Bidders must also commit at least $250,000 a year for in‑terminal advertising under the proposed terms.
Travel‑industry coverage that reviewed the packet says the RFP was scheduled for release in May 2026, with proposals due in August and a selection expected by September. That timeline would let the winning operator sync construction with the airport’s ongoing Concourse A and Central Core projects, as reported by View from the Wing.
Who’s Lining Up?
Airport staff told the finance committee they have already pitched the package to major card issuers and "have spoken with American Express, Chase, among others" about the opportunity. The MNAA packet indicates the authority expects competitive bids and will award the space to the best proposal under the RFP rules.
Where It Fits In
The move comes amid a flurry of new premium spaces at BNA. American Airlines has announced a roughly 17,400‑square‑foot Admirals Club in the new Concourse A, and Southwest is also planning a large club for the terminal. See American Airlines and Hoodline’s reporting on the Southwest project for more detail.
At 20,600 square feet, the airport’s planned credit card lounge would match the size of Chase’s Philadelphia Sapphire Lounge and eclipse many of the largest Centurion or Capital One outposts, travel coverage notes. Airport leaders say the timing makes sense as BNA races to keep pace with passenger growth, with the authority planning Central Core and New Horizon upgrades as it prepares for a projected 40 million annual travelers, a point highlighted in the airport’s MNAA Central Core enhancement release.
The RFP schedule gives bidders a narrow runway, with proposals due this summer and a decision expected by fall, followed by construction and fit‑out once a winner is chosen. For more reporting on the bidding landscape and what to expect, see coverage from Points Party and other travel outlets.
