Expansion of air travel at TRI “off the table” for time being

A deal to expand air service at Tri-Cities Airport “appears to be off the table, at least for now,” according to the organization behind the initiative. The announcement from Kingsport-based BRIDGE, a regional economic development organization, came after members of the organization met with the prospective airline on Wednesday. The airport is owned by six localities: Bristol, Tennessee; Kingsport; Johnson City; Bristol, Virginia; Sullivan County; and Washington County. BRIDGE was in the process of approaching local governments to secure funding for the deal, but officials said the airline had given them a Friday deadline….not enough time to have funding approved through 6 different local governing bodies. Executive director John Rose said the airlines work at their own pace, and expects to have funding in place next time an offer comes along.