Sperling Kenny Nachwalter law firm

Metro Nashville and a state-appointed airport board are disputing control of the Nashville Airport Authority under a new state law. The state board claims its actions are constitutional, while Metro argues federal law prevents the FAA from recognizing the state takeover until the legal dispute is resolved. The FAA may approve the takeover only if the board agrees or a court resolves the matter.

Metro Nashville and the Metro Nashville Airport Authority sued the state of Tennessee to block a takeover of the airport board, citing the 2024 Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act. The state law aims to replace airport boards in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Tri-Cities with state appointees, effective July 1. The lawsuit seeks an injunction to prevent the dissolution of the current board.