Nashville International Airport (BNA) generated over $7.1 billion in total economic impact in Middle Tennessee last year, a new study finds. 

The report, commissioned by BNA and conducted by research firm Martin Associates, reveals that since 2012 the airport’s economic impact has doubled from $3.5 billion. 

The airport, which is in the midst of a series of upgrades, supported more than 67,000 area jobs, the study found. 

BNA President and CEO Doug Kreulen said airport’s continued growth is vital for the economic prosperity of Middle Tennessee.

“Serving as more than just the gateway to Music City, BNA is an economic engine of enormous activity for the region that generates jobs, personal income, tax revenues and more,” said Kreulen and news release. 

More than 16 million passengers traveled through BNA in 2018, setting an all-time passenger record for the sixth consecutive year. 

Dr. A. Dexter Samuels, BNA board chair, said that the passenger growth has reached historic heights, and studies have proven how astounding an impact BNA has on the economy.

“This economic impact study provides another indication of the critical role BNA continues to play in keeping our regional economy on an upward trajectory,” said Samuels. 

“We expect this growth to continue in the coming years, which is why our ongoing expansion project — BNA Vision — remains critically important to Nashville’s future economic health and well-being.”

Launched in July 2016, according to the airports news release BNA Vision includes additional parking garages, terminal wings, a international arrivals facility and more. The project is expected to be completed in 2023. 

Reach Alexis Clark at aclark@gannett.com.