Nashville Metro Files Federal Lawsuit to Block State Airport Board Takeover
Metro Nashville and its airport authority filed a federal lawsuit to block a state law dissolving local airport boards, citing federal protections against unwanted takeovers.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE — Metro Nashville filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday to block a state law that would dissolve the Metro Nashville Airport Authority board and replace it with state appointees, marking the latest legal battle in an ongoing dispute over local control of Nashville International Airport.
The lawsuit, filed jointly by Metro Nashville and the Metro Nashville Airport Authority, seeks an injunction to prevent implementation of state legislation that would vacate five airport boards across Tennessee and enable their replacement with state-appointed members.
“We are asking the court to protect our legal rights because federal law says the FAA will not approve a change of sponsor if the current board does not consent to the change,” said Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell. “This is a classic bait and switch by the state which wrote in its 1969 law that the state would not take over airports transferred to authorities.”
Federal Law at Center of Challenge
The legal challenge is based on the 2024 Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act passed by Congress, which prevents states from taking over airport authorities when the existing board objects to the change. The measure was sponsored by the late Rep. John Lewis of Georgia and backed by U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock to prevent similar takeovers in Georgia and other states.
Metro Legal Director Wally Dietz said the lawsuit seeks an expedited decision to stop the board from being dissolved and replaced. The state law is set to take effect July 1, creating an urgent timeline for the court proceedings.
Airport Authority Authorizes Legal Action
The airport authority voted during a specially-called meeting Wednesday to hire attorneys Campbell Haynes and Phil Cramer with Sperling Kenny Nachwalter law firm to handle the federal court litigation. The authority set a $100,000 limit on legal fees connected to the lawsuit.
O’Connell directed Metro’s attorney to “explore all possible steps” to maintain local control over the airport authority. He emphasized the airport’s successful track record under local management as justification for resisting state intervention.
“The success of our airport under local control is unquestioned, and in their quest for absolute control, state lawmakers have, we believe, again violated federal law,” O’Connell stated.
Ongoing Legal Battle
This lawsuit represents the latest chapter in a prolonged dispute between Nashville and state officials over control of the airport authority. The conflict stems from broader tensions between the state legislature and local Nashville government over various policy issues.
The 1969 state law referenced by O’Connell originally established that the state would not take over airports transferred to local authorities, creating what city officials view as a legal precedent supporting their position.
The federal court filing comes as Metro Nashville continues to challenge state actions affecting local governance. The outcome of this case could have implications for airport governance across Tennessee and potentially influence similar disputes in other states where local versus state control remains contentious.
