Increase in passengers, guns found at Tennessee airports for first half of 2024

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Agents at McGhee Tyson Airport saw a slight increase in firearms found in the first half of the year compared to the same time last year, however, the Transportation Security Administration said the number of passengers screened this year was much higher than last.

The first half of the year goes from January 1 to June 30. Statewide in 2024, TSA screened more than eight million departing travelers at Tennessee airports, which is a 6.9% increase from last year. A total of 158 firearms have been found in airports across the state, for the same period in 2023 the number was 157.

The Nashville International Airport had the highest amount of travelers with more than a million people passing through TSA checkpoints in the first half of 2024 with 99 firearms found. This marks a 30,000 increase in passengers but two fewer guns than last year.

Memphis International recorded nearly one and a half million people traveling and 38 guns were found. Compared to last year, the number of travelers was 100,000 fewer people with 34 guns confiscated.

Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport screened more than 800,000 people, nearly 100,000 more people traveling than last year. In addition, 10 guns were found compared to nine in 2023.

Traveling with a firearm in your carry-on can have serious consequences like a court date and a $15,000 fine. Officials instead encourage people to travel with unloaded guns in their checked baggage. In addition, travelers are told to tell airport staff who are checking their bags that there is a gun packed inside.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.