BNA® hosts cultural celebration highlighting expanded international access for Nashville travelers
Nashville, Tenn. (Oct. 22, 2026) – Nashville International Airport®, also known as BNA®, hosted a vibrant gate-side celebration today to mark the launch of Volaris’ new nonstop service connecting Nashville to Guadalajara, Mexico (GDL). The event commemorated the airline’s official arrival at BNA and highlighted the growing international connectivity available to Middle Tennessee travelers.
“Today’s event marks an important milestone for BNA as we welcome Volaris as our newest airline partner,” said Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. “This service connects Music City with one of Mexico’s most dynamic regions, creating new opportunities for families, businesses and visitors on both sides. We’re proud to welcome Volaris to BNA and excited for what this partnership will bring to Middle Tennessee.”
Although Volaris’ inaugural flight took place Oct. 15, today’s event served as the airline’s formal welcome to Music City. The celebration brought together airport leadership, community representatives and travelers for an immersive cultural experience honoring both destinations.
The program featured remarks from Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA);Freddie O’Connell, Mayor of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County; Jayro Suárez, Regional Head of Sales and Market Development, Central USA, Volaris; Yuri Cunza, President & CEO of the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; and Carla Juárez, Head of Mexico’s Mobile Consulate in Tennessee. Speakers highlighted the significance of the new route in strengthening cultural and economic ties between Tennessee and Mexico.
As part of the celebration, Kreulen presented Volaris leadership with a custom-made guitar featuring design elements inspired by both Guadalajara and Nashville, underscoring the cultural connection behind the new partnership.
“Guadalajara is one of the pillars of our connectivity strategy. From here, we are extending our wings to new U.S. cities so our Customers can travel more, discover new destinations, visit their loved ones and take advantage of new opportunities, always with accessible fares, direct flights and the quality of service that defines Volaris,” said Holger Blankenstein, Executive Vice President, Commercial and Operations at Volaris.
Guests enjoyed live entertainment from the San Rafael Quintet and the Olympia Mariachi Band, paying homage to Guadalajara’s legacy as the birthplace of mariachi music. The gate area was transformed into a festive celebration space featuring green, white and red decor and lighting reflecting the colors of the Mexican flag, tropical florals, a grass wall photo backdrop with neon accents and additional décor designed to highlight the cultures of both cities. Cupcakes topped with swirled icing in Volaris’ signature colors—blue, purple and green—added to the celebratory atmosphere.
Passengers received curated gift bags that reflected the shared spirit of Nashville and Guadalajara. Arriving and departing travelers were welcomed with items that paired Middle Tennessee flair with symbols of Mexico’s vibrant culture, providing each guest with a memorable keepsake from the celebration.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony closed the program, followed by a warm send-off for passengers boarding the outbound flight to Guadalajara. The celebration emphasized BNA’s ongoing commitment to expanding international travel options and strengthening global partnerships.
Volaris’ new nonstop service offers travelers affordable access to Guadalajara, known as “The Pearl of the West,” celebrated for its vibrant culture, renowned cuisine and strong business and technology sectors. Guadalajara also provides a major hub for onward connections throughout Mexico.
For more information about flight schedules or to purchase tickets, visit www.volaris.com.
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About Volaris
*Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V. (“Volaris” or “the Company”) (NYSE: VLRS and BMV: VOLAR) is an ultra-low-cost carrier, with point-to-point operations, serving Mexico, the United States, Central, and South America. Volaris offers low base fares to build its market, providing quality service and extensive customer choice. Since the beginning of operations in March 2006, Volaris has increased its routes from 5 to more than 250 and its fleet from 4 to 156 aircraft. Volaris offers around 600 daily flight segments on routes that connect 46 cities in Mexico and 38 cities in the United States, Central, and South America, with one of the youngest fleets in Mexico. Volaris targets passengers who are visiting friends and relatives, cost-conscious business and leisure travelers in Mexico, the United States, Central, and South America. For more information, please visit ir.volaris.com. Volaris routinely posts information that may be important to investors on its investor relations website. The Company encourages investors and potential investors to consult the Volaris website regularly for important information about Volaris.
About Nashville International Airport®
Nashville International Airport®, also known as BNA®, is one of the fastest-growing airports in the nation and a vital infrastructure asset for Middle Tennessee. As the gateway to Music City and beyond, BNA plays a pivotal role in supporting economic growth and community prosperity. The InterVISTAS Consulting Economic Impact Study reports that in 2024 alone, BNA generated $13.8 billion in total economic impact, supported 80,000 jobs and contributed to $2.1 billion in federal, state and local taxes. The airport receives no local tax dollars. To keep pace with Nashville’s rapid expansion and evolving passenger needs, BNA is undergoing a major transformation through its New Horizon expansion program. Learn more at BNANewHorizon.com and flynashville.com, and stay connected by following BNA on social media: Facebook (@NashvilleInternationalAirport), X (@Fly_Nashville), Instagram (@FlyNashville), YouTube (@NashvilleInternationalAirport) and LinkedIn (in/MNAA).
About John C. Tune Airport®
John C. Tune Airport®, also known as JWN®, located eight miles west of downtown Nashville, is one of the busiest general aviation airports in Tennessee. It serves the needs of regional, corporate and private aircraft and is a reliever airport for Nashville International Airport®, also known as BNA®, helping to support the area’s growing aviation needs. The InterVISTAS Consulting Economic Impact Study reports that in 2024 alone, JWN generated $177 million in total economic impact, supported 1,000 jobs and contributed to $24.4 million in federal, state and local taxes, reinforcing its role as a key contributor to Middle Tennessee’s transportation infrastructure. The airport receives no local tax dollars. JWN is owned and operated by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA). More information is available at JWNAirport.com.
NASHVILLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT®, BNA®, COMMANDER BERRY FIELD®, JOHN C. TUNE AIRPORT®, and JWN®, among others, are the registered trademarks and trademarks of The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (“MNAA”). Use of these trademarks without permission from MNAA is strictly prohibited.
