Downtown Island Airport History

Downtown Island Airport has a rich history rooted in Knoxville aviation that dates back to the early 1930’s. The Island Airport was opened in 1930 by one of Knoxville’s earliest aviators, Tom Kesterson. The makeshift airport, located on Dickinson’s Island had a 4,000-foot runway and was intended to be the first home of commercial air service in Knoxville. Shortly after its introduction, airline service came to Knoxville in July 1934 when American began flying a mail route through Island Airport and on to Washington D.C. and New York. Two daily flights were also offered between Knoxville and Washington D.C. with up to eight passengers on each flight. At this time, Gus Gremiliam was the only employee at the airport.

Regular airline service to Knoxville did not occur until January 15, 1936, after many temporary set-backs and start-ups. This event was celebrated by City Manager, Knoxville officials, and residents of the area marking the beginning of many aviation endeavors in Knoxville’s future.

Airport ownership changed hands several times in the 1940’s. Ferris Thomas bought the hangar in the spring of 1941, when the airport was privately owned. Ownership changed again in 1942 when operations were sold to Elmer Wood. Again in 1943, H.F. Wattenbarger purchased the Island Airport property and wanted to use it primarily as a farm. During the 1930’s and 1940’s both farming and flying existed at Island Airport. In 1943, Wattenbarger began leasing the airport for the training of three hundred Army Air Cadets in a War Training Service program. When training was completed, Wattenbarger resumed full operation as a private airport and farm. During the late 1940’s, Robert Campbell, owner and operator of Campbell’s Aero Service at Island Airport, became the primary operator and FBO for almost 20 years.

In 1963, the airport was operated as a public facility owned by the City of Knoxville. Ownership changed hands one last time in 1978 and became property of Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority who still owns and operates the airport today.