There are plenty of changes afoot to revamp Nashville International Airport. But one change isn't going to sit well for thousands of fans on social media.
The airport's brown carpet with its unique lines and swirly designs was installed in 2010. Earlier this year, fans of the distinct carpeting made an Instagram account celebrating the design — an account that's attracted 6,500 followers over 100 posts.
The account's "stories" feature is flooded with travelers tagging the account as they walk over carpet.
Fans can even purchase clothes, shoes, luggage, and phone covers with the carpet's pattern at Ray Reid, an online boutique.
The Nashville airport carpet isn't the only one to receive online immortality — the iconic retro carpet at Portland Airport also had its own social media accounts and merchandise before it was removed a few years ago.
Airport officials in Nashville are aware of the BNA carpet fame. However, they say it will slowly be removed beginning in the summer of 2020.
By 2023, all the floors in the airport will be replaced with terrazzo or new carpet with a different pattern, according to a BNA spokesperson.
The changes are all part of the "BNA Vision." The plan includes demolishing the existing short-term parking garage next month to make room for a larger and more modern garage.
Expansion is also underway at Concourse D and its terminal wings, where six new domestic aircraft gates, a variety of restaurants and retail options and a live music stage will be added. It is expected to be completed by 2020.
In addition, the airport is planning a major renovation of the terminal lobby, which means expanding security screening checkpoints
All of the BNA Vision plan is expected to be finished by 2023.
