Murfreesboro, TN - The City of Murfreesboro is preparing for a major shift in its aviation landscape as Middle Tennessee State University’s Aerospace Department continues its relocation to Shelbyville. With MTSU’s flight training operations gradually moving south, Murfreesboro’s Municipal Airport is expected to gain breathing room—freeing up airspace and resources for local pilots and incoming business aircraft.

As of July 2025, MTSU is deep into its transition to the Shelbyville Municipal Airport, where a new aviation campus is under development along Highway 231. The move is backed by a $62.2 million investment, including $57.2 million from the state and $5 million from the university. Construction is underway on a 50,000-square-foot academic building and a 28,000-square-foot hangar, with full completion targeted for late 2027.

The relocation is more than a change of scenery—it’s a strategic expansion. MTSU’s Aerospace program, one of the largest collegiate aviation programs in the country, will gain the space it needs to grow its fleet, enhance training facilities, and offer more classroom and lab space. Shelbyville’s open land and supportive zoning make it an ideal fit for the department’s long-term vision.

While Murfreesboro loses a longtime tenant, the city gains new opportunities to serve general aviation and business travelers. The shift marks a turning point for both communities, with Murfreesboro poised to reclaim its airport for local use and Shelbyville stepping into the spotlight as a hub for aviation education.