Who's in charge of Nashville's airport? US and Tennessee officials disagree under a new state law

abcnews.go.com:

Nashville International Airport has quietly faced an identity crisis for weeks under a new state law, with no clear agreement about who is in charge

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — While Nashville International Airport hums to the tune of live music in a terminal filled with tourists and locals, this trendy gateway to Tennessee has quietly confronted an identity crisis.

Under a new state law, there is no clear agreement now about who's in charge of airport operations. The confusion comes at a time when the airport is booming, its annual passengers having more than doubled over the past decade to 21.8 million by the 2023 fiscal year.

The nonprofit Metro Nashville Airport Authority and state officials argue that a new group of state appointees has lawfully taken over the authority's board. But the Federal Aviation Administration and the city contend the old board picked by Nashville's mayor still has power.

Both boards met at the same time last week across town from each other.

A state three-judge panel in Nashville heard the dispute Friday, with assurances from multiple parties that the airport is functioning as usual. A decision over whether to block the law temporarily is expected within days.

“We don’t really know how this is all going to play out," said Nashville Chancellor Anne Martin. “There’s clearly some tension here among the parties about different issues and control. I’m not sure how consistent the FAA is being in its communications with everyone. We are trying to read between the lines a little bit.”

Earlier this year, Republican lawmakers approved plans for the state to make enough appointments to control the airport's board starting in July. The change was among several passed by legislators seeking to curtail the power