Tampa Officials Break Ground on New Airside D at International Airport
TAMPA, Fla. – On Wednesday, officials at Tampa International Airport (TPA) celebrated a significant milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Airside D. This new facility marks the final phase of the airport’s master renovation plan, aimed at enhancing the airport’s infrastructure to better accommodate future growth.
Expanding Capacity
The construction of Airside D is expected to significantly increase TPA’s capacity, allowing the airport to manage an estimated 35 million passengers annually by 2037. Currently, Tampa International Airport serves approximately 25 million passengers each year, highlighting the need for expansion to meet growing demand.
Reasons for Development
TPA’s CEO, Joe Lopano, emphasized the importance of this project for the regional economy. “It’s going to allow us to expand more internationally, which is what we really want as a region,” said Lopano. He underscored that delays in expansion could lead to missed opportunities for tourism and business. “You never want to be in a position where you tell an airline, ‘I’m sorry, I don’t have a gate,’ when they could have brought thousands of tourists into our region,” he added.
Facility Details
Airside D will be a two-story facility covering over 600,000 square feet, making it the largest airside at TPA. This facility will accommodate both domestic and international flights, providing crucial updates to the airport’s aging infrastructure.
Current Challenges
As officials prepare for the new airside, current facilities are facing challenges. The airport’s existing facilities, particularly the Federal Inspection Services (FIS)
Future Goals
The new Airside D is slated to open in 2028, with plans already underway to ensure it meets the needs of a growing passenger demographic. Airport officials are committed to fostering an environment that attracts more international airlines, thereby boosting local tourism and business.
Conclusion
Overall, the groundbreaking of Airside D represents a pivotal step in Tampa International Airport’s ongoing efforts to enhance its capacity and services. With the expected influx of passengers and the potential for increased international connections, TPA aims to position itself as a stronger player in the competitive landscape of travel and tourism.
As plans progress, the airport community looks forward to the opportunities and improvements that Airside D will bring to Tampa Bay and beyond.
