TPA’s largest airside expansion in 2 decades gets off the ground

TPA breaks ground on new 'Airside D' terminal

FOX 13's Aaron Mesmer reports on Tampa International Airport officials hosting a groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate the groundbreaking of 'Airside D,' which begins work on the final phase of the airport’s master renovation plan.

TAMPA, Fla. - On Wednesday, Tampa International Airport officials celebrated the final phase of the airport’s master plan with a groundbreaking ceremony for Airside D.

Officials say Airside D will increase the airport’s capacity by 40%, allowing TPA, which currently serves an estimated 25 million passengers a year, to serve up to 35 million annual passengers by 2037.

"It's going to allow us to expand more internationally, which is what we really want as a region, get more international business and travel," said TPA's CEO Joe Lopano. "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, we're not going to be the ones to say no to that."

READ: New sensors at TPA designed to help prevent runway incidents

The two-story, 600,000+ square foot facility will be the largest of TPA’s airsides and will accommodate domestic and international flights.

Rendering of Airside D, which is expected to open in 2028.

"We could use these gates now if we had them actually available to us. Our FIS facilities, which accommodates international arriving passengers now is at Airside F, and we need that to be modernized. We just don’t have enough space there," said TPA VP of Planning & Development Jeff Siddle during a press conference in August.

The new Airside D concept will also feature:

Orthogonal shape for greater space and operational efficiency
Two airline lounges with views of the airfield and the bay
International Passenger Arrival Processing Area on the first floor
Shuttle system and guideway
Shopping and dining locations at the center of the Airside, offering 360-degree views of the gates
Large open space featuring intuitive wayfinding and natural light

Airside D is expected to open in 2028.

Click here to learn more about the new Airside D and to register for business opportunities.

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