Tampa International Airport has initiated the last stage of its long-term development plan with the start of construction on Airside D, an addition expected to substantially boost the airport’s capacity.
On Wednesday, officials from Tampa International Airport marked a significant milestone in the facility’s expansion by breaking ground on Airside D, the final component of the airport’s comprehensive master plan. This addition will expand the airport’s capacity by 40%, enabling it to accommodate up to 35 million passengers annually by 2037, a substantial increase from its current capacity of 25 million.
Joe Lopano, the CEO of Tampa International Airport, highlighted the regional benefits of this expansion, noting, ‘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.’ Emphasizing the importance of not turning away potential business, he added, ‘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.’
The new Airside D terminal will be a two-story, 600,000+ square foot facility, making it the largest airside at the airport. It will serve both domestic and international flights and is designed with an orthogonal shape to maximize space and improve operational efficiency. Scheduled to open in 2028, this terminal will also feature two airline lounges with views of the airfield and the bay, among other amenities like a modernized international passenger arrival area on the first floor.
Jeff Siddle, TPA’s Vice President of Planning & Development, remarked during an August press conference, ‘We could use these gates now if we had them actually available to us. Our FIS facilities at Airside F need modernization, and space is a growing concern.’ The new terminal is expected to alleviate current space constraints while providing advanced facilities for international arrivals.
Airside D will also include a shuttle system, dining and shopping options with 360-degree gate views, and intuitive wayfinding with ample natural light. These features are part of a design aimed at providing a modern and efficient passenger experience.
The development of Airside D represents a critical advancement in Tampa International Airport’s strategy to enhance its global reach and efficiently manage increasing passenger volumes. As the construction progresses towards its 2028 completion, the new terminal promises to bolster the region’s economic and business prospects through improved international connectivity.
Source: Fox13news
