TAMPA, Fla. — On Wednesday, Tampa International Airport broke ground on its newest expansion for international and domestic travelers, Airside D.
The groundbreaking will start construction on the area that will eventually house 16 gates at the airport.
TPA officials said the details are still a work in progress, but the design is set to be finalized by the end of 2025.
"It's going to allow us to expand more internationally, which is what we really want as a region, get more international business and travelers, and it's a great way for us to create new jobs here in Tampa Bay," said Tampa International Airport CEO Joe Lopano.
Airside D is the first new airside at TPA in nearly 20 years. It will include a TSA security checkpoint and a Customs and Border Protection facility to process international arrivals.
According to TPA officials, Airside D will feature:
- Glass boarding bridges to allow views of the airfield as passengers board and exit aircraft
- Two levels plus a mezzanine for 2 airline lounges with views of the airfield and the bay
- A bright and spacious international passenger arrival processing area on the first floor, accessible directly from international flights
- Shoping and dining locations with 360-degree views of the gates and a high ceiling
Airside D will be the largest airside on TPA's campus, about 600,000 square feet. For perspective, staff said that's two football fields by one and a half football fields.
Leaders said the airside will help TPA serve up to 35 million annual passengers by 2037.
"The airport, being the best airport in the world, has to ensure that not only do we maintain the exceptional service level, but that we are able to serve all the needs of our growing public," said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor.
Airside D at Tampa International Airport is forecast to cost $1.5 billion and is scheduled to open to the public in 2028.
Renderings of the new Airside D:
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