Tampa International Airport (TPA) has approved the final design for Airside D, its first new airside terminal in nearly 20 years, as the airport prepares for construction on the US$1.528bn project.
The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority board voted to move the 16-gate international and domestic terminal into the 100% design stage and approved a US$902m supplemental contract. Construction is set to go vertical this year, with completion expected in late 2028 and the facility scheduled to open in 2029.
Airside D will span about 55,700m2 making it the largest airside at TPA. The airport said the new terminal will help it accommodate regional growth, increasing capacity from around 25 million annual passengers today to up to 35 million by 2037.
Airport CEO Michael Stephens said the facility will serve as a major gateway for the region. “Airside D is more than a new terminal; it is a bold vision for the future of travel in Tampa Bay,” he said. “Once complete, Airside D will serve as Tampa Bay’s international gateway, welcoming the world with the world-class experience our guests expect from TPA.”
The design includes a range of passenger amenities, such as a children’s play area, a quiet room, additional power outlets and increased greenery. The airport said these features were added following community feedback gathered during public listening sessions last year.
Smitha Radhakrishnan, TPA’s chief development officer, said the project focuses on improving passenger experience. “From the beginning, the guiding principle behind Airside D has been a singular focus on delivering the very best amenities and travel experience,” she said.
Other features include new automated shuttles, a modern TSA security checkpoint, a ground-level international arrivals inspection facility and a mezzanine level with a Delta Sky Club and common-use lounge. The terminal will also include glass boarding bridges, centralized retail and dining areas and digital media displays.
The project is being delivered by a design-build team led by Hensel Phelps, with HNTB Corporation and Gensler. TPA broke ground on the site in December 2024 and is currently preparing foundations for structural work.
Separately, the airport’s board selected Austin Industries as design-builder for an expansion of the main terminal ticketing level. The project will add 28 check-in counters, relocate airline offices into a centralized 30,000ft² space and renovate the 135,000ft² floor to improve circulation and queuing. Construction on that project is also expected to be completed in 2029.
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