Tampa International Airport has once again stood out for excellence, this time in a category that matters to travelers more than they might realize.

The airport and its custodial partner, Flagship Facility Services, have been named a finalist in the 2026 Spotless Spaces Competition, a national award highlighting facilities and teams that go above and beyond in cleanliness, maintenance and creating healthy environments.

“It’s a huge honor,” said Beau Zimmer with Tampa International Airport. “A huge shout out to our cleaning and custodial team. They do a great job around the clock to keep Tampa International Airport clean and sparkling.”

The Spotless Spaces Competition showcases the people and places committed to maintaining safe, welcoming and meticulously maintained facilities across the United States and internationally. Being selected as a finalist places Tampa International among just nine U.S. facilities in contention for top honors.

Other U.S. finalists include landmarks such as the American Museum of Natural History and the John G. Shedd Aquarium.

Cleanliness at the heart of traveler experience

Flagship has been TPA’s janitorial services provider for more than a decade, responsible for cleaning high-traffic areas throughout the airport, from main terminals and food courts to restrooms and floors. Their efforts help enhance the travel experience for millions of passengers each year.

Dedicated quality control inspectors work across all shifts to ensure standards are met, while team members are empowered to report issues immediately, contributing to a consistently clean environment.

“TPA sets a high standard for cleanliness, sustainability and accessibility, helping ensure a safe and welcoming experience for everyone who passes through,” said Tony Parreira, Regional Operations Manager for Flagship. “It’s an honor to contribute to a space that is consistently spotless and worthy of industry recognition.”

Airport employees also play a part by proactively reporting spills and supporting day-to-day cleaning operations, reinforcing a team approach to maintaining the facility.

Public voting underway

Voting to determine the winners in the Spotless Spaces Competition is open through Friday, March 6. Winners will be announced on Sunday, March 22 as part of International Cleaning Week.

Supporters of Tampa International Airport can cast their votes online to help the facility compete for the top title. If you’d like to vote, click here.