FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub<\/a> \u2013\u00a0has unveiled the final design for the new Airside D \u2013\u00a0its first new Airside in nearly 20 years. The $1.5 billion project will provide a state-of-the-art, 16-gate international and domestic gateway to Tampa Bay. Construction is scheduled to go vertical this year and be completed in late 2028, with the building opening to the public in 2029.<\/p>\n\u201cAirside D is more than a new terminal; it is a bold vision for the future of travel in Tampa Bay,\u201d said TPA CEO Michael Stephens. \u201cThanks to the dedication and collaboration of our TPA team and partners, we\u2019re setting a new standard for innovation, service, and hospitality in our region. Once complete, Airside D will serve as Tampa Bay\u2019s international gateway, welcoming the world with the world-class experience our guests expect from TPA.\u201d<\/p>\n
Airside D will help TPA, which currently serves about 25 million passengers per year, accommodate the region\u2019s growth and serve up to 35 million annual passengers by 2037.<\/p>\n
TPA has released a final round of interior and exterior renderings for Airside D that illustrate an open and airy interior with soaring ceilings and lots of natural light, highlighting the beauty of the Tampa Bay region. The building will be 600,000 square feet, making it the largest Airside at TPA.<\/p>\n
The renderings show several newly added design features of Airside D, including a special tribute to former Airport CEO Joe Lopano, who retired last April. A quote from Lopano mounted to the wall will greet visitors with a message reading: \u201cWe set our sights on a grand future because we\u00a0have the ability to think big and achieve greatness. We owe it to our predecessors on whose shoulders we stand.\u201d<\/p>\n
The final design incorporates feedback from travellers that was gathered during a series of listening sessions TPA hosted last summer in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties. Those events drew community members and airport officials together to determine what travellers wanted to see during their Airside D experience. Among the features added as a result of these discussions are:<\/p>\n
More power outlets to ensure better availability
\nMore plants and greenery to create a relaxing environment
\nA dedicated play area to entertain children
\nA quiet room to help travellers deal with potential sensory overload<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom the beginning, the guiding principle behind Airside D has been a singular focus on delivering the very best amenities and travel experience to the millions of passengers who visit TPA each year,\u201d said TPA Chief Development Officer Smitha Radhakrishnan. \u201cThoughtful and functional design, leading-edge technology, unmatched convenience and a sense of calm all come together in a facility shaped not just by expertise, but by the collective vision of our entire community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Features of the final design include:<\/p>\n
Cutting-edge shuttles that match the new models being installed at Airsides A, C and E
\nA modern TSA security screening checkpoint
\nA ground-level inspection facility for travellers arriving on international flights
\nA mezzanine level with both a brand-new Delta Sky Club and a common-use lounge
\nInnovative and dynamic media features that display moving images and animation
\nGlass boarding bridges to allow scenic views of the airfield as passengers board and exit aircraft
\nShopping and dining locations at the centre of the Airside and in hold rooms, with 360-degree views of the gates<\/p>\n
TPA\u00a0broke ground on Airside D\u00a0in December 2024 and has been prepping the site for major construction by removing concrete, installing secure fencing and establishing contractor offices, among other enabling work. The concrete that was removed was recycled to help\u00a0prepare the site for construction. Workers have been\u00a0building the foundations\u00a0of the Airside to prepare for structural steel framing to begin this summer.<\/p>\n
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Tampa International Airport has unveiled the final design for its new Airside D, a state-of-the-art terminal set to open in 2029. The 16-gate facility will provide enhanced amenities and innovative passenger services.<\/p>\n