Tampa International Airport previews new Airside D design

As design work on the future Airside D continues, Tampa International Airport now has an updated concept for the facility for domestic and international flights.

Airside D will help TPA, which currently serves an estimated 25 million passengers a year, accommodate the region's growth and serve up to 35 million annual passengers by 2037.

The preliminary rendering of the new concept was developed this summer by the design-build team led by construction firm Hensel Phelps, and presented to the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board of Directors at their August meeting.. It reflects a significant optimization of the shape and space planning of the original building concept introduced when the Board awarded Hensel Phelps the contract in 2023.

"The design phase is an iterative process fueled by thorough research and analysis, and careful assessment of facility and operational needs in close collaboration with airline, Federal, and other partners," said Smitha Radhakrishnan, TPA Executive Vice President of Planning & Development and Maintenance. "We want this facility to be the premium traveler experience that TPA guests expect while prioritizing fiscal responsibility every step of the way."

The new Airside D concept will feature:

• Orthogonal shape for greater space and operational efficiency
• Two levels plus a mezzanine for 2 airline lounges with views of the airfield and the bay
• International Passenger Arrival Processing Area on the first floor
• Shuttle system and guideway
• Shopping and dining locations at the center of the Airside, offering 360-degree views of the gates
• Large open space featuring intuitive wayfinding and natural light

The team has been focusing on maintaining the convenience and customer service excellence that the Airport is known for and ensuring TPA's first new airside in nearly 20 years celebrates the look and feel of the Tampa Bay region.

At approximately 600,015 square feet, the building's preliminary cost estimate at this stage of design is approximately $1.5 billion, which has been impacted by an increase in the scope, size, and complexity of the building and aircraft ramp area, global inflation, supply chain challenges, and labor cost increases. The project will be paid for with a combination of funding sources including Airport reserves, bonds, and grants.

TPA also launched a new webpage for the public to learn more information about the new Airside D and to register for business opportunities: www.AscendTPA.com. Final designs for Airside D will be completed in 2025. Groundbreaking and the early stages of construction (site-enabling work) will begin later this year, with Airside D opening to the public in 2028.

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