TPA breaks ground on its massive “crown jewel” Airside D

by Andrew Harlan

Tampa International Airport (TPA) in Tampa just broke ground on the massive Airside D project. This billion-dollar development will add 16 new gates, restaurants, shops, and lounge areas to the airport.

As Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said, “TPA is the best airport in the world.” Period. We couldn’t agree more.

This project only adds to the luster of our local airport. “Airside D is the crown jewel of TPA,” said TPA CEO Joe Lopano. “It’s the most ambitious element of the airport’s master plan.”

Officials officially tossed dirt on December 18 at a special ceremony that included a construction crew flash mob. That’s just TPA’s style.

a group of people in construction outfits dancing on stage — *The TPA groundbreaking ceremony included a wild flash mob dance sequence.*

An ambitious development breaks ground at TPA

The airport expects to finalize the design by the end of 2025, with construction set to wrap up by 2028.

The $1.5 billion project will help TPA handle its growing passenger traffic, which could reach 35 million annually by 2037. The new Airside D will accommodate this growth, ensuring the airport can continue serving the Tampa Bay area as it expands.

The design and construction team behind the project includes Hensel Phelps, HNTB Corporation, and Gensler.

Learn more about Airside D, and sign up for its newsletter here.

officials wear hard hats and toss dirt during a groundbreaking ceremony

New CEO arrives in 2025

Much of this progress and growth at TPA is due to the tireless efforts of CEO Joe Lopano, who announced his retirement in early 2024. The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board approved Michael Stephens to take over next year. Lopano will retire in April 2025, and Stephens will become the fourth CEO in TPA history and the first Black chief executive officer.

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