| Work Detail |
The next couple of years will see the start of extensive construction work at Tampa International Airport to accommodate the projected 40 percent increase in passenger traffic by 2037. Headlining this US$1.5 billion expansion will be a new 16-gate facility-Airside D-which will start later this year and will be the first new airside to be developed at TPA in approximately twenty years.
A Vision towards the Future
The design process for Airside D is highly informed by rigorous research and engagement with various stakeholders. Smitha Radhakrishnan, executive vice-president of planning and development and maintenance at TPA, emphasizes that such a facility must be designed so that it provides the best quality service a guest can expect from TPA, yet is responsible fiscally: “This facility must reflect the high standards our TPA guests are accustomed to.”
Architectural Features and Amenities
The airside will be large and orthogonally-shaped, placed to the side of the major runway, linked by light rail line to the terminal. It shall have sloped roof, truck loading docs, and park for aircraft. What’s more, Airside D shall be the biggest of its type facility at TPA, consisting of 600,015 square feet, two stories in height, with mezzanine airline lounge spaces having dramatic views of the Airfield and the Bay.
Then, on the first floor, provide a dedicated space for international passengers, and give shopping and dining options at the center to allow 360-degree views of the gates. The space is filled with soaring ceilings and bright interiors, capturing light from nature to make the journey even more enjoyable.
Construction Timeline and Budget
Groundbreaking for Airside D is expected to begin later this year as it finalizes its final designs in 2025. Vertical construction would begin by the end of 2025, starting a multiyear process, with a completion date in 2029. Initial estimate cost for the facility was about $1.5 billion; that has gone up, like all other things across the board, because inflation and supply chain concerns worldwide continue to plague everyone.
Financing the Expansion
Expansion will be funded through a combination of airport reserves, bonds and grants. Today, TPA accommodates approximately 25 million passengers each year, but will likely increase to 35 million by 2037. Airside D is the final of three phases in TPA’s master plan; other recent redevelopments have been completed in the main terminal and rental car center.
Other TPA Construction Projects
In addition to Airside D, there are a fair number of construction projects at TPA Airport. Sheltair Tampa is building a new narrow body hangar. It will have 50,880 square feet for aircraft and 8,344 square feet of office space. That project is estimated to be completed by the end of 2025.
Furthermore, it would also involve adding a new 20,000-square-foot security screening area, taking its number of security lanes from six to seven. This project is slated to open by February 2025.
Overview of Project
Name: Airside D
Location: Tampa International Airport, TPA
Project Type: Expansion to airport
Value: Total (estimated): US$1.5 billion
Key Facts:
16-gate airside
600,015 square feet
Two levels plus mezzanine for airline lounges
Dedicated space for international processing
Retail and dining spaces with panoramic views
Timeline and Status
Groundbreaking: Late 2023
Completion: 2029
Current Progress: Final design phase to be completed in 2025
Development Team
Smitha Radhakrishnan (TPA)
Architecture Firm: TBD
By making this development, TPA stands prepared to change the experience of travelers without losing its significance as a transport center within Florida. |
