This article is based on an official press release from Tampa International Airport.

Tampa International Airport Approves Final Design for $1.5 Billion Airside D Terminal

The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board of Directors has unanimously approved the final design for Airside D, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of Tampa International Airport (TPA). In a meeting held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, the Board greenlit the “100 percent design stage” for the facility, which represents the first new airside terminal constructed at the airport in nearly two decades.

According to official airport documentation, the project carries an estimated total cost of $1.528 billion. The new terminal is designed to accommodate the region’s rapid growth, adding 16 gates capable of serving both domestic and international wide-body aircraft. Airport officials state that this expansion is critical to increasing TPA’s capacity to 35 million annual passengers by 2037.

With the design phase now complete, the project is moving swiftly toward physical realization. Vertical construction is scheduled to begin later in 2026, with a targeted public opening in 2029.

The “Ascend” Design Concept

The approved design, titled “Ascend,” is intended to reflect the character of the Tampa Bay region through an emphasis on natural light, panoramic views, and operational efficiency. The facility will span approximately 600,000 square feet across two levels plus a mezzanine.

Passenger Experience and Amenities

The interior architecture focuses on reducing passenger stress through open spaces and soaring ceilings. A central concession area will offer 360-degree views of the airfield, a feature designed to enhance the connection between the traveler and the aviation environment. The mezzanine level is set to house two airline lounges, including a new Delta Sky Club, providing premium amenities for travelers.

In a statement regarding the vision for the new terminal, Tampa International Airport CEO Michael Stephens emphasized the project’s broader significance:

“Airside D is more than a new terminal; it is a bold vision for the future of travel in Tampa Bay. Thanks to the dedication and collaboration of our TPA team and partners, we’re setting a new standard for innovation, service, and hospitality in our region.”

Additional passenger amenities outlined in the approved plans include:

• A dedicated children’s play area.
• A quiet room designed for wellness and relaxation.
• Outdoor terraces incorporating greenery to bring the “outside in.”
• A new automated people mover system connecting Airside D to the Main Terminal.

Construction, Costs, and Sustainability

Alongside the design approval, the Board authorized a $902 million supplemental contract for the construction phase. The project team is led by Design-Builder Hensel Phelps, with architecture and engineering services provided by HNTB Corporation and Gensler.

Environmental Responsibility

Sustainability remains a core component of the Airside D project. The terminal is pursuing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, targeting a Silver or Gold rating. The design incorporates smart building technologies aimed at achieving a 10 percent reduction in Energy Use Intensity (EUI) compared to the airport’s 2018 baseline.

Notably, the project embraces circular economy principles regarding the site’s history. The original Airside D was demolished in 2007. According to project details, 100 percent of the concrete from that demolition, approximately 70,000 tons, is being crushed and recycled on-site to form the foundation of the new terminal.

Economic Impact

The airport views this expansion as a vital economic engine for the region. TPA currently generates an estimated $14 billion in annual economic activity. To ensure local benefits from the $1.5 billion investment, the project includes specific goals for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), set at 16 percent for design and 13 percent for construction.

AirPro News Analysis

While the headline is the massive Airside D expansion, we believe the Board’s simultaneous approval of the Main Terminal’s Ticketing Level renovation is equally critical. Adding 16 gates and millions of passengers would likely overwhelm existing landside infrastructure without this concurrent upgrade.

The approval of 28 new counter locations suggests that TPA is taking a holistic approach to growth, ensuring that the bottleneck does not simply shift from the runway to the check-in desk. By synchronizing the landside modernization with the airside expansion, TPA aims to preserve the high customer satisfaction scores that have defined its reputation, even as passenger volumes scale toward the 35 million mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the new Airside D open?
Construction is set to go vertical in 2026, with a grand opening scheduled for 2029.

How much will the project cost?
The total project cost is estimated at $1.528 billion. The Board recently approved a $902 million supplemental contract for construction.

What happened to the old Airside D?
The original Airside D was closed and demolished in 2007. Its concrete foundation is being recycled to build the new terminal.

Which airlines will operate out of Airside D?
While specific airline assignments can change, the terminal is designed for both domestic and international flights. The inclusion of a new Delta Sky Club suggests a significant presence by Delta Air Lines.

Sources

• Tampa International Airport