Route Development
HNTB Completes 100% Design for Tampa International Airport Airside D
HNTB finalizes design for Tampa International Airport’s Airside D, a $1.5B terminal expansion adding 16 gates and boosting capacity to 35 million passengers by 2037.
This article is based on an official press release from HNTB and additional project data from Tampa International Airport.
HNTB Reaches 100% Design Milestone for Tampa International Airport’s Airside D
Infrastructure design firm HNTB has officially achieved the 100% design milestone for Airside D at Tampa International Airport (TPA), marking a critical step forward for the facility’s first new airside terminal in nearly 20 years. Working in collaboration with the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (HCAA) and design-build partner Hensel Phelps, the team is now poised to advance the $1.5 billion project into full-scale construction.
The new terminal is a central component of the airport’s Master Plan, designed to accommodate the region’s rapid growth. According to HNTB, the design phase is now complete, setting the stage for a facility that balances operational efficiency with a distinct “sense of place” inspired by the Florida landscape.
Architectural Vision and Passenger Experience
Airside D will be the largest airside facility at TPA, spanning approximately 600,000 square feet. The design features a “daylight-driven” form with a continuous roof structure intended to guide passengers intuitively through the space. HNTB describes the architecture as being inspired by the movement of water and the region’s natural springs, utilizing changes in volume and light to assist with orientation.
In a press statement, Scott Steckler, aviation architecture managing principal at HNTB, emphasized the collaborative effort behind the milestone:
“Reaching the 100% design milestone reflects the dedication and collaboration of our entire project team and our partners at TPA and the HCAA. With the design phase now complete, we’re ready to advance into full construction and bring a shared vision to life.”
The terminal is organized to serve both domestic and international flights, integrating a Federal Inspection Services (FIS) facility for processing international arrivals. Key architectural features include:
- Glass Boarding Bridges: Designed to preserve views of the airfield and the surrounding bay during boarding and deplaning.
- Central Concessions Core: A daylit marketplace serving as the terminal’s social hub.
- Mezzanine Level: This upper level will house a new Delta Sky Club and a common-use lounge, offering expansive views of the airfield.
Capacity and Operational Timeline
The completion of the design phase allows the project to move into vertical construction later in 2026. The terminal is scheduled to open to the public in 2029. Once operational, Airside D will add 16 gates to the airport’s inventory, enabling TPA to increase its annual passenger capacity from approximately 25 million to an estimated 35 million by 2037.
According to project details released by TPA, the facility will include modern amenities tailored to diverse traveler needs, such as a dedicated children’s play area, a sensory room for travelers needing a quiet environment, and outdoor terraces. The project is being delivered through a progressive design-build model led by Hensel Phelps, with HNTB serving as the lead architect and Gensler as the associate architect.
AirPro News Analysis
The finalization of the Airside D design signals a shift in Tampa International Airport’s strategy from recovery to aggressive expansion. By integrating international processing capabilities directly into the new airside, TPA is positioning itself to compete more effectively for transatlantic and Latin American routes that might otherwise favor larger hubs like Miami or Orlando. The inclusion of premium lounge space and sensory-friendly amenities also reflects a broader industry trend where airports are competing on passenger experience (“CX”) rather than just connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Airside D open?
Construction is expected to be completed in late 2028, with the facility opening to passengers in 2029.
Which airlines will operate out of Airside D?
While specific gate assignments can change, the inclusion of a large Delta Sky Club suggests Delta Air Lines will be a primary tenant. The terminal is equipped to handle both domestic and international carriers.
What is the budget for the project?
The total project cost is estimated at approximately $1.5 billion, funded through a combination of bonds, grants, and airport revenues.
Sources
Photo Credit: Archinect