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

• HNTB
• Archinect
• Tampa International Airport

This article is based on an official press release from American Airlines.

American Airlines Unveils Plans for Reimagined Concourse D at Miami International Airport

American Airlines, in partnership with Miami-Dade County and local officials, has officially unveiled plans to transform the travel experience at Miami International Airport (MIA). The centerpiece of this initiative is the “Gate D60” project, a major infrastructure expansion designed to modernize regional operations and solidify Miami’s status as a premier global gateway.

Building on nearly 40 years of history at the hub, the airline announced that the project will replace existing ground-level regional jet facilities with a new, three-level concourse. Scheduled to break ground in 2027, the expansion aims to eliminate outdoor boarding, increase gate capacity, and streamline international arrivals. According to details released by the airline and confirmed by county officials, this development represents a significant step in the airport’s broader modernization efforts.

The Gate D60 Expansion Project

The primary focus of the announcement is the complete reconstruction of the regional flight area known as Gate D60. Currently, this section of the airport supports ground operations for smaller regional jets, often requiring passengers to walk across the tarmac to board aircraft. The new project will replace this infrastructure with a modern facility capable of handling larger aircraft and higher passenger volumes.

Infrastructure and Passenger Experience

According to the press release, the new three-level Concourse D extension will feature 17 new aircraft gates. These “contact gates” will allow for direct boarding via jet bridges, eliminating the need for outdoor transfers. The design emphasizes space and comfort, expanding a single shared boarding area into adjoining spaces for every gate.

American Airlines highlighted several key amenities planned for the new facility:

• Seamless International Connections: The structure is designed with future capabilities to handle international arrivals, including direct third-floor access to the MIA customs hall.
• Modern Interiors: Renderings depict bright, expansive spaces featuring indoor palm trees to reflect the local aesthetic.
• Enhanced Services: The concourse will include new dining and shopping options for travelers.

“The brand-new, reimagined D60 is a transformational project that will provide a much-improved experience for our customers and our team. This investment, alongside new premium lounges and new routes, reflects our shared commitment with Miami-Dade County and the airport to ensure Miami remains the preeminent U.S. gateway to Latin America.”

, Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines

Operational Impact and Strategic Growth

Miami International Airport serves as American Airlines’ largest international gateway. The carrier currently accounts for more than 60% of all traffic at MIA, operating approximately 400 daily departures to 155 destinations across 45 countries. The airline noted that it plans to run its largest summer schedule ever this year, with peak operations exceeding 380 daily flights.

Network Expansion

To support this infrastructure growth, American is also expanding its route network. The airline highlighted new services launched or announced for 2026, including:

• Milan, Italy (MXP): A daily year-round service restoring a direct link to Italy.
• Bimini, Bahamas: New service to this Caribbean destination.

Juan Carlos Liscano, American’s Vice President of MIA Operations, emphasized the role of the airline’s 15,500 Miami-based team members in driving this growth. Liscano stated that the partnership with the county positions the hub for “exciting growth ahead.”

“The D60 expansion is one of the most monumental customer service improvements within our unprecedented airport-wide modernization plan, which will transform the passenger experience at MIA from the cabin to the curb over the next five years.”

, Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County Mayor

AirPro News Analysis

The shift from ground-loading regional gates to a three-story concourse with jet bridges signals a broader industry trend known as “upgauging.” Airlines are increasingly moving away from 50-seat regional jets in favor of larger dual-class regional aircraft or mainline narrowbodies. The current infrastructure at MIA’s regional end was designed for an era of smaller aircraft that is rapidly fading.

By building gates that can accommodate larger aircraft, American Airlines is not just improving comfort; they are likely preparing to increase the number of seats per departure out of Miami. This efficiency is crucial for a land-constrained airport like MIA, where runway and gate capacity are at a premium. Furthermore, the direct connection to the customs hall suggests American intends to use these gates for international flights from Latin America and the Caribbean, allowing for more flexible fleet utilization between domestic and short-haul international routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will construction begin on the new Concourse D expansion?

According to American Airlines, the project is set to break ground in 2027.

What is the main benefit for passengers?

The project will eliminate outdoor boarding for regional flights. Passengers will board via jet bridges (contact gates) directly from the terminal, protecting them from weather and improving accessibility.

How much is being invested in this project?

Reports indicate the specific investment for the Gate D60 project is approximately $1 billion, part of a larger multi-billion dollar modernization plan at the airport.

Will this affect international travelers?

Yes. The new facility is designed with direct access to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection hall, streamlining the process for international arrivals.

Sources

• American Airlines

This article is based on an official press release from Adani Group and additional data from public reporting.

Guwahati Airport’s New Terminal 2 Commences Operations, Quadrupling Capacity

Commercial operations officially began today, February 22, 2026, at the new Integrated Terminal (Terminal 2) of Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA) in Guwahati, Assam. According to an official press release from Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL), the new facility increases the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity from 3.4 million to 13.1 million, marking a significant shift in the aviation infrastructure of North East India.

The terminal, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 20, 2025, is designed to serve as the primary aviation gateway to Southeast Asia. The project represents a total investment estimated at ₹5,000 crore (approximately $600 million), with the terminal building alone accounting for over ₹1,600 crore. The transition to the new facility addresses long-standing congestion issues at the airport, which serves as the central hub for the region.

In a statement regarding the operational launch, the Adani Group emphasized that the expansion is not merely a capacity upgrade but a strategic development to bolster connectivity for Assam and its neighboring states. The operator, Guwahati International Airport Limited (GIAL), a subsidiary of AAHL, confirmed that the old terminal (Terminal 1) will now be repurposed into a dedicated cargo hub to support regional trade.

Infrastructure and Capacity Upgrades

The operationalization of Terminal 2 introduces a massive scale-up in infrastructure. The total terminal area has expanded from approximately 20,000 square meters to 140,000 square meters. This physical expansion supports a drastic increase in processing capabilities, designed to handle the projected growth in air traffic over the coming decades.

Key Operational Metrics

According to data provided in the press release and project reports, the new terminal features significant upgrades across all passenger touchpoints:

• Passenger Capacity: Increased from 3.4 million to 13.1 million passengers per annum.
• Runway Throughput: Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) capacity raised from 18 to 34 per hour.
• Check-in Facilities: Expanded to 64 check-in counters.
• Immigration: Now features 20 immigration counters to facilitate international travel.
• Boarding: Equipped with 10 aerobridges to streamline passenger flow.

Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the project.

Today is more than a commercial milestone. It is a proud moment for the people of Assam and the North-East… This achievement belongs to the countless hands and hearts that turned vision into reality.

, Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Airport Holdings Ltd

Design and Sustainability: The “Bamboo Orchid” Theme

The architecture of Terminal 2, designed by Nuru Karim of NUDES, is marketed as India’s first “nature-themed” airport terminal. The design explicitly references local culture, utilizing the “Bamboo Orchid” theme inspired by the kopou phool (foxtail orchid) and the bholuka bamboo native to Assam.

Sustainability was a core component of the construction brief. The structure incorporates over 140 metric tonnes of bamboo, paying homage to the structural traditions of the Apatani tribe. Inside, the terminal features a “Sky Forest”, an indoor rainforest installation housing nearly 100,000 indigenous plants. The facility also integrates passive cooling systems, extensive natural lighting, and water recycling capabilities to minimize its environmental footprint. These features contributed to the design winning the International Architecture Award 2025.

The Guwahati terminal demonstrates how world-class airport infrastructure can be delivered swiftly while remaining deeply rooted in local identity.

, Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group

Strategic Importance for North East India

With a capacity of 13.1 million passengers, Guwahati (LGBIA) has solidified its position as the undisputed aviation hub of the North East. For comparison, nearby airports such as Imphal and Agartala handle approximately 1.5 to 2 million passengers annually. The expansion allows Guwahati to act as a spoke-and-hub center, feeding traffic to smaller regional airports while maintaining direct connections to major metros and international destinations.

Currently, the airport connects to 21 domestic destinations and 3 international routes (Bangkok, Singapore, and Paro). The increased runway capacity and immigration facilities are expected to attract more international carriers, specifically targeting Southeast Asian markets.

AirPro News Analysis

The opening of Terminal 2 at LGBIA represents a critical maturation point for the privatization of Indian airports. Since the Adani Group took over operations in October 2021, the focus has shifted toward maximizing non-aeronautical revenue and expanding capacity ahead of demand curves.

While the aesthetic and capacity upgrades are substantial, the repurposing of Terminal 1 for cargo is perhaps the more economically significant move for the region. North East India has historically suffered from logistics bottlenecks; a dedicated air cargo hub in Guwahati could significantly lower transit times for perishable goods and export products from Assam, potentially transforming the economic landscape of the state beyond just tourism.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the new terminal in Guwahati open?

Commercial operations at the new Integrated Terminal (Terminal 2) commenced on February 22, 2026. It was inaugurated earlier by PM Narendra Modi on December 20, 2025.

Who operates the Guwahati International Airport?

The airport is operated by Guwahati International Airport Limited (GIAL), a subsidiary of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL), which took over management in October 2021.

What is the capacity of the new terminal?

The new terminal can handle 13.1 million passengers annually, nearly four times the capacity of the previous terminal (3.4 million).

What will happen to the old terminal?

The old terminal (Terminal 1) is slated to be repurposed into a dedicated cargo hub to boost regional trade capabilities.

Sources

• Adani Group Press Release
• Construction World
• India Today
• The Economic Times