Tampa International Airport has been named #1 in Customer Satisfaction for Large Airports for the third time in the JD Power 2026 North America Airport Satisfaction Study^SM, a leading industry analytics report measuring traveler sentiment.

TPA received the highest score among large airports (10 to 32.9 million passengers per year) in the study of traveler satisfaction with North American Airports. This third award comes after TPA topped the rankings in 2022 and 2023, and second in both 2024 and 2025.

“Tampa International Airport is incredibly proud to receive our third JD Power award in just five years, an honor that reflects what our passengers experience every day when they travel through our world-class facilities," Airport CEO Michael Stephens said. "TPA has built a reputation for friendly, helpful service; clean, modern facilities; and spacious amenities that are convenient and accessible to all.”

Survey participants ranked TPA the top Airport in North America in three of the seven dimensions the study measured: Level of Trust with Airport; Departure/to Airport Experience; and Arrival/From Airport Experience. TPA also ranked highly in the other dimensions, which include Ease of Travel Through Airport (#2); Airport Staff (#2); Food, Beverage and Retail (#3); and Terminal Facilities (#2).

TPA serves more than 24 million passengers per year and is currently building a brand-new, state-of-the-art international and domestic terminal, which will be Airside D. The 600,000-square-foot project will add 16 gates and provide a new U.S. Customs inspection facility to the Airport, plus a host of new food and beverage and retail options and two new lounge spaces when Airside D opens to the public in 2029.

Airside D is the highlight of the third and final phase of TPA’s Master Plan construction program, which has expanded and improved Airport facilities since 2012. Among the additions in that time are a new rental car facility and SkyConnect train system, the award-winning Express Curbsides for faster passenger drop off and pick-up, and the LEED Platinum-certified SkyCenter One commercial office building.

“Being recognized in the large airport category is a tremendous achievement, particularly during a time of ongoing construction and improvements, and the honor belongs to our entire TPA family," Stephens said. "This award is a testament to the dedication and teamwork of our employees, airline partners, concessionaires, and countless others who work together every day to deliver an exceptional experience. 

"Most importantly, it reflects the pride we all share in representing the Tampa Bay community and our commitment to making TPA an airport that sets the standard for excellence.”

The JD Power announcement is the latest award in a string of accolades for TPA, which in recent years has been named Best Large Airport by USA Today and the #1 15-25 million Passenger Airport in North America by Airports Council International. 

For JD Power 2026 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards for more details.

Tampa International Airport’s latest technology upgrade is just the ticket for quicker and easier movement into and out of all of TPA’s parking garages.

New ticket dispensers at all garage entrances and payment machines at garage exits are currently being installed at Short Term, Long Term and Economy. The updated touchscreen machines are state-of-the-art and are designed to make arriving and leaving a smooth and speedy experience.

The machinery is manufactured by Designa and on exit will now allow tap and pay and payment methods such as Apple Pay.

“This upgrade of the ticketing equipment in our parking garages is part of our continuous efforts to enhance our guest experience," TPA Vice President of Concessions & Commercial Parking Laurie Noyes said. "Our travelers will now be able to begin and end their trips with the latest technology, delivering more convenient and efficient access to and from our parking garages.”

Among the many improvements are modern license plate readers that will scan car tags on the way into and out of the garage.

If the traveler has pre-booked parking at TampaAirport.com/Park and provided their license plate at time of booking, the traveler will not have to scan the QR code when entering the garage as the system will read their license plate. When the driver comes back from their trip on time, they will be able to drive to the exit kiosk where the plate will be scanned again and open the exit arm automatically, without having to provide the QR code again.

The process will work similarly for a driver who leaves within the one-hour grace period for free parking at any garage. They will pull a ticket at the entrance, and if their stay is less than 60 minutes, the license plate scanner will tell the exit arm to raise without the driver having to provide the ticket.

Replacing all the machinery will take a few weeks while people who parked with tickets using the old equipment filter out of the garages. The entire replacement at all three garages, which involves swapping out 18 ticket dispensers and 18 payment machines, is scheduled to be completed in October. Employee parking areas will also receive new equipment with new and improved features.

The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board at its December 2025 meeting approved $6.2 million for construction and materials on the project as part of the capital budget. Installation work is being performed by Manhattan Construction Company LLC.

In his role, Adel serves as one of TPA’s six ADM leaders and, while on duty, is the highest-ranking staff member overseeing airport operations at TPA. He helps manage day-to-day activity across both the airfield and terminals, coordinating with airport stakeholders, federal partners, and internal teams to respond to everything from weather disruptions and irregular operations to construction impacts and emergency response needs.

“It’s a role where no two days are the same,” Adel said. “When things start to go sideways, that’s when our role really kicks into action.”

That ability to think quickly and collaborate under pressure is at the heart of the job. Whether it’s managing a wave of delayed flights, coordinating an unexpected diversion, or navigating construction work that affects roadways, taxiways, or gates, Adel helps keep the Airport moving safely and efficiently.

Just this past weekend, Adel helped coordinate what to do with an Air China Cargo flight that had to divert to TPA due to bad weather over South Florida. Because the aircraft arrived unexpectedly and there were no local contacts for Air China, Adel and the operations team had to quickly coordinate with Customs, ground handlers, and other Airport partners to determine how the aircraft could be accommodated and who would be able to handle it. In the end, the aircraft was successfully supported through coordination with standby ground handling resources. It's just one example of the many challenges that can come up in an average day for the ADM to handle.

A career built on curiosity

Adel’s path to TPA started early. He participated in an Embry-Riddle aviation internship program while attending Clearwater High School in 2016. The program brought students on site to learn directly from Airport professionals, an experience that made a lasting impression.

“It definitely shined a light on Tampa International Airport as a place where I wanted to start my career,” he said.

From there, Adel continued building his aviation background while earning his bachelor’s degree in aviation management from Florida Tech. Along the way, he worked in a variety of roles across the industry, including at the Signature FBO at St. Pete-Clearwater Airport, working for a private aircraft management and charter company, and later in operational roles at both St. Pete-Clearwater Airport and TPA.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Adel even spent time in public service work, including time with 2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares, where he helped support COVID-era assistance programs and later worked as a data specialist.

He eventually returned to TPA, advancing through various operations roles from starting off as an Airfield Operations Supervisor to Airport Operations Manager, then to Terminal Operations, and now to Airport Duty Manager.

Aviation has always been part of his story

Adel grew up with a love for aviation from a very young age. Born in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, he was raised in a highly international environment with friends and neighbors from all over the world. His father is Egyptian and his mother is Filipino so the family often traveled to visit relatives in the Philippines, Egypt, and beyond.

“My first international flight was at 9 months old,” he said. “Living near an air base and traveling so much really sparked my interest.”

After moving to the United States at age 12 and graduating from high school, he spent a few years as a student pilot and originally planned to fly for the U.S. military. But after the release of the Top Gun sequel in 2022, Adel says the surge in applicants created a three-year waiting list to begin flight training. Instead, he chose to launch his career right away by working at airports — a decision he says paid off.

Today, he is focused on continuing to grow his career at TPA, with a strong interest in Advanced Air Mobility, a rapidly developing industry that is expected to bring Florida’s first electric, battery-powered aircraft in the coming year. Adel says he is especially interested in how the new technology will be regulated as state transportation leaders, private companies, the FAA and local airports work together to bring it to reality.

Adel is also active beyond TPA. In 2022, he joined the Tampa Bay Aviation Association as a board member and secretary, where he helps support scholarship opportunities for people pursuing careers in aviation.

“It allows me to provide that opportunity for others to get into this amazing industry,” he said.

Travel, movies, food and fun

Outside of work, Adel is the kind of person who likes to stay busy. He loves travel, especially to international destinations, and hopes to explore more of Asia in the future. Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore are all high on his list.

In March, he purchased a ticket to be one of the first Tampa Bay passengers to fly on Avianca's inaugural flight to Bogotá, Colombia. While in South America, he met new friends and visited some of the nation's most beautiful spots including Laguna Guatavita (pictured left), a forest-fringed crater, northeast of Bogotá in central Colombia. It was a sacred site to the Muisca people, who cast elaborate gold offerings into its depths, inspiring the legend of El Dorado.

Adel is also a huge movie fan and proud AMC A-List member, often catching up to 3 films a week if his schedule allows. He also has a large private collection of films at home.

Most of all, Adel describes himself as a true foodie who will try just about anything. He enjoys dishes from every corner of the globe, but his true favorite is chicken shawarma.

“It's like a little wrap. You have chicken on a rotisserie, almost like Gyro meat, but it's just seasoned different. It comes with garlic sauce instead of tzatziki with some fries. It's like a simple little comfort sandwich.”

A rising leader to watch

At just 26 years old, Adel has already built an impressive resume and brings a fresh perspective to TPA’s Airport Operations team. He is a Part 107 FAA licensed drone pilot and a Certified Member through the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). His combination of aviation experience, calm decision-making, and enthusiasm for innovation makes him a standout member of the TPA team. He's also the fastest to call and wake up the TPA Communications team in the middle of the night with his calming voice when something goes wrong.

Thanks, Adel, for all you do to help keep TPA running smoothly every day and every night.

In addition to being able to obtain or sell foreign currency, travelers also can now purchase Florida Lottery tickets. Currency Exchange International also plans to add a 24/7 ATM and other business services in the coming weeks.

"We're excited to bring Currency Exchange International to TPA, especially since they offer an amenity our travelers have been asking for since our last provider closed in 2020," said Stacey Nance, Director of Airport Concessions. "This partnership allows us to offer a convenient, one-stop service for currency exchange and other travel essentials right in the heart of our Main Terminal."

The new location is now open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In addition to Best Large Airport, TPA is also nominated for Best Airport for Dining, with two of its restaurants, Café by Mise en Place and Cigar City Brewing, competing for Best Airport Sit-Down Restaurant. Bavaro’s Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria is also in the running for Best Airport Grab-and-Go Food. New this year, The Gasparilla Bar at TPA’s Airside F has been nominated for Best Airport Bar.

A panel of industry experts and editors at USA TODAY selected the nominees in each category.

Now it’s up to the public to decide which airport and restaurants are their favorites. Voting is open until Monday, Oct. 5 at noon, and fans of TPA can vote once a day in each category until polls close. The top 10 winners are scheduled to be announced on Wednesday, Oct. 14.

For the past two years, TPA has ranked No. 1 Best Large Airport in the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards. Last year, it also earned the No. 1 Best Airport for Dining title, with Airside C’s Bavaro’s, Cigar City Brewing, and Ulele, all Tampa Bay-area concepts, each ranking among the nation’s 10 best in the Airport Grab-and-Go Food or Airport Sit-Down Restaurant categories. This is the first year TPA has been nominated in the Best Airport Bar category.

Click below to vote for TPA and your favorite airport bar or restaurant in each category:

• Best Large Airport
• Best Airport for Art
• Best Airport for Dining
• Best Airport Sit-Down Restaurant
• Best Airport Grab-and-Go Food
• Best Airport Bar

Tampa International Airport travelers headed to or from Airsides A and C will see that both the Red and Blue automated shuttles are back on track.

After extensive guideway renovation and technology testing, TPA’s signature people-movers officially opened to the public at the end of August. The Red shuttles were cleared for passengers a few months after the Blue shuttles were commissioned in the spring.

The brand-new Innovia APM 300 R shuttle cars – in Red and Blue mated pairs at each Airside like the last shuttles – are the third generation of automated transports to and from the Main Terminal since TPA opened in 1971. The cars are manufactured by Alstom in the same Pittsburgh-area production facility as the old shuttles.

While the ride will be familiar to TPA’s travelers, the new shuttles feature improved lighting, video information screens, and doors with obstacle-detection systems.

TPA is the first airport in the world to have these shuttles paired with Alstom’s new proprietary operating system, along with new electrical running gear and concrete guideways. The previous generation of shuttles was installed in the 1990s and ran for well over 1 million miles each.

Airside E is getting the same upgrades, with the Red shuttle cars now installed and the new Blue cars coming soon. Work there is scheduled to be completed later this year.

The guideway rehabilitation and shuttle car replacement for Airsides A and C, which includes design and running surfaces, plus eight cars with their controls and signaling systems, cost $61 million. The Airside E replacement project, with four more cars plus guideways and software system, costs an additional $30 million. The projects are funded with bonds and state grants.

New cars also have been ordered for the forthcoming Airside D. Airside F, which has the newest cars of all the Airsides, is due to get new shuttles in the future.

Click on a photo or the video below to download it:

Golden says while he's worked on multiple public facing projects within the airport environment, this was his first opportunity to work on a science museum exhibit.

“It was very rewarding and a lot of fun,” Golden said. “From collaborating with the museum and Sotereon, to working with our Communication team on refining and perfecting material for the audience, to seeing the interactive portion come to life, it has been such a great experience.” 

The exhibit also highlights the growing need for STEM talent across aviation and other industries, encouraging young visitors to imagine new possibilities and maybe even pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math. Golden said MOSI’s reach makes the exhibit especially meaningful, noting that the museum welcomes more than 300,000 visitors each year. “That’s over 300,000 opportunities to inspire to innovate, think freely, and dare to venture into the unknown,” he said. “I hope this exhibit gives someone the courage to be different and try what hasn’t been tried before.” 

The new display was unveiled to the public this week at MOSI.

The updates, adopted at the August HCAA Board Meeting, apply to the Authority’s non-federal Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) programs.

A major milestone in this effort is the launch of in-house certification for the SBE and SBEC programs. Certification determines whether a business is eligible to participate, while the program itself creates a path to real Airport opportunities.

This change also establishes one small business certification standard across the Authority’s federal and non-federal programs.

Under the updated approach, SBE and SBEC certifications will use the same federal SBA business size standards based on NAICS codes, along with the same owner personal net worth limit of $2.047 million used in the DBE and ACDBE programs.

Businesses that are recertified as DBEs or ACDBEs by Florida Unified Certification Program certifying agencies will automatically qualify for SBE or SBEC certification.

For more information about the programs and how to become certified, visit HCAA’s Policies and Programs page on the TPA website or contact BusinessOpportunity@TampaAirport.com.

Tampa Bay business owners interested in business opportunities at Tampa International Airport have a couple of chances to learn more with a pair of information sessions next week.

TPA’s award-winning Concessions program will be holding a free public information session at St. Pete Athletic, 680 28^th St. S in St. Petersburg, at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8. The event will be held in the South Wing Grove Lounge.

This free event will feature a presentation on the Airport’s upcoming Concessions Redevelopment Program, which will include information on when food and beverage or retail contracts will be open, and how businesses will be able to apply for a spot. No registration for this event is required.

Then on Thursday, September 10, TPA will host a public networking event designed to connect Concessions Primes and area banks with local and small businesses interested in future opportunities at TPA. Primes manage and operate a major block of food and retail offerings. 

This free event starts at 2 p.m. in TPA’s Main Terminal Event Space on the third floor between the shuttle stations for Airsides E and F. Interested businesses can register for that event here.

For more information on the Concessions team, go to TPAConcessions.com.

Tampa International Airport and its tenant partners are searching for qualified applicants to fill positions ahead of the busy holiday travel season at an Airport-wide Hiring Day event on September 23.

Seventeen employers, including aviation maintenance and repair company Airborne, parking services provider ABM and food-service company SSP America are among the partners accepting applications to fill positions at retail shops, restaurants, ground handling services and other businesses at TPA. These employers combined are searching for candidates for more than 260 open positions.

The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, which operates TPA and Hillsborough County's three General Aviation airports, also will be looking to fill several jobs. The Authority is especially looking for Florida-certified law enforcement officers to join the Tampa International Airport Police Department. HCAA job openings may be viewed here.

Some companies will conduct on-site interviews and applicants may be hired on the spot, so job seekers should bring two forms of identification. Spanish and ASL assistance will be available.

TPA’s Airport-wide Hiring Day will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Sept. 23, in the Main Terminal Event Space between the shuttle stations for Airsides E and F.

No RSVP is required to attend the event. Free parking will be available in the Economy Parking Garage and participants can take the SkyConnect train to the Main Terminal for the event.

Watch for updates at www.tampaairport.com/HiringDay

If you’re coming to Tampa International Airport in the next few weeks and are being dropped off at the Red Side of the Main Terminal, please be aware there’s going to be a short, temporary detour.

A pavement resurfacing project will affect the Red Departures drive to the Ticketing level beginning August 31 at 7 a.m. The project is similar to work done on the Blue Departures drive last summer.

Work crews will be removing and replacing the traffic coating on all four lanes of the drive as part of scheduled maintenance to ensure optimal facility quality and traffic flow. The closure is scheduled to last until mid-October.

Guests who are being dropped off for their flights at Red Side airlines will be directed to instead drive to and get out at the Red Express Curbsides to enter the Main Terminal.

Signage and Airport staff will direct travelers through the building to reach the Ticketing level on the second floor of the Main Terminal. Curbside bag check-in will be available at the Red Express Departures drive.

Travelers who are not checking bags and already have their boarding passes may head up the Red Express escalators or elevators to the third level to reach the shuttle to their Airside.

Red Side airlines include:

• Air Canada
• Alaska Airlines
• Avelo Airlines
• Breeze Airways
• British Airways
• Discover Airlines
• Edelweiss Air
• Frontier
• Southwest Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines
• WestJet

Check here for a full list of which side each airline is on.

During its May 2026 meeting, the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board of Directors approved a $1.2 million contract to Restocon Corp. to perform the work for the Red Departures rehabilitation project. 

After conducting a full evaluation of the Transportation Security Administration’s private screening partnership program, TSA Gold+, Tampa International Airport has elected to continue its checkpoint screening operations with its existing federal TSA officers.

Earlier this year, the TSA approached TPA officials with the concept of TSA Gold+, a program that gives TSA oversight of a private company and workforce to conduct screening operations, rather than federal TSA officers. The Airport opted in to evaluate the TSA Gold+ program with the goal of preventing disruptions from future government shutdowns, improving access to the latest screening technology, and enhancing the passenger experience.

Opting in allowed TPA officials to learn about program details and provisions, including security, workforce, technology, financial, and legal considerations, before moving forward.

The Airport conducted an extensive review and evaluation over several months, which resulted in its decision to keep screening operations exclusively with the TSA, and not adopt the Gold+ model.

“We approached Gold+ carefully and deliberately, with a focus on our passengers, employees, airline partners, and long-term operational excellence,” TPA CEO Michael Stephens said. “We are thankful to the TSA for bringing us the opportunity to learn more about a program with the potential to enhance operational resiliency and innovation, and to reach an informed decision.” 

“We have worked closely with our TSA team through record passenger growth, severe weather, federal funding disruptions, and peak travel periods. We value their professionalism and commitment to security and service, and look forward to continuing our strong partnership,” Stephens said.

Travelers awaiting an interview with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer to complete their enrollment for the Global Entry program will have a chance to schedule a slot at a special five-day event at Tampa International Airport this month.

This is the first CBP mass-enrollment event at TPA this year and will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. from Monday, August 24, through Friday, August 28, in TPA’s Main Terminal Event Space on Level 3 between the shuttles for Airsides E and F.

Global Entry applicants who are conditionally approved may schedule the interview portion of the process to complete their enrollment in the program. Applicants may select “Tampa International Event Space” as their interview location.

This event is also open to those who have “pending” Global Entry status or walk-ups who need help with their application. CBP officers will assist when they have availability to do so.

Global Entry is one of the Department of Homeland Security’s Trusted Traveler programs, which provide modified screening and expedited clearance for approved members.

Those travelers may skip Customs lines when returning to the U.S. from abroad, using automated kiosks at eligible airports to complete their arrival procedure. Approved Global Entry travelers also are enrolled in the Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck program. Enrollment in Global Entry must be renewed after five years.

To apply for Global Entry, travelers should go to CBP's website: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry

Applicants must first undergo a rigorous background check, then must complete an in-person interview. Scheduling these interviews can often take weeks or even months, as the number of enrollment center locations offering interview times is limited.

After the application is complete and travelers have paid the fee, they will receive an email telling them they are conditionally approved and be directed to make an appointment with a Global Entry office. Those who have already scheduled a future interview date may reschedule the interview to the five-day event if they prefer to speed up the process.

CBP officers will be in place to conduct interviews during the enrollment event, with the officers working to accommodate multiple interviews every 10 minutes. That means approximately 1,200 potential interview slots are available during the five-day TPA event.

Conditionally approved Global Entry applicants who miss this opportunity may still take advantage of CBP’s Enrollment on Arrival interview process. Applicants may complete their required interviews upon their return from international travel at participating airports.

For more information about this event, please contact CBP by using this email: TampaTTPinformation@cbp.dhs.gov. 

[Photo: U.S. Customs and Border Protection]

Phoebe's 4th “Bird-thday” bash: Travelers flying in or out on the big day can catch Phoebe's birthday celebration in person from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. Featuring a flamingo stilt walker, a steel drum player, and a custom birthday cake, this day-of celebration is a little something extra for passengers already making their way through the TPA that day.

A few other happenings are also planned on August 25:

• The Shoppes at Bayshore: From 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., this location will feature local-artist face painting and flamingo-shaped balloon art.
• Dylan's Candy Bar: Travelers can enjoy a complimentary pink flamingo gummy sample and limited-edition sticker, while supplies last.
• Mindworks: Passengers who purchase an Asobu Bestie Bottle can enjoy free custom name etching, while supplies last.
• P.F. Chang's: Hungry for something pink? P.F. Chang's will offer complimentary pink macarons and mini pink cupcakes, while supplies last. And, they'll also offer custom face painting!

The celebration doesn't stop there. Phoebe's birthday month kicked off August 1 and runs all the way through August 31, with special happenings taking place throughout TPA. From custom punch at several restaurants to flamingo straws at Qdoba to cake pops at TPA's Café con Leche and Buddy Brew locations, be sure to be on the lookout for special pink items if you stop by participating Airport shops and restaurants during this month.

Since her arrival, Phoebe has become one of the most recognizable and photographed spots at TPA. She's also more recently known for her antics on TPA's social media accounts. This year, her birthday celebration is a chance for the Tampa Bay community — travelers, employees, and locals alike — to celebrate right along with her.

Tampa International Airport announced Thursday that the secure identity company, CLEAR, is expected to launch at its security screening checkpoints this fall.

The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board approved a contract at today’s board meeting to bring CLEAR+ Lanes and automated eGates to each of TPA’s four Airside terminals for the first time.

CLEAR+ Members will be able to enter dedicated CLEAR+ lanes and move through an eGate — an automated gate that verifies identity in under five seconds by matching a traveler's face to their ID and boarding pass – before they move directly to physical screening.

Bringing CLEAR+ to Tampa International Airport will enable travelers to move on to screening faster, improving the security screening checkpoint process and improving the overall airport experience.

CLEAR's expedited identity verification experience provides a faster and more predictable checkpoint journey to TPA's travelers, and the partnership will further enhance TPA's reputation for innovation and customer service.

"Tampa International Airport is proud to welcome CLEAR to our security screening checkpoints, expanding the range of innovative services available to our travelers,” Airport CEO Michael Stephens said. “This is a convenience that many of our passengers have long requested, and we're excited to partner with CLEAR to provide a faster, more seamless airport experience. By giving travelers another efficient way to move through security, we're continuing our commitment to delivering the exceptional customer service and convenience that have become hallmarks of America's Favorite Airport."

With over 43 million members and operations at 62 CLEAR+ airports, CLEAR's secure identity platform is helping strengthen security and create frictionless checkpoint experiences.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Tampa International Airport to bring CLEAR’s trusted, seamless identity verification experience to travelers in one of the country’s most dynamic and fast-growing regions,” Kyle McLaughlin, EVP, Aviation, CLEAR said. “By bringing CLEAR+ Lanes and automated eGates to TPA, we can work together with the airport to deliver a faster, more predictable airport experience while building on TPA’s strong reputation for innovation and customer service.”

For more information on CLEAR, visit www.clearme.com.

This week, TPA presented a record 238 unclaimed suitcases, backpacks and other items that were never picked up from the Airport’s Lost and Found Department to Hillsborough County Children’s Services and its Duffels of Dignity program.

The donation marks the second consecutive year that Tampa International Airport has contributed to the program, which provides new or gently used bags and luggage to children entering foster care, living in emergency shelters or fleeing domestic violence. The program helps replace trash bags often used to carry personal belongings, offering children a more dignified and supportive start during difficult transitions.

“Every year, hundreds of bags are turned into our Lost and Found Department and, unfortunately, are never claimed," TPA Senior Manager of Guest Experience Shannon Boos said. "Instead of simply disposing of those bags, we wanted to make sure they went to good use.”

Boos said the team in Lost and Found diligently works to locate the owner of any lost items, looking for names, contact information or any other clues associated with the property. When an owner cannot be located and no one comes forward to claim the items over a certain time period, the lost property is donated to local charities to make room for the constant flow of new items left behind at the Airport.

“For children entering foster care, a duffel bag may seem like a small thing, but it can make a tremendous difference,” Boos said. “It gives them a safe, dignified way to carry their personal belongings during what is often one of the most difficult times in their lives.”

Last year, Tampa International Airport donated 119 bags to children in the community, and this year’s donation of 238 bags doubles that total.

Since launching in October 2022, the Duffels of Dignity program has collected more than 2,000 bags for children in need through individual donations and partnerships with various local organizations.

Just a couple of months after Airside D’s structural steel started going up, crews are working around the clock creating some truly concrete results across the worksite.

Concrete platforms inside the steel framework have begun appearing on all levels of the building. The concrete is placed onto metal decking that has been reinforced with steel rebar on each floor.

The structural steel has now moved onto the sixth of 19 separate assembly sequences. A second crane was brought onsite in mid-July to help move the more than 7,300 steel members that will comprise the new Airside terminal.

Meanwhile, more workers have completed the building’s foundation and have been placing concrete for the rest of Airside D’s ground floor and the apron for aircraft across the worksite. Much of that work has been done overnight to mitigate risk and take advantage of cooler temperatures, which allow for better quality control for the concrete.

The existing apron is being demolished panel by panel and crushed onsite to be recycled into the properly sized aggregate (think different sizes of gravel) as that is used as six inches of underlayment for the new concrete.

The ground floor slab-on-grade of Airside D is eight inches of concrete placed over this recycled aggregate while the apron concrete, which needs to withstand the pressure from aircraft that can weigh several hundred tons, is 18 inches thick. When the project is completed, workers will end up placing almost 85,000 cubic yards of concrete for the apron alone.

The dry weather earlier this summer has kept all the work on schedule, with no major disruptions so far.

Other parts of the project that have reached milestones lately:

• The final steel and concrete guideway beams for the future Airside shuttles have been placed across the support piers to the steel supports for the shuttle station. Workers are now creating running surfaces for the shuttles and infrastructure for the baggage delivery system.
   
• Water and sewage pipes are being buried across the worksite with plans for connecting to city water later this year.
   
• Elevators and escalators are being fabricated for eventual installation across the building.
   
• A slightly new route for Bessie Coleman Boulevard is being cleared to connect the road with the future Airside D truck court underneath the shuttle guideway.
   
• Precast concrete panels to sheath the outside of the building are scheduled to be installed in September.

TPA broke ground on Airside D in December 2024, with the building scheduled to be open to the public in 2029. The design-build team for the project is led by construction company Hensel Phelps, with architecture and engineering company HNTB Corporation, in association with Gensler.

To sign up for TPA’s Airside D monthly newsletter and get more information about future business opportunities, click here.

Click on an image below to enlarge and download it:

The announcement was made on July 27, also known as 727 Day in celebration of the Pinellas County area code.

The premium bus service will provide a direct connection between downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa International Airport, giving passengers, airport employees and residents a faster, more convenient and more affordable way to travel across the bay. The route will operate seven days a week, include luggage racks, and will be the first public transit route to use the new Howard Frankland Bridge express lanes to help improve reliability and reduce stress for riders.

“This is more than a new route. It’s a transformational investment in how our region moves,” said PSTA CEO Brad Miller. “For the first time, residents and visitors will have a direct, premium transit connection from the heart of downtown St. Petersburg to Tampa International Airport. Whether you’re catching a flight, heading to work or visiting our community, the 727 Airport Express will make traveling across the bay easier, faster and more convenient than ever before.”

The new service will include nine stops in downtown St. Petersburg, including connections to SunRunner stops and the Pinellas County Beaches, and will run every 75 minutes. For airport travelers, that means a simple, dependable option with room for luggage and fewer concerns about driving, parking or navigating unfamiliar roads. One-way fares will be $2.25.

“We applaud PSTA for thinking regionally and creating new ways to improve connectivity in the Tampa Bay area,” said Tampa International Airport CEO Michael Stephens. “This new express service will offer a convenient, reliable, and sustainable link across the bridge for our 25 million annual passengers and nearly 11,000 employees, strengthening mobility and growth for both Tampa and St. Pete.”

“This is a very significant occasion, because this is the beginning of real transit across Tampa Bay,” said Hillsborough County Commissioner Harry Cohen, who is also a member of the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board. “Michael said it best — we connect everywhere in the world, but we haven’t connected enough in our own backyard,” said Cohen. “Now we are putting our region together.”

The 727 Airport Express is expected to launch in October.

This year’s experience came with an added dose of realism when a delay in cleaning the plane caused an unexpected boarding hold-up, giving families a chance to navigate one of travel’s most common frustrations in a guided, low-stress environment.

One of the Southwest pilots on the incoming flight had a personal connection to the program, sharing that he has a child with autism. He greeted each family as they came aboard, adding a warm and meaningful touch to the day.

Organizers say the event registration filled up in less than an hour, reflecting strong community interest and the growing value of the program for families who want to become more comfortable with flying. After another successful year, planners are already looking ahead to next year’s Wings for Autism event at TPA.

For more information on the The Arc of Tampa Bay and Wings for Autism, click here.

Alaska Airlines will soon operate its first-ever daily nonstop flights between TPA and PDX. Previously, the airline offered this route on Saturdays only. The increased service will be available through March 28, 2027.

While Portland's rainy season is in full swing during those months, the Pacific Northwest's famously mild winters and evergreen scenery make it a refreshing change of pace from the Gulf Coast. If you're thinking about planning a winter or early spring getaway, this quirky city and the surrounding area offer plenty of fun things to do.

Get lost in Powell's City of Books: Portland is a city built for readers, and nowhere proves it better than Powell's City of Books, one of the largest independent bookstores in the world. Spanning an entire city block and offering multiple color-coded rooms, Powell's is the kind of place where you can wander for hours, browsing new releases and staff picks with handwritten recommendations. It's a cozy, indoor spot that's perfect for a rainy Portland afternoon.

Wander Washington Park and its attractions: Even in the cooler months, Washington Park is a peaceful retreat just minutes from downtown. Stroll among the towering evergreens of Hoyt Arboretum, or visit the animals at the 64-acre Oregon Zoo. Of course there's the International Rose Test Garden, open since 1917 and featuring 10,000 blooms of the city's signature flower. You also can step inside the Portland Japanese Garden, often called the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan, where covered walkways and koi ponds make for a serene visit no matter the forecast. And if you just want to take a hike, there are more than 15 miles of trails among Washington Park's 458-plus acres. It's a beautiful mix of sheltered and open-air exploration, all in one park.

Sample Portland's food cart and brewery scene: Portland's food culture is legendary, and much of it happens indoors — or at least under cover. Duck into one of the city's beloved food cart pods for everything from Korean tacos to pizza, then warm up at one of the dozens of craft breweries scattered across town. Portland is purported to have more breweries per capita within city limits than any other city in the country, so there's no shortage of cozy taprooms to duck into between rain showers.

Take a day trip to the Columbia River Gorge and Multnomah Falls: One of Portland's biggest advantages is its proximity to some of the most dramatic scenery in the country. Just a 30-minute drive east of downtown, the Columbia River Gorge is home to Multnomah Falls, Oregon's tallest waterfall, which cascades 620 feet. With Portland as your base, you can easily spend a day chasing waterfalls and gorge overlooks before heading back to the city for dinner.

Whether you're browsing bookshelves, wandering through gardens, sampling food carts, or hiking to scenic vistas, Portland has something for every kind of traveler this winter and spring.

Thanks to Alaska Airlines' expanded daily flights from Tampa to Portland, your next Pacific Northwest getaway is just a nonstop flight away. Book your next flight today: https://www.alaskaair.com/

“TPA Presents: The Story of Aviation in Tampa Bay” lands Friday, July 17, from 3 to 6 p.m. in the Main Terminal Event Space on Level 3, offering guests a rare look at the people, planes, and pivotal moments that helped turn Tampa Bay into one of the birthplaces of commercial aviation.

The free public event will showcase an expanded collection of archival treasures, including original artist concept drawings of Tampa International Airport’s iconic Main Terminal, vintage photographs, and archival film footage from the airport’s earliest days. This year’s exhibition also broadens its focus beyond TPA to spotlight the history of Peter O. Knight Airport, Tampa Executive Airport, and Plant City Airport, three facilities that played major roles in shaping regional aviation.

Visitors can expect a mix of nostalgia and discovery, with exhibits tracing everything from early airfields and pioneering pilots to the evolution of modern air travel in Tampa Bay.

One of the afternoon’s featured events will be a screening of the new documentary “America 250: A Portrait of Florida” beginning at 4:30 p.m. The film explores Florida’s contributions to American history, including Tampa Bay’s claim as the birthplace of commercial airline service thanks to the famous Tony Jannus flight across Tampa Bay in 1914.

Following the screening, attendees can hear from a panel of local aviation experts and historians discussing the lasting impact of that first commercial flight and the future of aviation in the region. Panelists include TPA Communications Manager and unofficial airport historian Beau Zimmer, Tony Jannus expert and retired St. Petersburg History Museum Executive Director Will Michaels, and Visit Tampa Bay President and CEO Santiago Corrada.

The event is also part of the City of Tampa’s annual Archives Awareness Week, a citywide celebration of local history timed to coincide with Tampa’s birthday on July 15. Tampa International Airport joined the initiative for the first time last year, and this year’s expanded aviation program is one of several history-focused events taking place across the region throughout the week.

Archives Awareness Week activities include cigar-making history presentations at J.C. Newman Cigar Company, preservation workshops at Tampa’s Black History Museum, research sessions at USF Libraries Special Collections, genealogy programs at the John F. Germany Library, and history talks at the Tampa Bay History Center. Click here to view the city's full schedule of events.

Last year’s inaugural archives event at TPA focused primarily on the airport’s own historical collection, but organizers say this year’s expanded exhibition paints a fuller picture of the entire Hillsborough County Aviation Authority system and the airports that helped connect Tampa Bay to the world long before modern jet travel.

The event is free and open to the public. Guests who park in the Economy Parking Garage can receive parking validation and ride the SkyConnect Train to the Main Terminal. From there, the exhibition space is located on Level 3 near the entrance to the Airside E shuttle lobby.

For aviation enthusiasts, local history lovers, or anyone who has ever looked out an airplane window and wondered how it all began, this event promises a fascinating trip through Tampa Bay’s skies with no boarding pass required.

Clymer was selected from among nominees representing law enforcement agencies across Florida. The award recognizes exceptional civilian employees who make significant contributions to their departments and communities.

As Senior Manager of Public Safety and Security Administration, Clymer oversees critical operational and administrative functions for the Airport Police Department, including management of the department’s $22 million budget. Her financial expertise and organizational skills have earned praise not only within the department but across the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority.

During the past year, Clymer led several major initiatives that modernized and streamlined police department operations. Among her most impactful projects was the complete overhaul of the department’s reporting system, which included more than 100 paper forms. Working alongside the Training Department, she helped create a committee to review, update, and digitize forms into fillable PDFs, significantly improving accessibility and efficiency for officers.

She also oversaw implementation of a new computerized barcode-based Property and Evidence system within the department’s records management department, creating greater accountability and improving evidence tracking procedures. In addition, she coordinated the lawful destruction and purging of more than 1,500 evidence items that no longer had evidentiary value.

Clymer’s work extends far beyond administrative duties. She coordinates the department’s quarterly Coffee With a Cop events, supports the Tampa International Airport Citizen Police Academy, participates in oral board interviews, and has played a key role in improving employee morale through team-building events and celebrations throughout the year.

Knowing a deeper understanding of law enforcement culture would strengthen her effectiveness, Clymer also pursued accreditation training through the Florida Commission for Law Enforcement and became a certified assessor. Her work during a recent accreditation review earned her a Letter of Commendation from the Highland Beach Police Department for her “thoroughness” and “objective approach.”

Tampa International Airport Police Chief Charlie Vazquez praised Clymer’s commitment and impact on the department.

“Sara has proven herself to be a valued member of the Tampa International Airport Police Department,” Vazquez said. “Never one to rest on her laurels, she continues to improve her knowledge, skills and abilities which, in turn, improves the service our officers can provide to the community.”

Clymer said she was stunned when she learned she had received the statewide honor.

“When I think about being up against some of the top large agencies in Florida, I was pretty floored and surprised that I was chosen as Civilian Employee of the Year.”

A former retail leadership executive with Target for 16 years, Clymer joined Tampa International Airport in October 2022, bringing experience in leadership, budgeting, and strategic planning. She said transitioning into public safety administration has been one of the best decisions of her career.

“I really enjoy problem-solving,” Clymer said. “I love being given opportunities to think strategically about how we can make things more efficient and better support the department. I also really enjoy developing teams and helping build a stronger administrative group that supports our officers, traffic specialists, and public safety operations.”

She added that supporting the men and women of the Airport Police Department gives her a strong sense of purpose.

“I feel extremely privileged to support the officers,” Clymer said. “I find so much fulfillment in helping others, and what better way to do that than with a law enforcement agency at Tampa International Airport.”

The Florida Police Chiefs Association represents more than 1,000 law enforcement executives and security professionals statewide and serves as one of the leading professional organizations for law enforcement leadership in Florida.

With another hurricane season well underway, Tampa International Airport has started a new project to help protect its facilities from potential flooding in future storms.

Construction crews this week are starting work to enable TPA to erect a temporary nine-foot flood barrier around the Airport’s two airfield electrical vaults in the event of a hurricane. These two buildings, which are next to Tampa Fire and Rescue’s Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting station near Airside A, house the machinery that powers lighting across the airfield.

Protecting these electrical vaults from flooding is important to helping restart Airport operations following a major storm. Airfield lighting is vital to keeping aircraft moving, especially after dark, and will be necessary to assist the region with recovery efforts. It also would help prevent costly repairs that would likely result from water intrusion or inundation.

When work is completed, TPA will have the ability to put up the barrier (as shown in the rendering at right) to keep storm surge out of the vaults, which are susceptible to the flooding associated with hurricanes that would be Category 3 or higher. The nine-foot barrier is the maximum height that manufacturer AquaFence makes, and would protect the buildings up to a Category 4 storm.

The project includes foundations for the barrier; electrical and drainage improvements; fencing; and pumps to help keep the storm surge away from the buildings.

The barriers will stay in storage at TPA until needed, and can be put into place around the vaults by a contracted emergency response team in about eight to 12 hours

The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board selected construction company H.L. Pruitt Corp. as the contractor at its August 2025 meeting. The total cost of the work and materials is $1.9 million and is part of the Airport’s Capital Budget. The project is scheduled to be completed in August.

New service to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Atlantic City (ACY) both took off July 1, followed by Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic (PUJ) on July 2, and Columbus, Ohio (CMH), on July 3. If you're thinking about your next getaway, here are a few fun things to do in each destination. 

Fort Lauderdale (FLL): Sun(rises) and fun are just a short hop away. Fort Lauderdale's famous Las Olas Boulevard offers waterfront dining and boutique shopping, while the city's extensive canal system has earned it the nickname "Venice of America." Travelers can hop on a water taxi to explore the coastline or spend the day at one of the area's pristine beaches. Skip the drive and fly the next time you head across the state. 

Atlantic City, N.J. (ACY): Known for its iconic Boardwalk, Atlantic City blends beachside relaxation with big-city entertainment. Visitors can try their luck at the casinos, catch a concert, or stroll the four-mile Boardwalk lined with shops and amusement piers. It's also a convenient gateway to the Jersey Shore and a short drive from Philadelphia and Atlantic County's charming coastal towns.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ): This Caribbean hotspot is known for its powder-white beaches and turquoise waters along the coconut coast. Travelers can relax at an all-inclusive resort, snorkel over vibrant reefs, or head inland to explore rainforests and waterfalls. The area is also a popular spot for golf, with several championship courses designed around its scenic coastline. Punta Cana is one of five international destinations Breeze plans to serve from TPA by the end of 2026, so dust off your passport and begin vacation planning now. 

Columbus, Ohio (CMH): Ohio's capital city offers a lively mix of culture, food and outdoor spaces. The Short North Arts District is packed with galleries, murals and locally owned restaurants, while the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and the Scioto Mile riverfront park offer something for every traveler. It's also home to The Ohio State University, making it a great pick for college sports fans and gameday travelers.

These four new routes mark continued growth for Breeze Airways at TPA, which will offer nearly 40 nonstop destinations from Tampa Bay by the end of the year. 

To book your next trip with Breeze, visit: https://www.flybreeze.com/home.

America is celebrating its 250^th birthday on July 4, and Tampa International Airport has planned lots of events this summer to help make it a party for all of TPA’s travelers.

Ahead of daily live musical performances from Friday through Monday during July 4 weekend, the Airport’s Main Terminal is all dressed up, with special America 250 banners and a commemorative photo backdrop now on the third floor. 

Friends, family and passengers heading to Airside shuttles can use the backdrop to take a quick snap and are encouraged to share them on social media! Also, be sure to stop by our Information Desk near the backdrop and ask for an America 250 sticker, available for limited time starting July 4 weekend.

Celebrations abound throughout TPA for the entire month. Among the special events:

For the entire month of July, the Shoppes at Bayshore on the Main Terminal’s third floor will host an interactive map of America activity and red, white and blue cookies. On July 15, they will have a local cookie sampling and TeBella Tea as a nod to the Boston Tea Party.

The News Channel 8 shop in Airside C will be offering free flags and photo ops on July 1.

Also in Airside C, PDQ is selling All-American milkshakes – creamy vanilla with red, white and blue sprinkles and a cherry on top – for the special price of $2.50 on July 4, 5 and 6.

On July 3, the Hard Rock Café in the Main Terminal will get a visit from brewer Sam Adams, with free beer samples and more.

The Main Terminal Event Space, between the shuttles for Airsides E and F on the third floor, will be the site of the Ron Jon Great American Sidewalk Sale. Stop by and shop for a deal July 10, 11 and 12.

P.F. Chang’s is the place to be on July 15, when the restaurant hosts a National Hot Dog Day party with free hot dogs, one of the most American of all foods.

And on July 17, head back to the Main Terminal Event Space between 3 and 6 p.m. for a special exhibition exploring Tampa Bay’s rich aviation heritage as part of the City of Tampa’s Archives Awareness Week. TPA Presents: The Story of Aviation in Tampa Bay explores the past through archival materials, historic photographs, and original concept drawings of the Airport.

This year’s exhibit also highlights Peter O. Knight, Tampa Executive, and Plant City airports, honoring the people and innovations that shaped our region’s aviation story.

The event will feature a special screening of the new documentary America 250: A Portrait of Florida, celebrating Tampa Bay’s role as the birthplace of commercial aviation.

Finally, there will be further live musical performances the whole month, with programming for the Main Terminal running until August 3.

Be sure to follow us on your favorite social media platform at @flyTPA for more!