Five things to look for at TPA in 2026

The new year will kick off some construction projects and bring some new features to the travel experience at Tampa International Airport. 

From upgrades that will modernize how you move through TPA to very visible progress on Airside D, an entirely new and modern Airside terminal,  2026 heralds some key upgrades to our campus. 

Here's a look at some of the new construction projects and amenities you'll notice across the Airport in 2026.

Airside D

The final design for TPA's state-of-the-art, 16-gate Airside terminal for international and domestic flights will be revealed in the coming weeks. There have been a few tweaks and adjustments throughout the past year, but the final design is almost ready for prime time. Construction to the northwest of the Airport's Main Terminal has so far been focused on enabling work, foundations and drainage, but you can expect to see structural steel beams starting to come up from the ground later this year. 

Shuttle replacements

The shuttles from the Main Terminal to Airsides A, C and E are being replaced with completely modern third-generation models. These are the latest and greatest versions featuring completely redesigned cars and new operating software and switchgear from the very same Pittsburgh-area company that designed and manufactured the first two generations. Expect to see new Blue shuttles in operation at A and C shortly, allowing their Red counterparts to be swapped out next. All Blue and Red shuttles at the three Airsides are scheduled to be replaced this year.

Call for Artists

TPA's famous Public Art Program just added a few new pieces with the Red Express Curbsides opening in 2025, but the collection is due to expand again. Several installations are earmarked inside Airside D, but also our expanded Security Screening Checkpoints in Airsides A and E, which also opened last year. A Call for Artists is coming in February to kick off the search for talented people to submit proposals for the available spaces. To learn more, go to our Call for Artists landing page.

Airside E reroofing

A brand-new security screening checkpoint opened at Airside E last year, adding almost 20,000 square feet of space to the building, but the rest of the structure is now due to get a new metal roof and gutters. Travelers will notice metal scaffolding going up around parts of the building over the next couple of months. The roof is original to the building, which opened in 2002, and will be replaced in phases. There shouldn't be any significant interruptions to travelers during the work, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027.

Ticketing Level changes

TPA's modern, easy-to-navigate facilities are getting another upgrade! Our Ticketing Level on the second floor of our Main Terminal, which includes ticket counters and offices for our airline partners, is going to get a thorough renovation in the coming years.  The way people travel has changed a lot since the Airport opened in 1971, so we're planning to move and consolidate office spaces, expand the number of ticket counters and check-in kiosks and provide more room for our travelers as they prepare for their flights. The redesigned space will also tie into a new, consolidated baggage processing system that will serve all our Airsides in the future. While it will take some time for the public to see this project start construction, the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority is scheduled to select the design-builder soon, with design work commencing later this year. Stay tuned!