Old garage slated for demolition, paving way for more expansion

Tampa International Airport is moving forward with the demolition of the old rental car garage – a key element of the second phase of the Airport’s Master Plan expansion.

On March 7, Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board members approved the final demolition of the Red Side Rental Car Garage and a segment of the old Airside D shuttle guideway. This demolition, which will take place later this year, is part of a three-phase expansion increasing TPA’s capacity to 34 million annual passengers.

TPA served more than 21 million guests in 2019.

The demolition makes room for new express curbsides and a new shuttle guideway to a future 16-gate Airside D, which will be home to both international and domestic flights.

Crews have been busy preparing the building for demolition, removing many of the outer concrete panels and other internal structures.

While work continues on the old rental garage, crews are preparing to open up an additional floor of parking in the Long Term Garage. Level 1, which housed rental car operations before the new Rental Car Center, is expected to open in April. The floor will add approximately 1,000 parking spots.