04
August
2020
|
16:28 PM
Europe/Amsterdam

TPA Ready Update: Airlines cautiously add domestic TPA routes while delaying others

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to dampen travel plans, airlines have been cautious about returning service too quickly or too plentifully at airports across the globe. TPA’s available seats are down about 40 percent compared to this time last year, though airlines are beginning to add or planning to add former routes back to the map, adding more travel options for those who choose to fly.

This month, Southwest is planning to bring Louisville, Phoenix and Albany back to TPA’s route map, and JetBlue will launch new twice-a-week service to Philadelphia this upcoming Friday. Delta resumed its Cincinatti service this past Saturday but delayed its new five-times-daily service to Miami to now launch in October. That route is largely expected to serve customers traveling to and from Latin American countries.

In fact, several route launches or returning routes have been delayed to October, a sign that airlines are hopeful about restoring service at TPA but holding off as concerns about Florida’s COVID spike linger. JetBlue is planning to launch its highly anticipated New York City-LaGuardia flights on Oct. 1, along with new service to Providence and Washington D.C.-National on the same date.

TPA saw a rapid growth in passengers from May through June but that growth stalled around 20,000 average daily passengers in July. August is expected to be a solid month before heading into the Airport’s slower period in September and October.

Passengers booking flights this summer and fall should be sure to register their email or cell phone number to receive any possible updates or changes to their schedules. While flight cancelations are less likely than they were this past spring, some airlines may adjust departure times as needed.

To get the most up-to-date route availability at TPA, go to tampaairport.com’s Nonstop Destinations page.