TRAFFIC ALERT: Tampa International Airport announces roadway changes

As part of ongoing construction, beginning today drivers arriving at Tampa International Airport will no longer be able to circle the Main Terminal while waiting for passengers to arrive at the curbside for pickup. 

In addition, drivers leaving Short Term and Long Term parking will be redirected around the Main Terminal to exit the Airport.

Guests picking up passengers should instead wait in the Airport’s Cell Phone Waiting Lot and proceed to the curbside only when travelers are ready to leave. Visitors can also wait in the Short Term Parking Garage, where parking for under one hour is free. 

The Cell Phone Waiting Lot, where drivers can wait free of charge, is located south of the Main Terminal, across from Economy Parking, and features free WiFi, a real-time flight information display, restrooms and vending machines. 

The changes are meant to reduce overall congestion due to ongoing construction and growing passenger volume. 

The Airport’s outbound roadway was reduced from three to two lanes in June while crews work on the guideway for a new automated people mover. 

Meanwhile, the Airport is coming off a strong year of passenger growth, serving roughly 18.5 million passengers – an increase of 6.7 percent – during Fiscal Year 2015. That strong growth is expected to continue this year.

In October, passenger traffic was up eight percent over the same period in 2014. The Thanksgiving holiday, which runs from Nov. 21 to Nov. 30, is projected to also be up about eight percent. 

The Airport asks that all guests use caution and observe posted speed limits. With construction and roadway changes, it’s important that all guests remember to drive safely and expect changes to their normal driving routine. Drivers are not permitted to temporarily wait on roadway shoulders anywhere at the Airport.