Tampa International Airport (TPA) is gearing up for a major expansion. Authorities recently announced plans to build the new Terminal Airside D, demonstrating their ambition to become a leading transportation hub by 2028. This is the first new airport area to be added to the airport since 2007 and is expected to significantly increase capacity to handle the expected influx of passengers.
The new terminal will have 16 gates and will handle mainly international flights, increasing TPA’s capacity to accommodate travelers from all over the world. With the airport expected to handle 35 million passengers per year by 2037, it is clear that the need for more space and facilities is urgent. The existing terminals have been handling the traffic efficiently so far, but the growth projections underline the importance of the new developments.
Tampa International’s design for Airside D is ambitious and modern, including two floors, airline lounges, and even plans for a new shuttle path to seamlessly connect passengers to the rest of the airport. This addition is designed to not only improve passenger flow, but also modernize the overall travel experience for everyone coming through TPA.
The groundbreaking for this new airport area is planned for late 2024, with actual construction starting in late 2025. Wondering what the timeline looks like? Construction is expected to be completed by 2028. This will be achieved through effective partnerships with experienced companies such as Hensel Peebles, HNTB and Gensler, who are working together to build this pioneering facility.
Kansas City-based aviation analytics firm Cirium has noted the projected traffic and seat capacity for TPA, and stressed that airlines such as Southwest, American Airlines and Delta will play a key role in utilizing the new facility. Southwest Airlines in particular has noted a significant market share at TPA, operating approximately 295,000 seats in August alone. This growing pool of operations demonstrates how important Airside D is to the airport’s future.
So what does Airside D offer? In addition to the advanced connectivity features, the design offers state-of-the-art facilities, including customs and border protection facilities to optimize passenger processing. TPA doesn’t want to create just another airport terminal; they want to provide travelers with shops, restaurants and lounges that are ideal for relaxing before flocking to their flights. The goal is for the building to convey a sense of comfort and functionality.
While Tampa works on its expansion, other cities aren’t sitting idle either. Archer Aviation is planning its own revolution in air mobility, announcing plans to build vertiports for eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft throughout Los Angeles. The electric aircraft manufacturer aims to get air mobility services up and running by 2026, despite the city’s notorious traffic congestion.
The concept here is about getting people off congested roads and giving them the option to traverse the city by air instead. Archer’s efforts are attracting attention amid LA’s ambitious subway projects – all aimed at decongesting surface traffic. It seems as though everyone is thinking about traveler comfort and efficiency – from Tampa to Los Angeles, the outlook for travel infrastructure is evolving.
Bryan Bernhard, Chief Growth and Infrastructure Officer at Archer, shared his views on the need for this service, pointing out how LA’s traffic congestion impacts daily commuters. By placing vertiports near high-traffic areas like Los Angeles International Airport and major venues like SoFi Stadium, they hope to make flying as easy as driving.
And who doesn’t want to avoid traffic jams? Just think of the time saved at busy sporting and entertainment events. Bernhard believes the partnership with SoFi is extremely significant, as major global events such as the upcoming FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics could give Archer high visibility and showcase this innovative method of transportation.
As Archer fights for its share of the urban air mobility market, the company is aware of its significant competitors, such as Joby Aviation, which also has its eye on Southern California to build electric air taxis. What sets Archer apart from other companies? Bernhard believes that its airline and institutional agreements and exclusive contracts give the company a decisive advantage. Their focus is not just on eye-popping announcements, but on solid partnerships cemented by commitments to actionable, scalable travel solutions.
As Tampa International Airport and Archer Aviation take steps toward their respective ambitious systems, the transportation industry is bursting with innovation and opportunity. It’s not just about bigger airports or modern aircraft – it’s about creating seamless, efficient and customer-centric travel experiences. With concerns about passenger comfort and environmental impacts ever-increasing, both companies are paving the way for what travel could – and should – look like.
This exciting development raises many questions about the future of travel: What will everyday flying look like? What new advancements are still to come? One thing is certain: As these developments take shape, the future of air mobility is not just coming; it is already here, and airports across the country are preparing to welcome these changes with open arms.
