Tampa International Airport wrapped up an exciting and productive 2023, and now a new year full of gifts – both expected and yet-to-be-determined – is here. While we can’t predict all of the new routes, new announcements and new developments coming over the next 12 months, we do know at lease five sure things in store for us at TPA. Here is a sneak preview.
Record-shattering spring break
TPA had a record-breaking spring break in 2023, bringing more than 90,000 passengers through the Airport on peak days. In 2024, we expect even more – way more – flights with more seat capacity to handle more passengers. While it’s too early to give specific projections on passenger numbers, an early look at schedules suggests we could have dozens of more flights on peak days compared to the same period last year, and many of those flights will be full. Haven’t made any plans for spring break yet and need some ideas? Check out our nonstop flights page, which lists all of TPA’s direct routes by region and airline.
Related: TPA and HCAA Plan for the Future of Aviation with eVTOLs
Self-service bag drop in the Rental Car Center
You may already be familiar with the remote bag check process (pictured above) in which travelers using select domestic airlines can check in and drop off their luggage at the Rental Car Center, saving themselves the hassle of dragging cumbersome bags on the SkyConnect train and through the Main Terminal. By the summer of 2024, TPA will be taking it one step further by rolling out a new self-service bag drop process using technology that is new to the Airport. The difference will be that travelers can use kiosks to tag and drop off the luggage themselves, eliminating the need to wait for staff or stand in line. Staff will be on hand, of course, to help those who need it, but the process should be speedier and more convenient for seasoned travelers who want to use the new system.
The GALA is returning
It’s back! After the first Girls Achieving Leadership in Aviation (GALA) event was a success in 2022, the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority and Tampa Bay Aviation Association are once again teaming up to host a second one on March 1. Held at Peter O. Knight Airport to celebrate the First All-Woman Air Show and to honor women in aviation, the formal GALA will include dinner, drinks and the chance to meet some of the most iconic game-changers in the industry. The proceeds will go toward the Betty Skelton Scholarship Fund through the TBAA for local aviation scholarships. Purchase your tickets by registering here or consider becoming a sponsor.
Ongoing enhancements
Every year brings a slate of new development projects, and while it will be four more years before the new Airside D is complete, there are a few projects to get excited about in 2024. By the end of the year, TPA will see a number of new enhancements, including seating upgrades, updated bag claim areas, expansion work to bring more space to the Airside A and Airside E security checkpoints (opening in 2025) and other ongoing work that will bring new amenities and much-needed facilities to the ever-growing Airport. Want to stay in the loop on all things construction at TPA? Check out our online newsroom page, which has an Airport Construction section detailing the latest.
New Tampa International Airport website
TPA will be unveiling a new look to its website in the first half of the year, refreshing features and pages to make it more user-friendly and relevant to the millions of people who visit it every year. Hillsborough County Aviation Authority employees (pictured above during a website working session) have spent several months conceptualizing and brainstorming ways to improve the site, ensuring it accurately reflects the Airport’s mission and vision, as well as assisting customers looking for helpful information to assist them on their journeys. The website has not had this kind of overhaul for nearly a decade, and the update will allow better searchability and navigation for visitors.
