Tampa International Airport (TPA) is adding two new airline lounges as part of its new “Airside D” terminal project. The airport made the announcement today via Twitter/X and also teased that they would announce the new anchor airline tenant for the new airside space soon.
GET EXCITED: We're adding not one, but TWO lounges at the future Airside D! 😍 This new 16-gate Airside is TPA’s first in 20 years. We've released the updated design concept and will soon announce the airline that will anchor this Airside. ✈️
— Tampa International Airport ✈️ (@FlyTPA) August 8, 2024
DETAILS: https://t.co/1HXFSJKOrf pic.twitter.com/jchVwktFB6
Airside D, a 16-gate, state-of-the-art terminal, will serve as the TPA’s International Arrivals and Departures facility when it is completed in 2028. In addition to the two new airline lounges, Airside D is expected to feature:
- 16 new gates
- A two-level Airside, plus a mezzanine
- New Shuttle system and guideway
- International passenger arrival processing facility
- New shops and restaurants.
Once completed, it will be the largest Airside at Tampa International Airport, measuring approximately 600,015 sq. ft.
The airport notes on its website that, as TPA’s new international terminal, multiple airlines will use the gates and Customs facilities. However, one airline will be the Airside’s anchor tenant and operate one of the two lounge spaces on the mezzanine level.
The largest airline at TPA is Southwest, and they don’t operate lounges, followed by Delta, American, and United. With this being the international terminal, I could see Delta being the anchor tenant given the fact that they are the 2nd largest airline at the airport and fly international widebodies from TPA to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport (AMS). Partner Virgin Atlantic also operates between Tampa and London Heathrow (LHR) and would use this terminal.
Delta is no stranger to operating domestic flights and operating a lounge from an international terminal. The carrier moved to Terminal 5 at Chicago-O’Hare International Airport a few years ago and opened a Sky Club there.
Summary
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is adding two new lounges as part of its Airside D expansion project. The Airside will serve as the airports International Arrivals area and will also have an anchor tenant that will operate one of the two lounges. Delta currently operates international service from TPA, could they be the ones moving into the new space?
(Images courtesy Tampa International Airport)