Tampa International Airport

Situated in Hillsborough County, Florida, six miles (9.7 km) west of Downtown Tampa, Tampa International Airport (formerly known as Drew Field Municipal Airport until 1952) is a major public airport. Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (HCAA) owns the airport on behalf of the public. Across numerous carriers, the airport offers nonstop service to 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe. Approved as one of the greatest airports in the US, Tampa International Airport offers one of the most comfortable and convenient airport experiences worldwide. An ultra-modern rental car center, located less than five minutes by rail from the Main Terminal, and seventy new shops and restaurants are part of Tampa Airport's recently completed historic expansion.

In 1950, Drew Field was renamed Tampa International Airport, and Trans Canada Airlines started operating international flights. 1952 saw the opening of the airport's second terminal close to Columbus Drive and West Shore Boulevard. After the Civil Aeronautics Board gave Capital, Delta, Northeast, Northwest, and Trans World Airlines permission to operate out of Tampa in the late 1950s, the 1952 terminal—which was designed to accommodate three airlines—became overcrowded. The 1952 terminal was enlarged once again and became crowded as bigger jets replaced piston airliners. The aviation authority started developing plans for a replacement terminal on an undeveloped portion of the airport in the early 1960s. Following a study, airport administrators selected the Landside/Airside design in 1965.

Walt Disney World, which debuted in 1971, would likewise attract a lot of visitors in the early years of the 1971 terminal's existence. This occurred because Orlando International Airport, which was formerly known as Orlando Jetport at McCoy, had a considerably smaller runway and a lower capacity at the time. Joe Lopano, the CEO who is credited with spearheading Tampa's transformation into a hub, declared his retirement in February 2024. The board of the airport also said at that time that an internal search for a new manager would be conducted. The eateries at Tampa International Airport range from neighborhood favorites to fast counter service, and the stores provide a wide selection of unusual items. There are plenty of handy parking alternatives available at Tampa International Airport. We offer convenient access to the terminal from each of our well-lit, covered garages, via our SkyConnect rail, or on foot.