Tampa International Airport

History

Flying boat

Tampa Bay is the birthplace of commercial airline service, when pioneer aviator Tony Jannus flew the inaugural flight of the St. Petersburg–Tampa Airboat Line on January 1, 1914, from St. Petersburg to Tampa using a Benoist Flying Boat—the first scheduled commercial airline flight in the world using a heavier-than-air airplane.

Drew Field

In 1928, the city completed the 160 acre Drew Field 6 mi west of Downtown Tampa. It was named for local developer John H. Drew, who formerly owned the land on which the airport stood. The more popular Peter O. Knight Airport was opened on Davis Islands near Downtown Tampa in 1935, where both Eastern and National Airlines operated until 1946.

The United States Army Air Corps began negotiating for the use of Drew Field in 1939 during the buildup of military forces prior to World War II. In 1940, the City of Tampa leased Drew Field to the U.S. Government for 25 years, or until the end of the "national emergency". During the war, the United States Army Air Forces expanded and modernized the airport. The airfield was used by the Third Air Force and renamed it Drew Army Airfield. The Third Air Force used it as a training center by 120,000 combat air crews, primarily in bomber aircraft for the European and Pacific theaters, and also flew locally based antisubmarine patrols from the airfield until that mission was fully taken over by Naval Aviation assets of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. There was one mishap in 1943 that killed five fliers. Despite this, Drew Field set a safety record for the Third Air Force in 1945 after 100,000 flying hours had been completed over a period of 10 months without a fatal incident. The aircraft operated included the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, Douglas C-47 Skytrain, North American AT-6, North American B-25 Mitchell, and others.

After World War II, the Army Air Forces vacated the facility and Drew Field was returned to the City of Tampa. The Peter O. Knight Airport and Drew Field reversed roles as the main Tampa airport because Drew Field was greatly expanded by the United States Army Air Forces during the war years. Airlines (Eastern Air Lines and National Airlines) moved to Drew Field from Peter O. Knight Airport on Davis Island, which was too small to handle the Douglas DC-4, DC-6 and Lockheed Constellation prop-liners then coming on line in the mid-1940s. During this period, the airlines were housed in the former Drew AAF Base Operations building.

Tampa International Airport

Trans Canada Airlines international flights began in 1950 and Drew Field was renamed Tampa International Airport. The airport's second terminal opened in 1952 near the intersection of Columbus Drive and West Shore Blvd. The April 1957 Official Airline Guide shows 30 departures a day on Eastern Air Lines: nonstops to Chicago-Midway, Detroit (Willow Run), Cleveland, New York Idlewild (now JFK), Boston, seven nonstops to Atlanta and 18 within Florida. National Airlines had 26 departures, including seven nonstops beyond Florida to Houston Hobby, Havana, Washington National, New York/Idlewild and three to New Orleans. Trans-Eastern had 12 departures and Mackey had two DC-3s, none nonstop beyond Florida. Trans-Canada had thirteen nonstops a week to Toronto or Montreal.

The 1952 terminal, built for three airlines, was swamped after the Civil Aeronautics Board granted Capital, Delta, Northeast, Northwest and Trans World Airlines authority to fly from Tampa in the late 1950s. An annex was built east of the terminal for the new carriers. Turbine-powered flights began in 1959 on Eastern Air Lines' L-188 Electra; in 1960 National, Eastern and Delta Air Lines began jet flights with the Douglas DC-8 (Delta was first, with a Chicago nonstop in May or June). National DC-8 nonstops to Los Angeles and weekly Pan American jets to Mexico City (MIA-TPA-MID-MEX) started in 1961. The 1952 terminal was congested as larger jets replaced piston airliners and it was again expanded.

During the early 1960s, the aviation authority began planning a replacement terminal in an undeveloped site at the airport. Airport leaders chose the Landside/Airside design in 1965 after a study. Construction on the new terminal designed by Reynolds, Smith & Hills began in 1968 between the airport's parallel jet-capable runways. Days before its opening, the terminal was dedicated by Florida Governor Reubin Askew and 60,000 people toured the new facility during a two-day open house. The terminal opened for passenger traffic on April 15, 1971 with four airside satellites (Airsides B, C, D, and E). National Airlines Flight 36 from Los Angeles was the first to arrive at the terminal; after touching down at 05:26 A.M., the jet taxied to Airside E.

The graphics and signage system designed by Jane Davis Doggett used red for one group of airlines and blue for another. The red/blue color scheme began on the highway outside the airport and helped guide drivers to the proper dropoff areas for each airline, then continued to guide passengers through the airport itself and ultimately to their gate. The Tampa Airport was the first airport to use this sort of color-coded wayfinding signage system which was safer for drivers and required many fewer signs than highway engineers had originally budgeted for.

The logo, used since the new airport opened in 1971, represents the blue waters of Tampa Bay with a jetliner flying into the downtown Tampa sunset. It is known as the "Spirit of Flight". The jetliner was modeled after those once used for supersonic transport—at the time the logo was created in the 1970s, it was during an era when it was thought that supersonic aircraft would replace conventional jets as a mode of air travel.

In its early years, the 1971 terminal would also see large amounts of tourists heading to Walt Disney World, which also opened in 1971. This was due to the fact that Orlando International Airport (known then as Orlando Jetport at McCoy) was much smaller at the time with a more limited capacity. Shawnee Airlines offered connecting flights from Tampa to the now-defunct Walt Disney World Airport in the 1970s. Orlando International opened its current terminal in 1981 using the same well-received landside/airside layout as Tampa International Airport.

On July 15, 1972, the 207 ft air traffic control tower opened, the tallest in the United States at the time. The Host/Marriott Airport Hotel and its revolving rooftop restaurant opened in December 1973, with triple-paned windows and sound-proof guest rooms.

Northwest Airlines and National Airlines brought the jumbo jet to the airport late in 1971 with the introduction of the Boeing 747 and McDonnell Douglas DC-10. This was followed by the L-1011 Lockheed Tristar a year later by Eastern Air Lines. National Airlines began trans Atlantic DC-10 service to Amsterdam and Paris in 1977.

Recent history

During the following decades, the airport was expanded to handle more traffic and additional airlines. In 1987, the terminal received its first major expansion with the opening of Airside F. Airside B closed permanently in 1991 following the demise of Eastern Air Lines. Airside A was subsequently built and opened in 1995. In 1996, Airsides C and D were temporarily closed and remodeled, and the interiors of both satellites were refurbished. During this time, all the airlines from both facilities were housed in Airside E. Upon completion of the renovations, the airlines returned to their original locations, and Airside E was permanently closed. Airside E sat dormant for a few years before eventually being demolished, with the current Airside E opening in 2002. The Landside Terminal was also remodeled multiple times during the 1980s and 1990s. Airside C and the abandoned Airside B were demolished in the mid-2000s, with the current Airside C opening in 2005. Airside D, the last original airside, was then closed permanently and was demolished in 2007. A new Airside D is currently under construction and is set to open in 2028.

Both Delta Air Lines and US Airways opened maintenance bases at the airport. Both bases closed during the air travel downturn following the attacks of September 11, 2001. Alabama-based Pemco World Air Services now occupies the former US Airways hangar performing MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) services for the Spirit Airlines and JetBlue A320 fleet. On April 1, 2010 a press release announced that a lease agreement was reached to allow Pemco to lease the second hangar formerly used by Delta Air Lines, where they perform Boeing 737 cargo conversions and modifications.

Phase I of the economy parking garage was completed in November 2005. Phase II of the economy garage opened ahead of schedule in November 2005, bringing a total of 5,600 parking spaces.

On March 7, 2011, federal officials gave TPA the green light to begin charter flights to Cuba as an official entry/exit point.

In 2007 and 2008, Zagat Survey ranked TPA the Best Overall U.S. Airport, while placing it second-best overall in 2009 and 2010. In 2008 Condé Nast Traveler recognized TPA as the second-best airport in the world, just two tenths of a point behind the first-place winner. JD Power and Associates have also given TPA Airport consistently high customer-satisfaction ratings over the years. In November 2011, CNN ranked TPA sixth among ten of the world's most loved airports, being the only one on the list from the US. In 2016, it was named one of the Top 3 airports in the country by Condé Nast. In 2020 Airports Council International named TPA the best airport in North America for its size. In 2024, Travel+Leisure ranked TPA the eighth best domestic airport in the US. Criteria for the rankings were based on access, check-in, restaurants, shopping, and design, and rated from excellent to poor. Readers of the magazine were involved in the survey. Palm Beach International Airport, another Florida airport, made the list (#3) as well.

In August 2022, a 21-foot flamingo sculpture named HOME nicknamed "Phoebe", was installed and opened in Tampa International Airport's main terminal. The design from American artist Matthew Mazzotta was chosen out of 734 art proposals submitted from around the world.

In February 2024, Joe Lopano, the CEO credited with leading Tampa's improvement as a hub, announced plans to retire. At the same time, the airport's board announced it would be undergoing an internal search for a replacement.

Currently, plans are underway to construct a new Airside D in the northwest area of TPA. This new airside will feature 16 gates to handle both international and domestic flights, as well as two new airline lounges, one of which will be operated by Delta Air Lines, the anchor tenant of Airside D. It will help TPA serve up to 35 million annual passengers by 2037. Groundbreaking of the airside occurred in December 2024, with the airside scheduled to open to the public in 2028.

On February 3, 2025, it was announced that Delta Air Lines was selected to be the anchor tenant of the new Airside D, and operate one of the airside's two lounge spaces.

Facilities

Terminal

Tampa International Airport's Landside/Airside terminal was the first of its type in the world. There is a central Landside Terminal where baggage and ticketing functions take place. The Landside Terminal is surrounded by four Airside satellites where airliner embarkment and disembarkment occur. Each Airside is connected to the Landside Terminal via an elevated automated people mover (APM) system which employs 16 Bombardier Innovia APM 100 Shuttle Cars, which are in the process of being replaced to Bombardier Innovia APM 300R C801B. TPA was the first airport in the world to deploy a fully automated, driver-free people mover system and is host to Bombardier Transportation's longest-running APM system. There are four active airsides (A, C, E, and F) with 59 gates. All were constructed after 1985 and all airsides include a food court and gift shop, as well as outdoor smoking patios. Airsides E and F contain duty-free shops in addition to the regular gift shops to serve passengers arriving or departing on international flights.

Additionally, a fifth airside (Airside D) is currently under construction as part of the airport's Master Plan Phase III.

• Airside A contains 16 gates (Gates A1, A3-A12, A14-A18). It serves Alaska Airlines, Avelo Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines.
• Airside C contains 16 gates (Gates C30-C45). It serves Breeze Airways and Southwest Airlines.
• Airside D (Opening 2027) will contain 16 gates.
• Airside E contains 13 gates (Gates E62, E64-E75). It serves Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, and Frontier Airlines.
• Airside F contains 14 gates (Gates F78-F90). U.S. Customs and Immigration services for international flights are located on the lower level of Airside F. Airside F serves Aeromexico, American Airlines, Avianca, British Airways, Cayman Airways, Copa Airlines, Discover Airlines, Edelweiss Air, Havana Air, Porter Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and WestJet.

Runways

Tampa International Airport covers an area of 3300 acre at an elevation of 26 ft above mean sea level. It has three runways: 10/28 is 6,999 by 150 feet (2,133 × 46 m) with an Asphalt/concrete surface; 19L/1R is 8,300 by 150 feet (2,530 × 46 m) with an Asphalt/concrete surface; 19R/1L is 11,002 by 150 feet (3,353 × 46 m) with a concrete surface. On January 13, 2011 the runway designations changed due to a shift in the magnetic headings. 09/27 became 10/28, 18R/36L became 1L/19R, 18L/36R became 1R/19L.

Service building

When the airport opened its doors in 1971, the service building went into operation as well. It housed the first communications center, police dispatch, employee cafeteria and maintenance locker rooms. The building is located across from the Red Baggage and Ticketing levels. It was primarily intended to house mechanical equipment such as the chiller plant and electrical transformers. Since then it has been expanded to two levels which was in the original design in 1968. Today it houses the original facilities with the addition of offices, rental car counters, badging and a receptionist desk. The police department/lost and found has a lobby on level two (ticketing level) for walk-in lost & found requests.

Ground transportation

On February 14, 2018, a new 2.6-million-square-foot Rental Car Center with space for 5,300 vehicles, was opened to the public. The new combined service and maintenance facility is located near the southern edge of airport property and is connected to the terminal via a new train called SkyConnect. Unlike the landside/airside shuttles, SkyConnect uses Mitsubishi Crystal Mover vehicles. The trains run between the three stations in a pinched-loop configuration. Passengers on most domestic flights also have the ability to check their luggage inside the Rental Car Center. Rental car services were originally located adjacent to the Landside terminal, near the long-term-parking structure; however, relocation was necessary to accommodate more cars and rental car companies as the facilities were at or near capacity.

On the southwest end of the Rental Car Center is a canopy and platform that is used for both Hillsborough Area Regional Transit and Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority bus services. The bus hub is accessible via a bank of elevators that connect directly to the Rental Car Center and is steps away from the SkyConnect station. With the upcoming 2nd phase of expansion at the airport, the intent is to expand upon the existing platform to eventually allow bus services from Pasco and perhaps even Hernando Counties to connect into the airport directly. The land immediately to the south of the Rental Car Center can also be configured for future light rail or commuter rail services if plans come to fruition.

Airlines and destinations

Passenger

| Aeroméxico | Mexico City | | Air Canada | Montréal–Trudeau, Toronto–Pearson | | Air Canada Rouge | Toronto–Pearson Seasonal: Halifax, Ottawa | | Alaska Airlines | San Diego, Seattle/Tacoma Seasonal: Portland (OR), San Francisco | | American Airlines | Charlotte, Chicago–O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, New York–LaGuardia, Philadelphia, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Washington–National | | American Eagle | Miami, Nashville | | Avelo Airlines | New Haven, Wilmington (DE), Wilmington (NC) | | Avianca | Bogotá | | Breeze Airways | Akron/Canton, Bangor, Charleston (SC), Charleston (WV),{{cite web |url= https://airlinegeeks.com/2025/07/08/breeze-adds-two-new-nonstop-routes-bringing-back-another/|title= Breeze Adds Two New Nonstop Routes, Bringing Back Another Seasonal: Burlington (VT), Erie, Louisville, Orange County, Pittsburgh | | British Airways | London–Gatwick | | Cayman Airways | Grand Cayman | | Copa Airlines | Panama City–Tocumen | | Delta Air Lines | Amsterdam, Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Cincinnati, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York–JFK, New York–LaGuardia, Raleigh/Durham, Salt Lake City, Seattle/Tacoma | | Discover Airlines | Frankfurt | | Edelweiss Air | Zürich | | Frontier Airlines | Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Buffalo, Burlington (VT), Cancún, Charlotte, Chicago–O'Hare, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Detroit, Hartford, Kansas City, Long Island/Islip, New York–JFK, Philadelphia, Portland (ME), Raleigh/Durham, San Juan, St. Louis, Trenton, Washington–Dulles Seasonal: Grand Rapids, Houston–Intercontinental, Milwaukee, Norfolk (begins April 3, 2026), Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Punta Cana, Santo Domingo–Las Américas | | JetBlue | Boston, Cancún, Fort Lauderdale, Hartford, New York–JFK, New York–LaGuardia (ends March 11, 2026), Newark, Providence, Punta Cana, San Juan, White Plains Seasonal: Long Island/Islip | | Porter Airlines | Seasonal: Halifax, Ottawa, | | Southwest Airlines | Albany, Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Birmingham (AL), Buffalo, Chicago–Midway, Columbus–Glenn, Dallas–Love, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Hartford, Havana, Houston–Hobby, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Knoxville (begins June 6, 2026), Las Vegas, Long Island/Islip, Los Angeles, Louisville, Milwaukee, Nashville, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Pittsburgh, Providence, Raleigh/Durham, Rochester (NY), San Antonio, San Diego San Juan, St. Louis, Washington–National Seasonal: Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Manchester (NH), Memphis, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Omaha, Salt Lake City, | | Spirit Airlines | Atlantic City, Chicago–O'Hare, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, New Orleans | | Sun Country Airlines | Minneapolis/St. Paul | | United Airlines | Chicago–O'Hare, Denver, Los Angeles, Newark, | | Virgin Atlantic | London–Heathrow | | WestJet | Calgary, Toronto–Pearson Seasonal: St. John's, Vancouver |

Cargo

| FedEx Express | Indianapolis, Memphis | | UPS Airlines | Dallas/Fort Worth, Louisville, Philadelphia Seasonal: Miami |

Statistics

Passenger traffic

Annual traffic

• Source:Hillsborough County Aviation Authority archives.

• Since the opening of the new Tampa Int'l Airport in 1971, 736,612,345 passengers (enplaned+deplaned) have transited through TPA, an average of 13,392,952 passengers annually.

Airline market share

Top destinations

Accidents and incidents

• On March 9, 1943, five USAAF flight crew were killed when their Martin B-26 Marauder crashed on a flight from Avon Park Auxiliary Field to Eglin Field. The pilot attempted an emergency landing at Drew Field and overshot the runway. Two others on board the B-26 survived. This occurred one hour after a USAAF Douglas A-24 flying out of Drew Field crashed in Mullet Key near St. Petersburg, a bombing range at the time. The pilot ditched the airplane and lived, but the gunner bailed out and drowned.
• On August 5, 1969, a passenger on an Eastern Air Lines McDonnell Douglas DC-9 on Flight 379 from Charlotte was arrested upon arrival after he entered the cockpit en route and told the pilot, "Let's go to Cuba"; the pilot said there wasn't enough fuel so the passenger returned to his seat. The hijacker later claimed he "wanted to see if he had the nerve to simulate a hijacking" and did not want to actually go to Cuba.
• On September 25, 1973, a Rockwell 1121B Jet Commander (N200RC) owned by Continental Jet Corp. was damaged beyond repair in a hangar fire.
• On November 6, 1986, an Eastern Air Lines captain, George Baines, age 56, was flying in his private aircraft, a Piper PA-23 Apache, (registration N2185P) from his home to Tampa International Airport to catch a flight. Captain Baines was cleared for an instrument landing system approach to runway 36L (now 1L) with 1/16 mi visibility in dense fog. He was unable to land during his first approach and declared a missed approach and executed a go-around to try again. On the second approach, the Apache touched down on taxiway W, parallel to and about 406 ft to the right (east) of runway 36L. At the same time, a Pan American Boeing B-727 was proceeding southbound on taxiway W. When the captain of the Pan-Am 727 saw the Apache emerge from the dense fog directly in front of him, he turned to the right (west) in an attempt to avoid the impending collision. About two seconds later, the Apache's left engine struck the B-727 in the radome, which is a structural, weatherproof enclosure that protects a radar antenna. Two passengers and a flight attendant were injured after they evacuated the aircraft. The Apache was almost destroyed and the pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, was killed. The primary causes of this accident was determined by the NTSB to include the pilot's decision to continue his approach below decision height when the visibility was below landing minimums and the adequacy of current Federal regulations that allow pilots operating under Part 91 to conduct approaches when the reported visibility is below published minimum visibility for land.
• On December 1, 1993, a Cessna 650 Citation III (N700RR) operated by Consolidated International Services Inc. was landing when it collided with a cement pad while taxiing back to the grass taxiway, collapsing the nose gear. The plane had just arrived from a 2 hour 15 minute flight from Morristown, New Jersey. The cause was determined to be the pilot's decision to leave the taxiway with improper wiring of the anti-skid system. The plane was later repaired.
• On April 2, 2017, an Air Canada Jetz Airbus A319-114 (C-GBHN) was struck while parked by a motor coach during pre-departure setup for Flight 7042 to Fort Lauderdale. Substantial damage occurred on the port side of the fuselage and the left outer flap track. No injuries occurred onboard; the flight was cancelled. The aircraft was later repaired.

References

References

1. {{cite gnis
2. "TPA Airport Statistics for 2025".
3. {{FAA-airport
4. "Nonstop Destinations". Tampa International Airport.
5. Brown, Warren J.. (1994). "Florida's Aviation History". Aero-Medical Consultants.
6. link. (March 5, 2017 St. Petersburg Times, March 11, 1943)
7. link. (March 5, 2017 Saint Petersburg Times, September 30, 1945)
8. "Drew Field Municipal Airport History".
9. (September 27, 1972). "Tampa Airport Captures Excellent Structure Award". [[Evening Independent]].
10. "Landside/Airside Terminal 1961–1979".
11. (April 15, 2021). "'New' Tampa International Airport Opened 50 Years Ago. Here's what it was like.". [[Tampa Bay Times]].
12. Knapp, Pat Matson. (November 7, 2013). "Jane Davis Doggett: Environmental Graphics Pioneer". Eg Experiential Graphics Magazine.
13. Conniff, James C. G.. (March 30, 1975). "Danger: Signs Ahead". New York Times Magazine.
14. (15 April 2021). "'New' Tampa International Airport opened 50 years ago. Here's what it was like.".
15. "Orlando International Airport: The story of MCO's past and present terminal building.".
16. "Landside/Airside Terminal 1980–1999".
17. "Landside/Airside Terminal 2000–Present".
18. "Airside D at TPA".
19. (December 16, 2009). "Pemco". Pemcoair.com.
20. "Pemco expands operations".
21. [[St. Petersburg Times]], [http://www.sptimes.com/2005/11/08/Tampabay/A_new_day_for_parking.shtml A New Day for Parking.] {{Webarchive. link. (November 25, 2005)
22. "Homepage – Tampa International Airport".
23. TBO.com. (March 7, 2011). "Tampa International gets federal OK for charter flights to Cuba". TBO.com.
24. (January 14, 2011). "TIA To Open for Cuba Charter Flights {{pipe}} Representative Kathy Castor". Castor.house.gov.
25. Rane, Jordan. "10 of the world's most loved airports". CNNGo.
26. (October 26, 2016). "The 10 Best Airport in the U.S.". Condé Nast.
27. "TPA named best airport in North America for its size".
28. "Travel+Leisure Best US Airports, According to T+L Readers".
29. (2024-02-02). "Tampa International Airport CEO Retires".
30. Lacey, Derek. "Work Starts on $1.5B Airside D at Tampa International Airport".
31. Striepling, Bailey. (18 December 2024). "TPA's largest airside expansion in 2 decades breaks ground".
32. (3 February 2025). "Airside D anchor tenant selected by Hillsborough County Aviation Authority".
33. link. (February 25, 2009)
34. "Tampa International Airport Maps".
35. Roger Sandoval. "TPA {{pipe}} Shops and Restaurants {{pipe}} Airside E". Tampaairport.com.
36. Roger Sandoval. "TPA {{pipe}} Shops and Restaurants {{pipe}} Airside F". Tampaairport.com.
37. (January 2023). "Tampa Airport to start Phase 3 of Master Plan".
38. "Airlines at TPA".
39. "Tampa International Airport Airside D".
40. "TPA Airside F and FIS Expansion".
41. "TPA airport data at skyvector.com".
42. "GA newsletter fall 2010".
43. "Master Plan Facts – Tampa International Airport".
44. (2 July 2024). "Tampa International Airport welcomes Aeromexico flight". Tampa Bay Times.
45. (6 November 2023). "A ‘golden’ time to fly between Tampa and Canada?". Tampa Bay Times.
46. (7 January 2025). "TPA offers nonstop flights to 20+ beautiful international destinations".
47. (27 June 2024). "Tampa International Airport adds two more Canadian nonstop flights". Tampa Bay Business Journal.
48. (14 May 2024). "Tampa International Airport offers nonstop flights to these international destinations". WFLA.
49. (1 February 2023). "Tampa International Airport adds direct flights to California, Puerto Rico". Business Observer.
50. (14 August 2024). "Alaska Airlines announces the return of nonstop flights from TPA to PDX, and San Francisco".
51. (10 December 2025). "Direct flights from Charlotte". Axios.
52. (30 December 2025). "American Airlines to double service from Sarasota to Chicago". Tampa Bay Business Journal.
53. (8 May 2024). "American Airlines flight en route to Tampa from Dallas makes emergency landing".
54. (30 July 2025). "American Airlines adds new flight from PHX to Florida". KTAR.com.
55. "American adds cool new Caribbean destination, cuts Miami transcon route in big network update".
56. (25 June 2024). "‘Going places:’ Airport to offer direct flights to Tampa, more flights to Orlando". Scranton Times-Tribune.
57. (17 December 2025). "Palmetto man removed from flight at TPA after causing security threat". WFLA.
58. (13 June 2021). "American Airlines Expands In Tampa, Adds Three Routes". One Mile at a Time.
59. (7 November 2024). "Travelers can now take two new nonstop flights from Wilmington". Wilmington Star-News.
60. (4 August 2025). "Interested in a cheap trip? Check out these Avelo flights through the end of the summer". The News Journal.
61. (7 January 2026). "Avelo cuts flights, base at ILM". WilmingtonBiz.
62. (7 August 2025). "Avianca to increase flights from Tampa to Bogotá after surging popularity". That's so Tampa.
63. (26 March 2024). "Escape to Florida: Airline adds new options from Maine".
64. (10 July 2025). "Breeze Airways Expands Florida Presence with New Routes to Orlando and Tampa". Florida Daily.
65. (22 August 2025). "How Breeze Airways built a business around no-frills flights from TPA". Tampa Bay Business Journal.
66. (24 October 2023). "Tampa airport lands new nonstop route to Mississippi city". Business Observer.
67. (9 June 2025). "Breeze Airways launches new nonstop flight south out of Connecticut's Bradley International Airport". CT Insider.
68. (20 February 2024). "Huntsville International Airport to offer non-stop flights to Los Angeles, California this summer". WAAY 31 News.
69. (March 11, 2025). "Breeze Adds 70th Destination".
70. (8 November 2023). "Dane County Regional Airport introduces new airline, non-stop flights". WXOW.
71. Davis, Corey. "Breeze Airways is coming to Memphis airport. Flights to 3 destinations to start this spring".
72. (November 8, 2023). "Breeze Airways to offer new nonstop service from Tampa to Vermont, adds 4 total routes".
73. (January 28, 2026). "Breeze Airways to offer nonstop flights from Tampa to Nassau, Bahamas".
74. Nicholson, Lara. (March 17, 2025). "New Orleans airport is getting a new nonstop flight to Florida this summer".
75. (19 May 2023). "Breeze Airways announces new non-stop flights from Norfolk International Airport". News 3 WTKR Norfolk.
76. (March 26, 2024). "Pensacola International Airport announces service to Norfolk, Tampa with Breeze Airways".
77. (6 February 2025). "Breeze Airways adds nonstop flights from Maine to Ohio". The Portland Press Herald.
78. (5 February 2025). "New nonstop flights being offered out of GSP Airport". WYFF.
79. (6 September 2025). "Airline launches nonstop service between Memphis and Pensacola, Florida". Local Memphis.
80. (6 September 2025). "Breeze Airways launches new nonstop service from Richmond to Palm Beach". WRIC.
81. (May 7, 2025). "Breeze Airways Expands Across the United States with New Routes to Fort Lauderdale, Salisbury, Akron-Canton, Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, Key West, Pensacola, and More Starting This Fall".
82. (10 August 2022). "Breeze Airways to add nonstop flights from Syracuse to Florida city". syracuse.
83. (25 June 2024). "Direct flights to Tampa from Luzerne County announced".
84. McCloud, Cheryl. "Breeze Airlines offers dozens of cheap options from 9 Florida airports. Where flights are going".
85. "Breeze Airways adds new service to Florida from Erie airport".
86. (January 23, 2024). "Breeze Airways Announces 11 New Routes and 3 New Cities".
87. (November 18, 2024). "Delta to keep its Tampa to Amsterdam flights year-round". WFLA News.
88. (25 April 2025). "Delta's Tampa-to-Amsterdam flights to be seasonal to start". Tampa Bay Times.
89. (September 30, 2024). "Delta Air Lines to Add More New Austin Routes, Including Service to Indianapolis, Memphis, San Francisco, Tampa". KXAN Austin.
90. (7 February 2025). "Delta To Anchor Tampa International Airport’s $1.5 Billion Terminal Expansion". TravelPulse.
91. (25 September 2024). "Delta kills CVG airport flight, increases frequency to Florida city". Cincinnati Business Courier.
92. (12 July 2025). "Delta Air Lines Reverts Plan For Daily Flights On Its Only Transatlantic Flight From Tampa". MSN.
93. (17 July 2020). "Tampa airport gains new nonstops to Los Angeles and San Francisco". Tampa Bay Business Journal.
94. (26 April 2024). "Direct flights from Raleigh". Axios.
95. (2 March 2020). "TPA lands nonstop routes to Charleston, Miami, Nashville and Seattle". That's so Tampa.
96. "FLIGHT SCHEDULES".
97. (20 November 2024). "Indy Airport lands three new flights to Atlanta, Tampa and Portland". WRTV Indianapolis.
98. (24 August 2023). "A new Frontier: Airline adds another nonstop service at BWI Marshall". WTOP News.
99. (17 December 2024). "Frontier Airlines launches service from Boston Logan Airport to Miami and Tampa, Florida". The Patriot Ledger.
100. (6 December 2017). "What's not in your Frontier Airlines fare". WKBW 7 News Buffalo.
101. D'Ambrosio, Dan. "Frontier Airlines returns to Burlington airport with weekly flights to Florida".
102. (February 3, 2025). "Frontier Airlines to launch new nonstop route from Tampa".
103. (2 October 2024). "TPA unveils 5 new nonstop flights coming in December, including Boston and Chicago".
104. (17 December 2024). "Airline axes multiple nonstop flights from CVG airport". WKRC.
105. (6 November 2025). "Frontier Airlines cancels popular Cleveland routes to Puerto Rico and New York City". cleveland.
106. (20 July 2021). "Low-cost Frontier Airlines adding 7 new routes from DFW Airport". Dallas News.
107. (7 March 2025). "Frontier Airlines launches new nonstop flight starting today to Tampa from Milwaukee". Journal Sentinel.
108. (5 November 2022). "Frontier Airlines adds direct flights from Detroit to Phoenix, Tampa". Detroit Free Press.
109. Mazumder, Rajesh. (July 22, 2025). "Frontier Airlines Unveils Fifteen New Routes to Popular US Destinations, Including Corpus Christi, Richmond, Tulsa, Omaha, Dallas, El Paso, Phoenix, and More, Starting in October 2025 - Travel And Tour World".
110. (18 January 2026). "Frontier Airlines to Add Non-Stops from MacArthur Airport to Las Vegas in 2021 – Airline News".
111. "Frontier Airlines Unveils New Routes for Fall".
112. (1 October 2014). "Frontier starting flights out of Philly". The News Journal.
113. (27 December 2024). "I Was On The First Frontier Airlines Flight to Portland, Maine from Tampa".
114. (23 January 2023). "Frontier announces new flights from RDU, including a destination no one else serves".
115. (23 July 2025). "Frontier adds two Midwest flights out of Tampa International Airport". Tampa Bay Business Journal.
116. (16 April 2024). "Need a cheap getaway? Frontier Airlines introduces new routes to New York, Virginia". PhillyBurbs.
117. (October 2024). "Frontier Airlines to launch new nonstop route from Tampa".
118. (26 December 2023). "These new nonstop routes will start flying from Tampa International Airport next year". WFLA.
119. (19 November 2024). "Frontier Airlines to add nonstop flight from Houston to Tampa". Houston Business Journal.
120. (17 December 2024). "New flights scheduled for Mitchell Airport in 2025, especially during Spring Break". Journal Sentinel.
121. (4 December 2025). "Frontier Airlines debuts Norfolk-Tampa route". 13 New Now.
122. (28 March 2023). "Frontier Airlines to offer nonstop flights from Phoenix to Tampa, Houston". KTAR.
123. (4 February 2025). "Frontier announces new route from Tampa with intro fares starting at $29". WFLA.
124. (14 June 2022). "Craving international travel? Tampa airport now has 13 direct flights to these destinations". Bradenton Herald.
125. (July 23, 2025). "Jetblue Strengthens Fort Lauderdale With New Flights".
126. (24 July 2024). "JetBlue to add more nonstop flights from Connecticut to Florida this winter out of Bradley Airport".
127. (January 6, 2026). "JetBlue Axes Three Routes".
128. (2 December 2025). "JetBlue suspends some flight routes from Tampa International Airport, announces new ones". WTSP.
129. (20 August 2025). "JetBlue Is Adding Daily Tampa–Punta Cana Flights With Year-Round Service". Caribbean Journal.
130. (14 May 2025). "JetBlue has deals on flights out of Newark Airport, JFK, but you need to act now". North Jersey Media Group.
131. (August 14, 2025). "JetBlue Expands Route Network With New Flights to Florida and Caribbean".
132. (26 June 2024). "Porter More Than Doubles Capacity to Five Florida Destinations This Winter, Adds West Palm Beach Service".
133. (24 August 2023). "Tampa International attracts its 22nd passenger airline with new service to Toronto". Tampa Bay Business Journal.
134. (26 September 2024). "Southwest adding new non-stop flight out of Albany". Albany Business Review.
135. (14 February 2025). "Southwest flight returns to Tampa after ‘possible mechanical issue’". WFLA.
136. (22 August 2024). "Southwest Airlines adds nonstop flights from Milwaukee to Austin". FOX6 News Milwaukee.
137. (28 August 2025). "Southwest Airlines cancels daily flights permanently in March".
138. (26 September 2025). "Southwest Airlines adding three new flights at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth". al.
139. (10 October 2021). "Southwest flights canceled, delayed at Buffalo airport". WGRZ.
140. (26 April 2024). "Tampa loses nonstop route as Southwest deals with earnings, Boeing issues". WTSP.
141. (23 July 2024). "FAA investigating a Southwest airlines Columbus to Tampa flight that dropped to 150 feet". The Columbus Dispatch.
142. (3 February 2014). "Southwest Airlines announces 15 new nonstop destinations from Dallas". WFAA.
143. (9 October 2025). "Southwest Airlines expanding flight options at McGhee Tyson Airport starting in 2026". WBIR.
144. (14 July 2025). "Lightning strike forces Southwest flight to evacuate at TPA". WTSP.
145. (21 December 2023). "Frontier will fly from Tampa to Connecticut's capital". Tampa Bay Business Journal.
146. (14 February 2025). "Tampa-bound Southwest flight returns to Texas after smoke odor in cabin". WFLA.
147. (5 August 2025). "Indy airport offers new nonstop flights to Chicago, Raleigh-Durham".
148. (23 July 2025). "Kansas City is getting new nonstop flight from KCI to this Florida beach town".
149. (October 9, 2025). "Southwest Airlines expanding flight options at McGhee Tyson Airport starting in 2026".
150. (12 April 2018). "Extra nonstop flights to LA and Las Vegas begin at Tampa International Airport". Biz Journal.
151. (12 November 2025). "Escape winter: Southwest offers low fares from NY to Florida". PIX11.
152. (16 May 2025). "TPA lands exciting nonstop flights to LAX after 5-year hiatus".
153. (16 December 2024). "Southwest begins nonstop Louisville-Nashville flights in August".
154. (21 August 2025). "Southwest Airlines adds more nonstop flights from Milwaukee". WISN.
155. (25 September 2024). "Latest airport delays and cancellations due to Helene". Bay News 9.
156. (17 March 2025). "New Orleans airport is getting a new nonstop flight to Florida this summer". NOLA.com.
157. (26 January 2025). "Bird strike forces Southwest Airlines flight to return to TPA shortly after departure". WTSP.
158. (14 March 2019). "Are Southwest and American parking Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes in Phoenix?". The Arizona Republic.
159. (12 May 2025). "Southwest Celebrates Two Decades of Steady Growth in Pittsburgh". Blue Sky News.
160. (31 October 2024). "25 years of Southwest Airlines at Bradley". Fox 61.
161. (19 January 2025). "Here's all the destinations you can fly nonstop from Rochester's airport". Democrat and Chronicle.
162. (11 June 2020). "Southwest rebuilding flight schedule at San Antonio International". San Antonio Express-News.
163. "Southwest Airlines Extends Schedule Through Fall 2025".
164. (3 November 2025). "Southwest Airlines Is Launching a New Nonstop Summer Route Between Indianapolis and Puerto Rico". Caribbean Journal.
165. (5 August 2025). "Louisville Airport Just Landed A Direct Flight To Nashville—And It’s A Big Deal". LEO Weekly Louisville Eccentric Observer.
166. (28 October 2025). "These are the top flight destinations across Greater Washington's airports". Washington Business Journal.
167. (15 November 2023). "Southwest Airlines brings 7 nonstop routes back to Tampa International Airport". WFLA.
168. (7 June 2023). "Southwest Airlines celebrates 25 years at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport - Manchester Ink Link".
169. (23 January 2025). "Memphis airport lands seven new flights for 2025. Here's where they will take you.". The Commercial Appeal.
170. (29 July 2024). "Omaha's Eppley Airfield adding additional nonstop flight, resuming seasonal winter travel stops". KETV.
171. (26 February 2024). "Atlantic City Airport Called Most Affordable in USA".
172. (23 July 2025). "Spirit Airlines Launches Nonstop Flights to Key West International". Travel Market Report.
173. (22 September 2025). "Spirit Airlines offers $44 one-way flights in, out of Detroit for fall color season". Detroit Free Press.
174. (29 September 2025). "Spirit Airlines dropping 2 more airports, to suspend 40 routes. What about Florida?". The Palm Beach Post.
175. (9 June 2025). "Spirit, JetBlue cut dozens of summer flights out of Tampa — here's why". WTSP.
176. (1 June 2023). "Inaugural Sun Country flights touch down, take off at ILM". WilmingtonBiz.
177. "Tampa airport launching new routes to New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, more". Tampa Bay Times.
178. (29 January 2024). "United Airlines adding 40 new flights at IAH this summer, including nonstop service to California".
179. (14 August 2020). "Tampa airport launching new routes to New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, more". Tampa Bay Times.
180. "Virgin Atlantic continues US expansion with new Tampa service".
181. (24 July 2023). "Airline announces new nonstop flights between Tampa and Calgary". WFLA.
182. (14 June 2022). "Craving international travel? Tampa airport now has 13 direct flights to these destinations".
183. "WestJet unveils winter schedule and celebrates renewed commitment to St. John's". WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership.
184. (12 December 2025). "Vancouver airport launches non-stop flight to popular sunny spot {{!}} Business & Tech". Daily Hive.
185. "Air Carriers : T-100 Segment (All Carriers)". Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
186. "Tampa Int'l Airport Activity Reports 2012-Present".
187. "RITA {{pipe}} BTS {{pipe}} Transtats". transtats.bts.gov.
188. (July 2018). "U.S. International Air Passenger and Freight Statistics Report". Office of Aviation Policy, U.S. Department of Transportation.
189. link. (March 5, 2017 The Evening Independent, March 10, 1943)
190. "ASN Aircraft accident McDonnell Douglas DC-9 registration unknown Tampa International Airport, FL (TPA)".
191. "ASN Aircraft accident Rockwell 1121B Jet Commander N200RC Tampa International Airport, FL (TPA)".
192. "Aircraft Accident Report – NTSB". 2015-10-23.
193. "ASN Aircraft accident Cessna 650 Citation III N700RR Tampa International Airport, FL (TPA)".
194. "ASN Aircraft accident Airbus A319-114 C-GBHN Tampa International Airport, FL (TPA)".