Work to start on $1.5 billion Tampa airport expansion

Construction on Tampa International’s estimated $1.5 billion Airside D terminal will kick off with a ceremonial groundbreaking Wednesday.

The event will mark the official beginning of work on a project that is expected to be completed in 2028 and help accommodate growth as the number of annual passengers at the airport increases from an estimated 25 million now to 35 million in 2037.

Construction is starting just a couple of weeks after the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority’s board approved $91 million for onsite work to begin. That work includes installing security fencing around the perimeter, concrete removal, establishing contractor offices and utility work.