b'18 TPA SECURITYTampa Intl Elevates Ceilings, Overall Screening Experiencein Airsides A and E BY NICOLE NELSONThroughout years upon years ofNeedless to say, the combination oftechnology to modernize and enhance ongoing terminal modernizationhistorically cramped quarters and continualtraveler safety and security. projects at Tampa Internationalgrowth within the airports catchment area Airport (TPA), leadership was acutely awaremade the springtime debut of larger and moreMore Space, Modern Equipmentthat passenger screening checkpoints inmodern screening checkpoints a welcomeUnder the direction of the Hillsborough two of its four Airside terminals were in diresight for travelers departing from TPA.County Aviation Authority, the project need of attention. Tampa International Airport has beenadded roughly 20,000 square feet of new Airsides A and E, which opened in 1995growing right along with the entire Tampaspace to each airside area (slightly more in and 2002, respectively, were built fromBay region in recent years, so we electedAirside A, slightly less in Airside E). From blueprints created before the 9/11 terroristto make a critical investment in travelerthe beginning of construction in September attacks and subsequent establishmentsafety and security by right-sizing the2023 to Airside Es opening in March 2025 of TSA in 2001. As a result, both hadsecurity screeningand Airside As opening in April 2025, safety to adapt quickly to accommodatecheckpoints at airsidesand security served as focal points for the the associated influx of massive newA and E, says Smithaconcurrent design/build projects. checkpoint equipment and personnel toRadhakrishnan, TPAsAll said and operate itall within the confines of theirchief developmentdone, TSA Regional existing footprints. officer for the $65.1Spokesperson Dan Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay region hasmillion project. WeVelez notes that the 14 experienced unprecedented growth, withwent to great lengthsSMITHA RADHAKRISHNAN new security lanes in the Tampa metro area population aloneto create welcomingthe recently expanded expected to increase 61% between 2000spaces that are open and airy, filled withairside areas include and 2040. natural light and let us use the latestnearly identicalDAN VELEZJuly | August 2025AirportImprovement.com'