Greater Tampa Bay residents are fortunate to have two state-of-the-art airports to meet their travel needs, with even more destination options and expansions planned in the coming years.
Located six miles west of downtown Tampa, Tampa International Airport completed a major terminal renovation and added nonstop international flights to London Heathrow and St. Johns, Canada in 2022. Nearby St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport is centrally located offering convenient access to and from St. Petersburg, Clearwater and surrounding communities with quick drive times throughout the GTB.
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Ranked among the world’s most beloved airports, TPA serves more than 21 million passengers each year with routes to 90 nonstop destinations around the world. The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority flagship airport received top awards at the state, national and international level, including being rated No. 1 in North America and No. 5 in customer satisfaction among airports of its size.
TPA recently completed the largest construction program in their history with a major main terminal renovation, 66 shops and restaurants, a 1.4-mile automated people mover extending to a multi-level rental car facility, new Blue Express Curbsides, a nine-story office complex and public art installations. Planning is underway for a fifth airside terminal that will serve an additional 13 million passengers by 2037, with 16 new gates servicing domestic and international flights.
St. Pete-clearwater International Airport (PIE)
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport serves over 2 million passengers each year, offering more than 60 nonstop domestic flights and two to Canada at the 2,000-acre facility. Charter flights are available to Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey and Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Guilfport-Biloxi, Mississippi.
This hometown airport prides itself on offering a relaxed travel experience with a local feel. The list of amenities includes free WiFi, charging stations, nursing-mom pods and a kids play zone. Two “Bark Parks” provide fenced pet relief areas with hydration stations for guests with dogs to enjoy the outdoors in an artificial, anti-microbial turf park.
Murals by Pinellas County-based artists highlight the award-winning beaches, nature, culture and arts in GTB. Restaurant choices include St. Pete favorite’s Mazzaro Italian Market and 3 Daughters Brewing.
Whether seeking a quick business trip, an exotic romantic getaway or a dream family vacation, the GTB airports offer a long list of destination choices and special amenities to meet every traveler’s perfect itinerary.
Spotlights
- In 2021, the USO Center celebrated 10 years of operation at Tampa International Airport. Located on the Ticketing Level, the Center is a place for active-duty military members and their families to relax and recharge during their travels. Volunteers staff the location from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day of the year and work to keep members of the military comfortably connected to their country and home.
- Virgin Atlantic is using their brand-new A330neo for flights from TPA to London’s Heathrow airport. Enjoy faster wi-fi, wireless charging and access to retreat suites on one of the most efficient aircrafts in the sky.
- New international destination! Beginning March 2023, TPA will provide direct flights to St. John’s, Canada. Located in Newfoundland and Labrador, the province capital is one of the oldest and most easterly cities in North America.
- Children traveling through PIE can visit the Kids Play Zone, designed by Great Explorations Kids Museum, where they can pretend to pilot over local beaches or build an airplane.
- Allegiant Airlines, who serves many of PIE’s nonstop flights, added the 3 Daughters Brewing Florida Orange IPA to the drink service on all of its Florida flights.
- PIE offers a therapy dog program provided by Project PUP (Pets Uplifting People) that provides therapy dog encounters for passengers to ease travel stress. The airport also hosts the Southeastern Guide Dogs puppies in a tour of the airport.
By Jennifer Kennedy.
