Tampa International highlights Airside D construction, passenger growth and workforce outreach

Michael Stevens, chief executive officer of Tampa International Airport, told St. Petersburg City Council on May 15 that the airport is moving forward with an ambitious airside expansion (Airside D) and related concessions and public‑art programs.

Stevens said Airside D will add capacity in anticipation of roughly 10 million additional passengers by 2037, and will include two new club lounges and a modern customs facility with biometric processing to speed international flows. The concessions redevelopment program (2026–2032) seeks local vendors and regional artists; Stevens said the airport received more than 1,000 submissions for an art program and encouraged St. Petersburg artists to participate.

Councilmembers asked about job impacts after airline network changes (Spirit Airlines staffing) and opportunities for local hiring. Stevens described airport efforts including large job fairs, redeployment of displaced workers across carriers and partnerships with St. Pete College and other institutions to create aviation career pipelines (including outreach to high schools and trade schools) and to support advanced air mobility planning (eVTOL routes and vertiports). He also noted that Tampa International’s social media reach supports rapid public messaging in events.

Council thanked Stevens and emphasized ADA access, art participation for local muralists, and stronger surface transit connections to the airport.

Next steps: Airport will continue annual updates to the council and coordinate on regional connectivity and workforce development activities.