Tampa Airport’s $584M Upgrade: New Terminal, High-Tech Baggage System Coming by 2029

Tampa International Airport will get a $584 million makeover. The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority backed the plan to fix check-in bottlenecks and add cutting-edge bag handling by 2029.

Workers will tackle 34 projects. The main focus? A state-of-the-art bag system and fresh check-in space. Crews aim to finish the bag setup by late 2028. The new check-in area opens its doors in 2029.

"Part of our master plan, which is a blueprint for keeping up with our tremendous growth, is to modernize our ticketing level and our baggage system," airport spokesman Joshua Gillin said, according to WTSP.

The tech upgrade means faster bag processing through smart machines. Gillin broke it down: "We are looking at a system that allows bags to be automatically read, pushed to the right conveyor belt, and screened as efficiently and safely as possible."

Not all flyers shared the same view. Amy Kemp spoke up: "Baggage is something that people are always frustrated with. Luggage gets lost and checking it in, any minute that you can save would be time well spent."

Michael Haynes voiced both hope and worry. "I'm in favor of it if it makes things go more smoothly," he said. "But I'm not in favor of it if it takes people's jobs away."

This work fits into a bigger picture. A fresh international wing, Airside D, will cost $1.5 billion and add 16 gates when it opens in 2028. The changes mark a new chapter for Tampa's air hub.