Celebrating 50 Years
On April 15, 1971, Tampa International Airport and the Tampa Bay community celebrated the grand opening of TPA’s new Terminal Complex. Airport Director George Bean introduced the groundbreaking hub-and-spoke design that would earn TPA worldwide praise as an airport of the future. More than 50,000 people came out to see the new Airport during its two-day open house and National Airlines Flight 36 from Los Angeles was the first plane to arrive at the new terminal.
Today, 50 years later, TPA continues to stand the test of time and is lauded by both travelers and airlines for its efficient design and exceptional convenience. As Tampa Airport grows to better serve its guests, George Bean's philosophy of short walking distances and putting passengers first remains central to all we do.
In honor of this celebration, we will choose one lucky winner to receive a TPA VIP Experience! The VIP Experience includes a $1,000 shopping spree at TPA’s shops and restaurants (including Tumi, Spanx, PGA Tour Shops, and much more), an exclusive airfield tour and a TPA swag basket! Enter HERE before April 15th at 10am for a chance to win.
We also asked you to share your favorite TPA memories with us - and you delivered! Thank you to our community, passengers and visitors for helping us celebrate.
On Thursday, April 15, we’re celebrating our 50th anniversary with the passengers in our Main Terminal. We will give away treats and prizes, and provide fun photo opportunities. Check out our Instagram story on the 15th to see some highlights!
As airlines started to bring longer routes to Tampa, the Drew Field facility began calling itself Tampa International Airport.
To provide a better customer experience, the newly formed Authority built a two-story facility. But as the new TPA terminal was unveiled in 1952, it was already crowded. By the 1960s, the Authority was already planning yet another larger airport.
TPA’s then-Director George J. Bean and his ambitious team worked to create something truly unique. When the new TPA opened in 1971, more than 60,000 people came to tour the revolutionary airport design and ride the world’s first automated people movers.
Over the next 50 years, TPA continued to stay on the cutting edge of planning and design as it implemented a Long Term Garage monorail system and other modern, customer-focused amenities.
In 2013, the HCAA Board approved a historic three-phase Master Plan designed for future growth. It included the SkyConnect automated people mover system connecting to a state-of-the-art Rental Car Center, a commercial office complex, express curbs and a 16-gate Airside D.
To learn more about TPA’s history, visit our interactive timeline.