HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Tampa International Airport’s new Airside A security checkpoint is now open to travelers.

The expansion adds 20,560 square feet of new space to the airside, with seven lanes. Five of those lanes will have new computed tomography machines, which won’t require travelers to remove shoes or electronics from baggage during screening.

Airport officials said the space and new equipment will help alleviate congestion at security.

“This is yet another very important investment that TPA has made to keep the passenger journey as seamless and stress-free as possible,” TPA Executive Vice President of Planning & Development and Maintenance Smitha Radhakrishnan said. “Like the security screening area expansion at Airside E, we took great care to design a space that was open, well-lit, uses the latest technology, and creates a welcoming environment for our travelers as they make their way through our airport.”

The new airside features almost floor-to-ceiling windows and high ceilings that give the space a bright and open feeling, with aircraft visible from the queuing area. The original shuttle lobby will next be reconfigured as part of the project.  

The project has a construction cost of $65.1 million and is being funded almost entirely with bonds and $525,000 in FDOT grants.

“TSA continues to see record passenger volume at Tampa International Airport’s security checkpoints and has been working closely with the airport to prepare for future growth,” said Kirk Skinner, TSA Federal Security Director for TPA. “The expansion of the airside checkpoints allows us space to add new technology that improves both security and efficiency.”