News Summary
Tampa International Airport has inaugurated its new Red Express Curbsides, designed for travelers with electronic boarding passes who need no checked luggage. This $109 million facility features eight lanes for arrivals and departures and will enhance the travel experience by streamlining processes. Opened shortly after midnight on August 12, the initiative follows the successful Blue Express Curbsides, showing strong traveler demand. The Red Express Curbsides are part of TPA’s ongoing Master Plan to improve airport infrastructure and passenger services, including plans for a new Airside D.
Tampa, Florida – Tampa International Airport (TPA) has officially opened its new Red Express Curbsides, a dedicated facility for travelers without checked luggage. The facility was inaugurated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on August 12, 2025, and became accessible to the public shortly after midnight on the same day. The project, which cost $109 million, aims to streamline the travel experience by allowing passengers carrying electronic boarding passes to bypass traditional ticket lines and baggage claim.
Situated on the north side of the Main Terminal, the Red Express Curbsides feature eight new lanes, split evenly into four lanes for arrivals and four for departures. This brings the total number of Express lanes at TPA to 16. The Red Express facility is set to serve multiple airlines, including Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Breeze Airways, British Airways, Discover Airlines, Edelweiss Air, Frontier, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and WestJet. The completion of this facility marks a significant advancement in the airport’s efforts to accommodate the growing number of travelers.
The Red Express Curbsides expand the airport’s infrastructure by over 65,000 square feet. New features include dynamic art exhibits, an extended third-floor transfer level, and a shuttle lobby designed for a future Airside D. This new initiative follows the successful implementation of the Blue Express Curbsides, which opened in 2021 after demolishing the original Administration building that had been part of the airport since the 1970s. Recent reports indicated that approximately 46.5% of travelers utilized the Blue Express Curbsides in June, illustrating a strong demand for such streamlined travel options.
The opening of the Red Express facility is part of the broader Master Plan for TPA, which is currently in its third phase. This plan includes the construction of a new 16-gate Airside D, aimed at enhancing the airport’s capacity by nearly 40%. The Airside D project is projected to be a $1.5 billion investment and is anticipated to introduce two levels, 16 new gates, two airline lounges, and a new shuttle system, in addition to improved shopping and dining options. The new Airside D is expected to be operational by late 2028.
The successful execution of the Red Express Curbsides demonstrates TPA’s commitment to improving passenger experiences and accommodating the increasing volume of air travel. As the airport progresses through its Master Plan, officials aim to provide efficient, modern facilities that ensure a convenient travel process for all passengers.
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HERE Resources
Tampa International Airport Begins Main Terminal Renovations
Additional Resources
- My Suncoast
- Wikipedia: Tampa International Airport
- Fox 13 News
- Google Search: Tampa International Airport Red Express Curbsides
- Business Observer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Airport
- WFLA News
- Google News: Red Express Curbsides Tampa
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
