If you’re coming to Tampa International Airport in the next few weeks and are being dropped off at the Red Side of the Main Terminal, please be aware there’s going to be a short, temporary detour.
A pavement resurfacing project will affect the Red Departures drive to the Ticketing level beginning August 31 at 7 a.m. The project is similar to work done on the Blue Departures drive last summer.
Work crews will be removing and replacing the traffic coating on all four lanes of the drive as part of scheduled maintenance to ensure optimal facility quality and traffic flow. The closure is scheduled to last until mid-October.
Guests who are being dropped off for their flights at Red Side airlines will be directed to instead drive to and get out at the Red Express Curbsides to enter the Main Terminal.
Signage and Airport staff will direct travelers through the building to reach the Ticketing level on the second floor of the Main Terminal. Curbside bag check-in will be available at the Red Express Departures drive.
Travelers who are not checking bags and already have their boarding passes may head up the Red Express escalators or elevators to the third level to reach the shuttle to their Airside.
Red Side airlines include:
Check here for a full list of which side each airline is on.
During its May 2026 meeting, the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board of Directors approved a $1.2 million contract to Restocon Corp. to perform the work for the Red Departures rehabilitation project.
