Travelers being dropped off at Tampa International Airport should be aware of a temporary change affecting the Red Side of the Main Terminal.
TPA’s Red Departures lanes are closed for scheduled pavement resurfacing. During the closure, passengers flying with Red Side airlines must use the Red Express Curbsides instead of the regular Ticketing-level entrance.
The closure began August 31, 2026, and is expected to continue until approximately mid-October.
Where Should Red Side Passengers Be Dropped Off?
Drivers and chauffeurs should follow airport signs directing them to the Red Express Curbsides.
Airport employees and signs will help passengers reach the correct terminal level after entering through Red Express. Travelers who already have their boarding passes and do not need to check luggage can use the escalators or elevators to reach the shuttle level.
Curbside baggage check remains available at Red Express Departures.
Which Airlines Use the Red Side at TPA?
The temporary detour affects passengers flying with Red Side airlines, including:
- Air Canada
- Alaska Airlines
- Avelo Airlines
- Breeze Airways
- British Airways
- Discover Airlines
- Edelweiss Air
- Frontier Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- Sun Country Airlines
- WestJet
Airline assignments can change, so passengers should confirm their airline’s terminal side before leaving for the airport.
Should Travelers Leave Earlier?
It is sensible to allow a little additional time when traveling to TPA during the closure.
The Red Express Curbsides remain connected to the Main Terminal, but passengers may need extra time to reach Ticketing, check luggage or become familiar with the temporary route.
Travelers should have their airline and flight information ready before arriving. This allows a chauffeur to confirm the correct terminal side and select the appropriate airport entrance.
Are Arriving-Passenger Pickups Affected?
The announced construction primarily changes departure drop-offs for Red Side airlines.
Passengers being collected after an arriving flight should continue following the pickup instructions provided by their transportation company. Tampa International Airport has several designated pickup areas, and the correct meeting point may depend on the service type and reservation arrangements.
Customers using private transportation should keep their phones available after landing and communicate with their chauffeur once their luggage is ready.
Why Are the Red Departures Lanes Closed?
TPA is removing and replacing the traffic coating across all four Red Departures lanes.
The scheduled maintenance is intended to preserve the roadway and support reliable traffic movement around the Main Terminal. A similar resurfacing project was previously completed on the Blue Departures drive.
According to Tampa International Airport’s official construction notice, the temporary closure is expected to remain in effect for several weeks.
Tips for a Smoother TPA Departure
Passengers can reduce unnecessary delays by taking a few simple steps:
- Confirm the airline and departure terminal before leaving
- Complete online check-in when available
- Keep identification and boarding passes accessible
- Tell the transportation company how many bags are traveling
- Request child seats or a larger vehicle in advance
- Allow additional time during busy mornings, weekends and holidays
Passengers traveling from Sarasota, Bradenton, Siesta Key, Venice or Lakewood Ranch should also account for changing traffic conditions on Interstate 75 and Interstate 275.
Private Transportation to Tampa International Airport
ALD Limo provides scheduled private transportation to TPA from Sarasota, Bradenton and communities throughout Southwest Florida.
Service includes direct pickup, professional chauffeurs, flight information monitoring and vehicles for individual travelers, families and larger groups. Chauffeurs can also follow current airport instructions and take passengers to the appropriate terminal entrance.
Learn more about transportation to Tampa International Airport or reserve your airport ride.
What Travelers Should Remember
The regular Red Departures roadway is temporarily closed, but Red Side airlines remain accessible through the Red Express Curbsides.
Confirm your airline, allow some additional time and make sure your driver knows that Red Express is currently being used for affected departure drop-offs. Following the temporary signs should provide a straightforward route into the terminal while resurfacing work continues.
