Tampa International Airport is a major international airport located in Hillsborough County, Florida, just five miles west of downtown Tampa. It is the primary airport serving the Tampa Bay Area and the entire West Central Florida region. The airport has three runways, covering over 3,000 acres, and serves over 20 million passengers annually. It is the third-busiest airport in Florida, and the 53rd-busiest in the United States.
The airport was originally known as Drew Field Municipal Airport, and was founded in 1928. It was named after local landowner and aviator, John Drew. The airport was used mostly for private aviation until WWII, when it served as a military training base for the U.S. Army Air Corps. After the war ended, the airport was sold to the Hillsborough County government, and renamed Tampa International Airport in 1952.
In the early years of the airport, it served mostly domestic flights, but as the years progressed, international flights were added to the roster. In 1971, a new terminal was built, and it quickly became one of the busiest airports in the nation. In 1985, the airport was officially renamed Tampa International Airport, and its three-letter airport code, TPA, was determined by the International Air Transport Association.
The airport currently has over 400 flights a day, and is served by a variety of airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, British Airways, and Air Canada. It also serves as a hub for Spirit Airlines and Sun Country Airlines.
Tampa International Airport is also known for its innovative design. Its main terminal has a unique “landside” and “airside” design, which separates arriving and departing passengers and allows for easy access to baggage claim, check-in counters, and other services. It also has a modern automated people-mover system, which connects the main terminal to the economy parking lot and rental car facility.
Tampa International Airport is an important part of the Tampa Bay Area, and is known for its excellent customer service and innovative design. With over 400 flights a day, it is one of the busiest airports in the United States, and is served by a variety of airlines. Its three-letter airport code, TPA, was determined by the International Air Transport Association.
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