Airport Growth Soars
ACROSS STATE
BY THOMAS EHLERS
Staff Writer
Photo: The new Terminal C at Orlando International Airport opened in late 2022. Source: Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA)
G
rowth is a key measure of success, and, in Florida, all the metrics are pointing to a bright future.
For the first time since 1957, the state is the fastestgrowing state in the country. A population growth rate of 1.9% – coupled by tourism growth that led to a state record of 137.6 million travelers in 2022 – has helped create a booming travel industry in the state. Today, tarmacs and terminals across Florida are being upgraded, renovated and expanded to deal with the rise in air traffic that results from the increase in travel. Tampa International Airport is one of those airports. SkyCenter One is a nine-story office building connected directly to Tampa International Airport. Souce: Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (HCAA)
The state’s third-largest city by population, Tampa sits in Hillsborough County, the state’s second fastest-growing county since 2012. Tampa International Airport (TPA) Vice President of Planning & Development Jeff Siddle and his colleagues took this into account when developing the airport’s current master plan.
ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 17