Tampa International Airport to Privatize TSA Operations Under New Federal Program
Tampa International Airport will privatize most Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operations under the new TSA Gold+ program, a public-private partnership. While TSA will maintain regulatory oversight, a private company will hire employees and manage security equipment. This change is voluntary…
Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, July 20, 2026 —
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is set to privatize a significant portion of its Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operations as part of the federal agency’s new TSA Gold+ program. This initiative represents a shift towards a public-private partnership model for airport security.
Under the TSA Gold+ program, a private company will assume responsibility for hiring personnel and managing security equipment at TPA. However, the TSA will retain its role in regulatory oversight, ensuring that security standards are met. This new program is voluntary for airports seeking to implement such changes.
The primary objectives behind this transition are to mitigate potential disruptions caused by federal funding uncertainties and government shutdowns. By entrusting day-to-day operations to a private entity, the airport aims to create a more stable and predictable security environment.
Additionally, the TSA Gold+ program is intended to provide TPA with greater flexibility in adopting and implementing advanced screening technologies and infrastructure improvements. These enhancements are anticipated to contribute to an improved overall customer experience for travelers passing through the airport.
The scheduled date for this transition is May 31, 2027.
Story summarized from the original created by Kevin Boulandier on wsvn.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
