Tampa International Airport Wins Top Spot in 2026 JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rankings

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Tampa International Airport (TPA) has ranked first in customer satisfaction among large North American airports for the third time. The J.D. Power 2026 North America Airport Satisfaction Study has acknowledged TPA’s achievement. TPA’s North American focus has meant that the organization takes into consideration the smack, efficient and high quality way that passengers want airports to work. This makes 2026 the third year in a row that TPA has topped customer satisfaction for large North American airports.

The airport achieved the highest overall score in the large airport category, which includes airports serving between 10 million and 32.9 million passengers annually. This latest recognition follows TPA’s previous first-place rankings in 2022 and 2023, along with second-place finishes in 2024 and 2025, reinforcing its strong performance in delivering a positive passenger experience.

“Tampa International Airport is incredibly proud to receive our third JD Power award in just five years, an honor that reflects what our passengers experience every day when they travel through our world-class facilities,” Airport CEO Michael Stephens said. “TPA has built a reputation for friendly, helpful service; clean, modern facilities; and spacious amenities that are convenient and accessible to all.”

Survey respondents placed TPA at the top of North America’s airport rankings in three key areas measured by the study: trust in the airport, departure and airport arrival experience, and arrival and airport departure experience. The airport also achieved strong results across the remaining categories, ranking second for ease of travel through the airport, airport staff and terminal facilities, while securing third place for food, beverage and retail offerings.

Serving more than 24 million passengers annually, Tampa International Airport is continuing its long-term expansion with the development of Airside D, a new state-of-the-art terminal facility designed to enhance both domestic and international travel capacity. The 600,000-square-foot project will introduce 16 additional gates, a new U.S. Customs inspection facility, expanded dining and retail choices, and two new passenger lounge areas when it opens in 2029.

Airside D represents the final and largest stage of TPA’s Master Plan construction programme, which has transformed airport infrastructure since 2012. Previous improvements include the opening of a new rental car facility, the SkyConnect automated train system, the award-winning Express Curbsides for quicker passenger drop-offs and pick-ups, and the LEED Platinum-certified SkyCenter One office building, further strengthening the airport’s role as a modern travel hub.

“Being recognized in the large airport category is a tremendous achievement, particularly during a time of ongoing construction and improvements, and the honor belongs to our entire TPA family,” Stephens said. “This award is a testament to the dedication and teamwork of our employees, airline partners, concessionaires, and countless others who work together every day to deliver an exceptional experience. 

“Most importantly, it reflects the pride we all share in representing the Tampa Bay community and our commitment to making TPA an airport that sets the standard for excellence.”

The J.D. Power recognition adds to a growing list of honours achieved by Tampa International Airport in recent years. TPA has previously been recognised as the Best Large Airport by USA Today and ranked as the No. 1 airport in North America for the 15–25 million passenger category by Airports Council International, further highlighting its strong performance in passenger service and airport operations.