Travelers flying through Tampa International Airport could soon see airport security handled by a private workforce instead of federal Transportation Security Administration officers after the airport opted into the TSA Gold+ program.
Under the program, the TSA will continue to oversee security operations and enforce federal screening standards, but a private contractor will manage the screening workforce and checkpoint technology. Airport officials said the change is intended to modernize security operations, improve efficiency and provide greater flexibility in managing equipment and staffing.
Tampa International is among the first airports in the country to join TSA Gold+, a voluntary public-private partnership introduced by the TSA in 2026. Unlike the agency’s existing Screening Partnership Program, TSA Gold+ allows private operators to manage both screening personnel and security technology while the TSA maintains regulatory oversight.
Airport officials said passengers should not expect immediate changes at security checkpoints. Travelers will continue to follow the same federal screening procedures, and programs such as TSA PreCheck will remain unchanged because the TSA will continue to set security requirements and supervise operations.
The transition will occur over the coming months after a private screening contractor is selected. Current TSA officers assigned to Tampa International are expected to have options, including accepting positions with the contractor, transferring to other federal positions, or retiring if eligible.
The TSA says the Gold+ program is designed to help airports deploy updated screening technology more quickly, reduce delays associated with federal procurement, and improve checkpoint operations. The agency has stated that federal oversight of aviation security will remain in place regardless of who employs the screening workforce.
While Tampa International has committed to the program, the transition is expected to take several months before private screeners begin operating the airport’s security checkpoints.
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