Tampa Airport to Privatize TSA Screening by May 2027 as Trump Pushes $52 Million Shift
Updated
Updated · CNN · Jul 20
Tampa Airport to Privatize TSA Screening by May 2027 as Trump Pushes $52 Million Shift
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Jul 20
Summary
May 31, 2027 is Tampa International Airport’s target to move most checkpoint screening to a private contractor under TSA’s new Gold+ program, while TSA keeps regulatory oversight.
Gold+ lets airports not only use private screeners but also manage screening technology, a step Tampa said would reduce shutdown-related disruption risks and give it more flexibility to upgrade checkpoints.
Tampa TSA officers were told at a town hall they can seek jobs with the future contractor, transfer, retire or leave government service; some workers were upset and some filed retirement paperwork immediately.
Charleston International is formally pursuing the same program and Des Moines International is exploring it, extending a privatization push that already includes 20 U.S. airports under TSA’s older partnership model.
The move follows the White House’s April budget proposal to expand private screening—projected to save $52 million—and faces union resistance from AFGE, which says privatization could weaken aviation security.