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Tampa International Airport leaders, led by Chief Operating Officer John Tiliacos, decide to opt out of the TSA Gold Plus program.

Tampa International Airport leaders have decided to opt out of the TSA Gold Plus program, a move that would have allowed the airport to privately contract security operations. Chief Operating Officer John Tiliacos stated that the decision was primarily driven by a lack of clarity regarding the technology components of the program. While the administration announced the TSA Gold Plus program as a way to expand private contracting, the airport initially enrolled to evaluate its benefits. The program was intended to safeguard passengers from delays during government shutdowns, where airports using private contractors were less affected by funding lapses. However, the900 TSA workers at Tampa International Airport will continue to be employed by the government rather than a private firm. The TSA plans to move forward with an evolved Screening Partnership Program instead. This strategy aims to increase public-private partnerships while maintaining government oversight to improve efficiency and safety.

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