Tampa Executive Airport wraps up an array of airfield improvements

Tampa Executive Airport (VDF) is putting the finishing touches this week on multi-year airfield upgrade projects that have thoroughly modernized the Tampa Bay region’s busiest General Aviation facility.

Work began in 2020 to reconstruct the 5,000-foot Runway 5-23, VDF’s primary runway, as part of a multi-phase comprehensive improvement project to improve facilities and augment safety. New signage, electrical systems and bright and efficient LED lighting also were installed.

The new lighting was installed across the facility, including on the airfield, the airfield’s signage and around the airport’s hangars to improve visibility and security. VDF’s medium-intensity approach lighting system, which helps pilots land, also was upgraded.

“Keeping Tampa Executive Airport operational through years of construction while enhancing its safety and efficiency reflects the dedication of our entire team and all of our business partners,” HCAA Vice President of General Aviation Brett Fay said. “These improvements ensure VDF will remain a top-tier facility that continues to serve the Tampa Bay community for decades to come.”

By July 2024, work began to improve 5-23’s associated taxiways to allow larger General Aviation aircraft. For the final phase, secondary Runway 18-36, Apron C and its taxiways all have been rehabilitated. Apron C is VDF’s main apron, where larger aircraft connect with fixed-base operator Skyport Aviation.

All the work was completed while VDF remained open, requiring a complex series of phased closures to minimize the impact on tenants and the airport’s roughly 100,000 annual flight operations. Three privately developed hangars due to open in 2026 also are under construction. Finishing touches like painting stripes and markings are being completed this month.

The work at VDF cost $33 million and included funds from the Florida Department of Transportation and federal Airport Improvement Program grants, and Hillsborough County Aviation Authority funds and capital reserves.

CW Roberts Contracting was the prime contractor for Runway 5-23 and its taxiways, with electrical and lighting by Aviation Construction and Electric. Ajax Industries was the prime contractor for work on Runway 18-36 and its taxiways, with H.L. Pruitt Corp. working on electrical and lighting.

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