Tampa International Airport (TPA), one of Florida’s busiest airports, is improving the travel experience with upgraded LED technology from Nanolumens. Serving 25 million passengers annually, TPA has relied on Nanolumens for nearly a decade to enhance its digital displays, which include real-time wayfinding, multilingual communication, and immersive content.
“TPA has a history of leading the way in innovation,” said Arch Nelson, director of themed entertainment experiences for Nanolumens. “Take their cell phone lot, for example. While they didn’t invent the concept, theirs is arguably the best – spacious, well-designed and user-friendly. They consistently set new standards, which is exciting because when they introduce something groundbreaking, we can showcase it to other airports as a model of excellence.”
As the airport expands, Nanolumens continues to provide vibrant, high-performance displays that improve navigation, streamline passenger flow, and adapt to the evolving needs of modern air travel. TPA’s investment in LED technology ensures long-lasting, seamless visuals, avoiding the maintenance and replacement costs associated with traditional monitors.
“With Nanolumens’ LED displays, we’re creating a lasting investment. Traditional monitors might require frequent replacements, and when one fails in a video wall, replacing a single unit can make the entire setup look inconsistent. LED displays, on the other hand, provide a seamless, high-quality canvas that can last for a decade or more. Our first seven Nanolumens displays, installed over seven years ago, still perform like new. That longevity gives us confidence in every new project we take on. Most importantly, they always deliver a reliable, timely resolution when we need a custom solution – whether it’s a curved or flexible display.”
TPA’s Nanolumens display solutions include the Nixel Curved Series, Engage 1.2 for Flight Information Displays (FIDs), and the Performance Series in the cell phone waiting lot. These high-performance displays are designed to meet the demands of an airport environment, with features that enhance the passenger experience by delivering up-to-date information.
“Nanolumens has always been a best-in-class provider, but what truly sets them apart – and makes our collaboration so successful – is their ability to adapt quickly,” explains Wycoff. “We thrive when working with partners who can pivot, adjust, and align with both our needs and their own goals.”
Wycoff added, “Nanolumens’ real value lies in the direct, high-level access we have to their leadership. When I need something, I can pick up the phone and call Arch, knowing that Nanolumens’ responsiveness will keep us moving forward efficiently. That kind of responsiveness is invaluable for an airport like TPA, where on-demand service is critical.”
Looking to the future, TPA is expanding its digital signage network, with plans to integrate more LED displays as part of the construction of the Airside D terminal, which will open in 2028. The $1.5 billion project will include a 16-gate terminal that will increase passenger capacity to 35 million annually by 2037.
“Looking ahead, we hope to expand our digital signage even further,” said Wycoff. “The baggage area still has older displays that could be upgraded, and our Flight Information Displays (FIDS) screen rollout is just beginning. Beyond that, major projects are on the horizon. We have plans to incorporate LED across the entire back wall in our upcoming ticket-level modernization. We’re also developing the Airside D terminal, which will undoubtedly feature significant LED installations. Nanolumens and our other partners will play a crucial role in these expansions over the next decade.”
