On March 28, 2025, an unexpected statement from Tampa International Airport’s official X account gained immense traction online, claiming the airport was set to close its operations. This announcement came as a surprise to many, with some speculating that it might be a clever early April Fools’ joke. The post addressed ongoing feedback about limited flight availability, and its content fueled a frenzy of reactions from netizens.
The now-infamous post read:
“We’ve heard enough. We’ve had enough. ‘You’re not a real airport, you don’t have flights to my hometown of 13 people!’ Well, guess what? We’re not an airport at ALL anymore.”
However, an article published by the Hindustan Times on March 29, 2025, clarified the situation: The report confirmed with official sources that Tampa International Airport remained operational, despite the prior announcement.
Officials from the airport explained that the statement was intended as satire, part of a playful approach to engaging with their online community. A TPA representative stated:
“The airport is not closing. The post in reference is satire and part of our fun online social media presence where we regularly use humor with our followers.”
Tampa International Airport Transforms into the “Home of a Giant Flamingo” in Jest
In conjunction with the aforementioned announcement, Tampa International Airport humorously declared that it would cease to function as an airport and instead become the residence for a grand, 21-foot flamingo sculpture named Phoebe. The whimsical statement continued:
“Effective immediately, we’re no longer an airport. Instead, we’re giving you exactly what you deserve. We’re now just a home for a giant 2-year-old flamingo.”
Phoebe, an eye-catching installation, was created by American artist Matthew Mazzotta and has been part of the airport’s public art program since 2022. Notably, the sculpture’s name was selected through a public contest that attracted over 65,000 submissions.
This decision to playfully rebrand as the “home of a giant flamingo” was a clever retort to past critiques questioning whether the airport was indeed a “real airport.” The statement further emphasized:
“While this may seem sudden, our decision is final. We cannot stand by and be called ‘not a real airport’ when we offer flights to 100 destinations around the world. So, we’re canceling all of them. Forever.”
Despite the apparent humor, officials reassured the public that Tampa International Airport would not become a flamingo sanctuary. As noted in the Hindustan Times, the intent behind the announcement was to highlight the airport’s extensive services and its artistic contributions that resonate with travelers.
The official elaborated:
“The goal of this post is to draw attention to TPA and our 100 nonstop destinations plus our public art program (with the flamingo being one of the most iconic).”
It’s worth noting that Tampa International Airport has previously undergone temporary closures due to severe weather events, including hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Ian. However, those closures were strictly precautionary measures, well-publicized to ensure the safety of travelers.