Despite industry woes, several airlines expect to add flights to Tampa, Fla.

Byline: Ted Jackovics

Nov. 6--TAMPA, Fla. -- Elizabeth Ditmer is stunned to learn that her travel prospects could be looking up, especially with a turbulent airline industry that has taken its toll on her favorite flights.

"When US Airways had direct flights between Dayton [Ohio] and Tampa, the flight time was two hours and 10 minutes," said Ditmer, who moved to Tampa from Ohio three years ago. "Now it takes a lot longer [five hours plus] because I always have to change planes."

What's more, only once in the past six months did the Internet travel site Orbitz alert her to Tampa-Dayton deals.

So when Ditmer recently learned that both Delta Air Lines and AirTran soon would launch nonstop service between the two cities, she was delighted -- and more than a little surprised.

Despite continued reports about airline bankruptcies, fuel costs and labor issues, five airlines will add flights and new destinations at Tampa International Airport next week. Airlines will launch another round of new flights at Tampa International from December through February.

Two low-cost airlines new to Tampa will begin service in the next …