I think both have a place. I usually prefer a tent. Less problem with insects, weather protection and no special setup requirements, such as trees to tie the tarp to.

I also like a tarp for some trips. It is open, you can cook on stove under it, you can put all your gear under it and it is light to carry and easy to setup, providing there is something to tie it up to. I have used a headnet for bug protection and I have a one man mosquito net I can carry. The disadvantage is that the tarp is not that weatherproof. You can get rained on if it is a driving rain and the wind can blow the tarp down or away fairly easily, compared to a tent. Another consideration is weight, overall weight. To be secure under a tarp you could need a ground cloth, a bivy bag and a bug net. With all that, it likely weighs more than a good lightweight tent.

My favorite setup is a small, light tent and a light poncho. If I am rained in, I can sit under the poncho setup as a tarp, cook, eat, rummage through my pack and stay out of most rain. I can sleep in the tent, dry and bug/snake free.

I am not going to any airports though, my flying days are way over with.