The Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners approved an up to $5 billion capital improvement program for Miami International (MIA) that will include several large infrastructure initiatives to be completed during the next five to 15 years to meet the expected growth in both passenger and cargo traffic.
Among the projects in the program are the redevelopment of Central Terminal Concourses E and F, expansion of the South Terminal’s Concourses H and J, and the renovation of the gates in Concourse D to accommodate additional wide- and narrow-body aircraft, as well as larger regional jets.
Also included in the plans are two new hotels at MIA, one of which will include a business and conference center with exhibition space, other miscellaneous landside projects and expanded aircraft parking positions and warehouses for cargo operations.
“I appreciate the support and leadership of Mayor Gimenez, Chairwoman Audrey Edmonson, and the Board of County Commissioners, as we turn the page to this next chapter in the transformation of MIA,” MIA director/CEO Lester Sola says in a statement. “Because of the program’s phased structure, we look forward to delivering to our passengers and business partners new and improved airport facilities.”
In 2018, MIA surpassed 45 million annual passengers for the first time ever – an increase of nearly one million over the previous year, including 21.8 million international travelers. MIA also continues to maintain its ranking as the busiest U.S. airport for international freight as well, with a record 2.3 million total tons of freight in 2018 – up 60,000 tons from the previous year.
“MIA is Miami-Dade County’s leading economic engine and busiest gateway, generating nearly $31 billion in business revenue and welcoming 96 percent of all visitors to our community,” says Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “The goal of this new capital program is for MIA to provide even greater value, convenience and efficiency to our visitors, airline partners and cargo operators.”
