Miami International Airport has announced a $1 billion upgrade plan that will see work commence in 2027, with completion set for 2030. The improvements, partnered by American Airlines and Miami-Dade County, are part of a decade-long programme to modernise the hub and respond to increasing passenger demand.
The airport handled 55.3 million passengers in 2025, around 36% of whom were flown by American Airlines and its regional wing, American Eagle, in over 60% of traffic. But as one of the “fastest-growing global hubs since the pandemic,” according to Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, the hub is in need of “the most monumental customer service improvements within our unprecedented airport-wide modernization plan, which will transform the passenger experience at MIA from the cabin to the curb over the next five years.”
On Wednesday, American Airlines and Miami-Dade County revealed plans to expand Concourse D at Miami International Airport, part of a larger airport-wide upgrade in progress.
— FL360aero (@fl360aero) February 26, 2026
This is part of a wider USD 12 billion modernization program, with USD 1.1 billion earmarked for the… pic.twitter.com/bawdUqeBud
Under the proposals, Concourse D60 at the airport will be transformed, going from its current provision for smaller jets with outside boarding to 17 full gates accommodating larger aircraft. Also set to be created are a new baggage handling system and direct international arrival access to the airport’s US Customs and Border Protection facility.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said: “Miami is an important hub and gateway for American, and it’s an essential part of our history and our future.” He described the “brand new, reimagined D60” as “a transformational project that will provide a much-improved experience for our customers and our team.”
Meanwhile, American’s Vice President of MIA Operations, Juan Carlos Liscano, said: “American and Miami-Dade have built a partnership across decades that intertwines our success and vitality. We share a vision and legacy that has elevated Miami into the leading global gateway it is today — and positions us for exciting growth ahead.”
Airport users have also welcomed the improvement plan, noting in social media threads how overdue it is. One Reddit user said: “MIA amazes me with how bad it is. I’ve been to third world airports that are nicer.” Another remarked: “It was either that or turn it into a museum at this point.” And a third wondered about the interim effect of the works: “D60 is really bad. I end up there frequently so I’m glad they are doing something. They obviously won’t be able to use those gates during construction so I’m curious how that will impact flights.”
On its website, the airport acknowledged some of these issues, highlighting that “126 passenger boarding bridges, 194 public bathrooms, and 600+ conveyance units (elevators, escalators, and moving walkways) are being renovated in phases over the next 5-7 years.” It said: “Aging areas require being out of service for up to a year for renovations or repairs. Out of MIA’s 330 elevators, 186 escalators, and 100 moving walkways, less than 10% are out of service for maintenance on an average day, but we know that may still disrupt your travel journey and we apologize for any inconvenience.” The airport asks patrons to “pardon our progress while we get MIA Future-Ready.”
