Miami Airport is undergoing a modernization process. One of the busiest airports in the country, it will now renovate part of its infrastructure. The Modernization in Action (MIA) plan will focus primarily on Concourse D, with a renovation of more than 3,250 square meters of floor space, including restroom renovations, elevators, gates, and more. The complete renovation will be completed by 2031.
126 jet bridges will be renovated, with 32 already installed
According to Miami Airport’s official website, a modernization plan is underway to rebuild or completely replace most of MIA’s 616 conveyor belts (330 elevators, 186 escalators, and 100 moving walkways), representing half of all conveyor belts at Miami-Dade County government facilities. Additionally, 126 jet bridges will be renovated, with 32 already installed, including two glass ones, and another ten in the bidding process. By 2028, at least 94 jet bridges are expected to be replaced.
Furthermore, to ensure the MIA’s accessibility for wheelchair users, the modernization of the elevators has been prioritized, and eight units have already been completed. To date, 34 units have been modernized, and another 38 have been contracted.
The modernization includes 207 public restrooms
Another key point is the restrooms. Any passenger who has been to an airport knows that restrooms are always a very busy place. Therefore, the spaciousness and availability of services would avoid lines and overcrowding. The modernization includes 207 public restrooms distributed across the three levels of the terminals and corridors. According to the airport, by May 2025, nearly 50 restrooms will have been modernized with interior demolitions, new walls, floors, ceilings, countertops, sanitary fixtures, and energy-efficient lighting.
“The remaining units will be in some stage of modernization within the next seven years”
Regarding timing, Miami Airport details the importance of maintenance and inspections, which will make the project take longer. “As we install new and rebuilt devices, we have found it difficult to obtain parts because of continued supply chain delays. It is taking as long as eight months to receive parts. In addition, some of our devices are obsolete and parts literally are built from scratch. Additionally, routine maintenance and inspections are required, which further reduces the number of units in service. The remaining units will be in some stage of modernization within the next seven years.”
Financing up to $9 billion in modernization projects
Another key focus is the capital being invested in the redevelopment: The Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners has adopted a new capital improvement program at Miami International Airport that will fund up to $9 billion in modernization projects across the airport over the next five to 15 years, paving the way for future growth in passenger and cargo traffic at MIA, which is projected to reach 77 million travelers and more than four million tons of cargo by 2040.
Some of the projects already underway at the airport include the Parking Guidance System, which was completed in spring 2022; the Perimeter Fence Security Enhancement, completed in 2021; and the Digital Signage at D-60 Gates, which was completed in summer 2022.
Finally, airport management expresses its gratitude for the “leadership and guidance of Mayor Daniella Levine Cava” and asks airport users to “please excuse our progress as we prepare MIA Future-Ready to keep you connected to more than 170 destinations around the world.” Miami isn’t the only airport undergoing reconstruction and modernization. These days, travel is more affordable for people, and flying no longer requires the financial effort it did 20 years ago. Consequently, the number of passengers passing through has tripled.
