3 days ago
Miami Airport Reveals Major $600M Improvement Plans
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Miami International Airport has announced major improvement plans worth $600 million.
The Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners has approved the construction of a new concourse known as Concourse K, according to MIA officials.
Why It Matters
The $600 million Concourse K project is a key part of the airport's $9 billion "Future-Ready Modernization in Action" plan, which aims to accommodate rising travel demand in Miami, one of the top holiday destinations in the United States.
The expansion is projected to facilitate up to 77 million annual passengers and 5 million tons of cargo by 2040. It will be MIA's first terminal expansion in nearly two decades. In 2024, the airport processed a record 56 million passengers and over 3 million tons of cargo.
What To Know
The new Concourse K, which will be built at MIA's South Terminal, was designed to address growing demand and outdated infrastructure.
The concourse will feature six new contactless gates, two baggage make-up carousels, a ground support equipment maintenance facility, an updated aircraft apron equipped with a jet fuel hydrant system, and modifications that directly connect the Central and South Terminals for enhanced baggage handling.
Renderings of Concourse K at Miami International Airport.
Renderings of Concourse K at Miami International Airport.
Miami International Airport
Building firm Lemartec-NV2A JV, LLC, was selected as the project's general contractor, while Miami-based Perez & Perez Architects Planners will serve as the lead architect. The project is targeting LEED Silver certification, indicating a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency.
The Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners approved the $600 million contract after reviewing competing bids. After notice to proceed, construction is expected to last approximately four years, with project completion scheduled for spring 2029.
This schedule aligns with planned enhancements across the airport, including the modernization of the Central Terminal and improvements to passenger flow for international arrivals.
What People Are Saying
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, in a press release: "MIA has not seen a terminal expansion since 2007, making this a truly transformative milestone for our airport. The launch of Concourse K will not only increase capacity and create thousands of new jobs, but also reinforce MIA's role as a premier global gateway.
"With the unwavering support of the Board of County Commissioners and the dedication of Director Ralph Cutie, his team, and our airport partners, we are making visionary, future-ready investments that will build a stronger, more vibrant airport—one that uplifts our community, welcomes the world, and powers our economy into the future."
What Happens Next
Construction of Concourse K is scheduled to begin in summer 2025 and is expected to be completed by spring 2029.
