Mayor Daniella Levine Cava highlights MIA’s growth and future-ready upgrades
Miami International Airport (MIA) continues to reach new heights, achieving record-breaking passenger and cargo growth in 2024 while making significant progress on its $9 billion Future-Ready Modernization in Action (M.I.A.) Plan. On February 24, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, alongside County officials, MIA Director and CEO Ralph Cutié, and key airport partners, celebrated these milestones and outlined the ambitious improvements set for 2025 and beyond.

MIA’s unstoppable growth: Record-breaking passenger and cargo numbers
In 2024, the airport set new records, welcoming nearly 56 million passengers and handling 3 million tons of cargo—marking the airport’s third consecutive record year for passenger traffic and fifth straight record year for cargo volume.
Key highlights include:
- 6.8% growth in passenger traffic overall.
- 8.4% increase in international travelers, reaching 25.2 million passengers.
- 5.6% increase in domestic travelers, totaling 30.8 million passengers.
- MIA continues to be the fastest-growing mega airport (33+ million passengers) in the U.S. since the pandemic, with airline seat capacity up 24% in 2024 compared to 2019, according to Airports Council International-North America.
"MIA continues to soar to new heights, breaking records, setting the standard for excellence in aviation, and strengthening our position as a leader in international trade and tourism," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. "Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Director Cutie, our airport partners, and the entire MIA workforce, MIA reached all-time highs in passenger and cargo service last year while also paving the way for a series of transformative improvement projects ready to take flight in 2025."
A $9 billion investment in the future
To accommodate its rapid expansion, MIA is undergoing a $9 billion capital improvement plan to modernize its aging infrastructure and enhance the travel experience. Key projects include:
Infrastructure upgrades
- 33 conveyance units (escalators, elevators, walkways) renovated, with an additional 30 scheduled for modernization in 2025.
- 48 restrooms fully renovated to improve passenger comfort.
- 32 boarding bridges replaced, including two energy-efficient glass bridges for enhanced sustainability.
- 95% of MIA’s 616 conveyance units are operational, compared to 85% at the same time last year.

Major expansion projects
- Flamingo Garage Expansion: The $136-million, 2,240-space garage project is on track for completion by the end of 2025.
- Westin MIA Hotel: A $350-million, 546-room hotel at the airport entrance is set to break ground this summer, with an expected completion date in 2027.
- Concourse K Expansion: A $750-million terminal expansion, adding six new passenger gates, is awaiting final approval. If greenlit by the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners in 2025, the three-level expansion will be completed by 2029.
I AM MIA: Elevating customer service at every level
Alongside infrastructure upgrades, it is also prioritizing passenger experience through the I AM MIA customer service program, designed to improve efficiency, accessibility, and overall satisfaction for travelers.
As MIA continues to grow, the focus remains on innovation, world-class service, and sustainability. With record-breaking numbers and a bold modernization vision, Miami-Dade’s gateway to the world is positioned for unprecedented success in the years ahead.
Stay informed and get involved
To stay updated on Miami-Dade’s aviation developments and other critical local news, subscribe to the Calle Ocho News newsletter. For advertising opportunities, contact Pressnet Corp. and reach thousands of engaged readers through Calle Ocho News.
Add Comment