Miami International Airport (MIA) closed out 2024 with record-breaking passenger and cargo numbers while making significant progress on its $9 billion Future-Ready Modernization in Action (M.I.A.) Plan. County officials, airport leadership, and industry partners gathered to recognize the milestones and outline plans for continued development in 2025.
Sustained growth in passenger and cargo traffic
MIA welcomed nearly 56 million passengers in 2024, marking its third consecutive year of record-breaking passenger traffic. Cargo operations also set a new high, handling 3 million tons for the fifth year in a row. International travel surged 8.4% to 25.2 million passengers, while domestic travel rose 5.6% to 30.8 million passengers. MIA remains the fastest-growing mega airport (33+ million passengers) in the U.S. since the pandemic, with airline seat capacity increasing 24% 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 Cutié, our airport partners, and the entire MIA workforce, MIA reached all-time highs while paving the way for transformative projects in 2025.”
Investing in the future with the $9 billion modernization plan
MIA’s long-term development plan is modernizing outdated infrastructure and improving efficiency. Key upgrades completed in 2024 include:
• Renovation of 33 conveyance units, 48 restrooms, and 32 boarding bridges, including two energy-efficient glass bridges.
• Improved operational efficiency, with 95% of MIA’s 616 conveyance units now in service, up from 85% the previous year.
• Expansion projects, including the $136-million, 2,240-space Flamingo Garage, scheduled for completion in late 2025.
• Plans for a $350-million, 546-room Westin MIA Hotel, breaking ground this summer at the airport entrance with completion expected by 2027.
• A proposed $750-million Concourse K expansion, which would add six new passenger gates to MIA’s South Terminal, pending approval in 2025.
“These achievements reflect our commitment to operational efficiency and innovation,” said MIA Director and CEO Ralph Cutié. “We are preparing MIA for the future by making major infrastructure upgrades while ensuring the best possible experience for travelers.”
Enhancing passenger experience with I AM MIA program
To further improve service quality, MIA introduced the I AM MIA customer service program in early 2024. The initiative has filled 90 of 135 newly created Lightning Crew positions, allowing teams to complete an average of 23 maintenance jobs per day. More than 1,300 airport employees have also received customer service training, developed in partnership with the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“The future of MIA is bright, and our modernization efforts will ensure that we continue to provide world-class service while accommodating record demand,” added Cutié.
With record-setting growth and long-term investments in modernization, MIA is strengthening its position as a global hub for air travel and trade, ensuring its infrastructure keeps pace with increasing passenger and cargo demands.
