Building on nearly 40 years of commitment to Miami, American Airlines and its partners are defining the next generation of travel at Miami International Airport (MIA). Today, CEO Robert Isom and airline officials joined representatives from Miami-Dade County, Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) and local, state, federal and community partners to unveil plans and renderings for a reimagined Concourse D, which will enhance operations, elevate the customer experience and make international travel more seamless.
American’s legacy, Miami’s future
Set to break ground in 2027, the Gate D60 project charts the next chapter of travel at MIA, with a new concourse expansion designed for a premier airport. Currently equipped to support ground operations for smaller regional jets, the new three-level Concourse D extension will create 17 new aircraft gates to accommodate larger aircraft and eliminate outside boarding. The project will expand a single shared boarding area to include adjoining boarding spaces for every gate to improve flow and provide customers with more space and comfort.
The project will expand a single shared boarding area to include adjoining boarding spaces for every gate to provide customers with more space and comfort.
The expansion makes international travel more seamless with future capability to accommodate international arrivals and direct third-floor access to the MIA customs hall. The new concourse will feature bright, expansive spaces with sprawling indoor palm trees, as well as new dining and shopping options for travelers.
“The D60 expansion is one 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,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
Powering global connectivity
American’s current operations are around 400 departures a day. The airline plans to run its largest summer schedule ever this year and operate more than 380 peak daily flights from MIA to 155 destinations across 45 countries. American accounts for more than 60% of traffic at MIA and continues its streak of record flying. MIA serves as the airline’s international gateway, delivering an industry-leading network to Latin America and the Caribbean and giving customers access to more than 90 unique destinations, served only by American at MIA, including new service this year to Milan, Italy, and Bimini, Bahamas.
“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,” said American’s VP of MIA Operations Juan Carlos Liscano. “Our continued momentum is powered by 15,500 MIA-based team members who reflect the vibrancy of the communities we serve and embody our pride in being Miami’s hometown airline. This expansion is a testament to our commitment for the long term — thanks to our customers, our team and our partners at Miami-Dade County.”
Propelling Miami-Dade forward
American has grown side by side with Miami for decades — providing global connectivity that puts Miami on the world stage, drives business development, attracts major events and fuels the local economy.
American is the largest for-profit employer in the county and partners with schools like George T. Baker Aviation Technical College and Florida Memorial University Wyman School of Aviation to build a pipeline of local talent. The airline proudly supports numerous charitable organizations across the region.
The new concourse will feature bright spaces with sprawling indoor palm trees, as well as new dining and shopping options.
Liscano just completed a two-year tenure as Chair of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council — the county’s official economic development organization committed to building a stronger Miami. During his tenure, business support to the Beacon Council increased by 57%, with two consecutive years of more than $1 million in support to the organization. His tenure was also marked by the first back-to-back $2 billion in capital investment and record job growth — paving the way for a brighter future for those who call South Florida home.
Premium options and seamless travel
As part of American’s customer-first focus, the airline has invested in MIA to elevate the customer journey and provide premium options for customers who expect more when they travel.
American recently announced its plans to open a new, state-of-the-art Flagship® lounge, along with a major expansion of its Admirals Club® facilities at MIA. Over the past year, the airline has installed new self-service kiosks that make check-in faster than ever and implemented technology that has saved thousands of customer connections systemwide.
The airline has made significant progress with its federal partners at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in programs like TSA PreCheck Touchless ID and Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) that make security screening easier and quicker, while upholding the highest levels of security.
