Flower imports at MIA are in full bloom before Valentine’s Day
America’s flower gateway expects to receive 1,500 tons of imports daily
Business has been blooming at Miami International Airport in the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day, with the cargo gateway projecting that more than 1,500 tons of cut flowers will arrive daily between January 1 and the end of February – a 3% increase over the airport’s record-breaking peak season in 2024. America’s largest gateway for flowers, which welcomes 91% of all imports by air to the U.S., expects to receive 90,154 tons of cut flowers valued at more than $400 million during this year’s Valentine’s Day rush.
Flowers continue to be MIA’s largest imported product by weight, accounting for 359,396 tons annually worth $1.65 billion. MIA benefits from having the nation’s most extensive air route network with Colombia and Ecuador, the two top flower-producing countries in the region that account for approximately 86% of all flowers imported to the U.S. by air. Twelve cargo airlines provide freighter service from Colombia, and nine airlines have freighter service from Ecuador. Additionally, four airlines operate passenger flights carrying belly cargo from Colombia, while two passenger airlines carry belly cargo from Ecuador.
Miami-Dade County takes pride in being the nation's gateway for fresh flowers, especially during peak seasons like Valentine's Day. The incredible volume of blooms arriving here each day reflects the strength of our global connections and the critical role MIA plays in supporting businesses and consumers alike. We’re grateful for the dedicated partnerships with our cargo airlines and the tireless efforts of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to ensure these flowers reach their destinations on time, spreading joy across the country.
Miami International Airport, America’s busiest airport for international freight and the second busiest for international passengers, is receiving an unprecedented investment of $14 billion in capital improvements and maintenance upgrades. MIA offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport and is also the leading economic engine for Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida, generating business revenue of $212 billion and approximately 60 percent of all international visitors to Florida annually.
To request materials in accessible format, Sign Language Interpreters, CART services and/or any accommodation to participate in any Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) public meetings and events please email the ADA Office at ADAcoordinator@miami-airport.com or call the office in 305-869-1859 five days in advance to initiate your request. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service).