Miami, Florida,
26
May
2020
|
16:00 PM
Europe/Amsterdam

MIA operational update in response to COVID-19

The Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD), in coordination with its federal partners, airlines, concessionaires and Miami-Dade County government, continues to closely monitor the latest developments related to Coronavirus (COVID-19), in order to maintain safe, healthy and efficient operations for our passengers and employees at Miami International Airport (MIA) and Miami-Dade County’s general aviation airports. 

While the U.S. government has restricted entry to the U.S. from some countries, domestic air travel and some international travel is still permitted. As part of the federal aviation system, MIA and airports across the nation remain open for essential travel and trade such as the transport of medical personnel, equipment and supplies, farming and agriculture cargo, and industrial machinery and parts. 

Below is an update on MIA operations: 

Departures: 

  • Facial coverings are now required by all passengers and visitors inside the MIA terminal, as directed by Miami-Dade County executive order 23-20, and are available for purchase at a growing number of stores at MIA. Following guidelines set by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, this Order requires the use of any facial covering that snugly covers the face and mouth, whether store-bought or homemade, and is secured with ties or ear loops. Examples of compliant home-made masks may be found here. Masks are not be required for children younger than two years old or anyone who has trouble breathing due to a chronic pre-existing condition.

  • In response to reduced passenger traffic due to the COVID-19 threat and to maximize the airport’s efficiency, Concourses E , F and G are temporarily closed.
  • All passengers traveling for essential reasons are encouraged to contact their airline to confirm their flight status, because domestic and international flight schedules continue to change. 

  • The Transportation Security Administration is now allowing passengers to pack hand sanitizer bottles up to 12 oz. in their carry-on bag. Bottles more than 3.4 oz. in size may require additional screening, so passengers should allow for extra time

 Arrivals:

  • As directed by an executive order from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida Department of Health staff is asking each passenger arriving on direct flights from New York Tri-State area airports (Connecticut, New Jersey and New York) a series of travel questions and notifying them about the executive order’s direction for them to self-quarantine for 14 days.

  • MIA continues to be one of 13 U.S. airports approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to receive flights from the Schengen area of 26 European countries, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, under a presidential proclamation that permits entry to the U.S. from those countries for U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents only.

  • According to a presidential proclamation effective on May 29, entry to the U.S. from Brazil is only permitted for U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents.
  • Medical personnel contracted by the Department of Homeland Security is asking each passenger from these Level 3 countries a series of health questions and performing random temperature checks before they enter the passport control area.

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to provide additional screening to passengers showing symptoms of a contagious disease, or to any passenger who has traveled to the Level 3 countries of China, Iran or South Korea in the last 14 days.

  • The Concourse E federal inspection facility is closed until further notice, so international passengers will exit Customs at either the Concourse D or Concourse J greeter’s lobby.

  • MIA’s automated passport control and Global Entry kiosks each have anti-microbial surfaces and are being cleaned by MIA staff after every other use.
  • Mobile Passport Control via MIA’s mobile app MIA Airport Official is a touchless passport screening option available to valid passport holders.

Concessions: 

  • Some shops and restaurants have modified their hours of operation or have temporarily closed, but concession services remain available for all scheduled flights.  

  • Dining locations and airline lounges are restricted to 50 percent capacity, and social distancing measures have been implemented. 

  • Standalone bars have been closed until further notice.  

  • For a directory of shops and restaurants, hours of operation and closures, visit www.shopmiamiairport.com or follow @ShopsatMIA on Twitter. 

Ground Transportation: 

 

  • As of March 18, Super Shuttle is no longer operating at MIA.
  • The following ground transportation options remain available to passengers:
    • Ride app pickup zones are located on the Arrivals Level (1) at the middle median outside of doors 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 15, 20 and 23.
    • Taxicabs and Hotel shuttle bus pick-up zones are also located on the Arrivals Level outside of the baggage claim areas.
    • For car rental service or public transportation, follow the purple signs to the MIA Mover, for a two-minute people mover ride.
  • Valet parking service at MIA’s Dolphin and Flamingo garages is suspended indefinitely.
  • All companies at MIA’s Rental Car Center are open, but some are now closed between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Customers should contact their rental car company directly to confirm hours of operation.

Services and Amenities: 

  • All passenger lounges are temporarily closed. 

  • MIA’s Multi-Sensory Room (Concourse D), Plane Fun Children’s Area (Concourse E), Non-denominational Chapel (North Terminal), Military Hospitality Lounge (Concourse E) and Yoga Room (South Terminal) are temporarily closed. 

  • CBP’s Global Entry office (Concourse J) is temporarily closed. 

  • MIA’s Volunteer Ambassador Program has been suspended indefinitely. 

Preventive Measures: 

  • All MIA employees are now required to wear facial coverings, as directed by Miami-Dade County executive order 23-2

  • Updated signage to promote the use of masks, social distancing and handwashing has been installed airport-wide at high-traffic areas such as airline ticket counters, elevator doors and TSA checkpoint queue lines.
  • Plexiglass shields have been installed at all active TSA checkpoints and airline check-in counters, including plexiglass wall panels surrounding MIA’s busiest checkpoint.
  • All TSA security checkpoints have been deep-cleaned and sanitized with hospital-grade cleaning agents, and frequently touched areas are being cleaned and sanitized on an increased schedule.
  • Additional hand sanitizer dispensers have been deployed throughout the airport, and the routine replenishment of hand-sanitizing solution has been increased.  

  • MDAD staff is assisting the airlines and federal agencies with urging passengers to practice social distancing (at least six feet) if they are waiting in a queue line. 

 

Visit MIA’s online newsroom at https://news.miami-airport.com or follow us on Twitter (@iflymia) for the latest updates, as well as tips on how to remain safe and healthy when traveling. 

For information about how Miami-Dade County continues to respond to COVID-19, visit Miami-Dade County’s website.  

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 305-876-7747 five days in advance to initiate your request. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service).