Constructed to meet the maintenance capacity requirements of a long-term commercial airline, the new facility will support three heavy maintenance lines and is expected to induct its first aircraft this autumn. The expansion adds 100,000+ square feet to AAR’s Airframe MRO facility at Miami International Airport. The project was made possible through AAR’s collaboration with the airport, Ryan Companies, HPM, and federal, state, and local partners.

The additional work supported in the new facility creates 200 new full-time jobs with AAR and brings economic benefits to Miami-Dade County. AAR is actively staffing the new roles through its established workforce development pipeline and collaborative initiatives with local educational institutions, reinforcing the Company’s long-term commitment to talent development and community investment.

AAR is a leading global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions company with operations in over 20 countries. Headquartered in the Chicago area, AAR supports commercial and government customers through three primary operating segments: Parts Supply; Repair, Engineering, and Software; and Government Solutions.

During two-hour sessions near gate D37, renowned Miami artist and illustrator Brian Reedy and Haitian-born Miami artist Annick Duvivier demonstrated how they bring their dynamic works to life and then got visitors into the act by teaching them how to create their own works of art so they could take a memento of Miami’s art culture home with them.

On July 21, Duvivier provided passengers with magazine clippings of images from across America’s 50 states and guided them to design photo collages that blended their own stories, travels, and chosen imagery into a quick art project. Known for creating vibrant, uplifting art that elevates positive energy, Duvivier invited participants to see how she weaves varied visual elements into her unique style.

The following day, Reedy hosted a hands-on block printing session featuring historic images from Miami-Dade County. Reedy is known worldwide for his distinctive ink-block prints on wood, influenced by traditional Ukiyo-e, Japanese, and European Medieval block prints.

When a passenger tripped over his luggage and sustained a head injury, Wendy immediately stepped in to help. She remained calm under pressure and used her own work vest to apply pressure while staying on the floor with the passenger. She kept the passenger’s head supported, helped to control the bleeding, and kept him conscious until Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responders arrived to provide medical attention.

“Wendy’s professionalism in such a critical moment reflects the highest standards of our team,” said Marisol Lorie, the MIA Operations Senior Agent who nominated Wendy. “Her dedication, positive attitude, and consistent commitment to excellence have not gone unnoticed.”

The interplay of shifting daylight and reflection animates the installation throughout the day, softly illuminating the layered silhouettes, enhancing their sense of gentle drift, and evoking the movement of ocean life. The reef is presented not as a static place, but as an ecosystem in perpetual motion, passage, and change. This rhythmic choreography parallels the global travel journey and the resilience of coral ecosystems, both of which adapt and regenerate within their environments.

The exhibition’s title, Heliotropic Seekers, references heliotropism - the movement of plants toward sunlight - and suggests a broader connection between natural phenomena and human experience. “Seekers” evokes a sense of quest and journey, reflecting both travelers searching for new horizons and organisms striving toward light and sustenance. The installation emphasizes interconnectedness, growth, and the rhythmic patterns of life, paralleling the journeys of individuals and natural habitats.

Born in São Paulo, Brazil, and living and working in Miami, Beatriz Chachamovits explores the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems through ceramic sculptures, drawings, and installations that merge natural history with speculative mythologies. By highlighting the intricate forms of underwater life, she invites deeper reflection on our impact and responsibility toward ocean conservation. She is the author and illustrator of the book “The little handbook of marine fishes and other aquatic marvels” (“Pequeno manual de peixe marinhos e outras maravilhas aquáticas”), published by Companhia das Letrinhas in São Paulo, Brazil, in 2018.

​Her selected solo exhibitions include “Into the Great Dying: Waters We Share” at Faena Art Project Room in Miami, Florida (2022), “Into the Great Dying: Roles We Play” at the Museum of Contemporary Art of North Miami, Florida (2023), and “ Meet Me in the Clearing Between the Waves” an early career survey at Miami Design District in Miami, Florida (2024). Selected group exhibitions include the National Museum of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, “Coral Expedition: 1865 - 2018” (2018), the Art and Cultural Center of Hollywood, Florida, “C[h]oral Stories and Collective Actions” (2022), and The Baker Museum, Naples, “Entangled in the Mangroves” (2025).

​Chachamovits has received fellowships to attend residencies at Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts and Penland School of Craft. She is the recipient of Oolite Arts’ The Ellies Awards (2023) and was commissioned by the City of Miami Beach for the Elevate Española public art project (2023). Her work has been featured in Vogue Magazine’s “Earth and Us” section, Arte Al Día, and the National Geographic Education platform as part of an AAAS grant to teach fifth graders about women in marine science. She is currently a resident artist at The Bakehouse Art Complex in Wynwood, Miami.

MIA Galleries, established in 1996, is managed by MIA's Fine Arts and Cultural Affairs Division. Its mission is to enhance the travel experience by presenting exhibitions that showcase the rich culture, diverse landscape, and artistic resources of the local community. MIA Galleries aims to elevate the passenger experience by curating a visually stimulating environment that is contemporary, thought-provoking, and reflective of South Florida's cultural depth and creativity.

Immediately after the flag-raising, Miami-Dade Aviation and Seaport Committee Chair Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins led a dedication ceremony for the Renaissance of Towers — a 20‑foot‑tall, three‑ton stainless steel sculpture by international artist Helidon Xhixha. Originally completed in 2007, the monument was installed this week at MIA’s Central Boulevard entrance.

The $400,000 sculpture, previously showcased in cultural hubs including Venice, Florence, Berlin, Como, and Milan, reflects imagery of the American flag and draws inspiration from New York City’s Twin Towers as a tribute to the victims of the 9/11 attacks. Now positioned along a roadway traveled by more than 47,000 drivers daily, the monument was donated to Miami-Dade County through a partnership between Xhixha, Humberto Ortiz of AUM Construction, and Carlos and Martin Melo of the Melo Group, a Miami-based real estate developer.

The awards, hosted and organized annually by Asia Cargo News, recognize leading service providers, including air and shipping lines, airports and seaports, logistics companies, and other associated industry professionals. The nomination and voting process allowed more than 15,000 readers of Asia Cargo News and e-news subscribers to determine the leading companies in the market and then the winners, making the results the opinion of service users rather than a panel of judges.

Cargo shipments at MIA, the busiest U.S. airport for international freight, skyrocketed by 13.6% to nearly 3.5 million tons in 2025, giving the air cargo hub of the Americas six straight years of record-breaking growth. MIA’s cargo surge in 2025 also helped it leapfrog Louisville and Memphis – the global hubs for UPS and FedEx, respectively – to become the busiest airport for total freight in the U.S. and third in the world, behind only the Asian cargo hubs in Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Asia Cargo News established the nomination criteria, and following a technical evaluation, the top eight companies in each category were listed on the final ballot. The top four firms in each category made up the final shortlist, with the winners collecting their awards from guest presenters from some of the most prominent players in the Asian freight and logistics industry

Written by leading transport and cargo industry journalists, Asia Cargo News is a vital intelligence source for cargo, logistics, and supply chain companies in and doing business in Asia. The newspaper reaches more cargo shippers in Asia than any other publication and is a must-read for anyone in Asia’s freight and supply chain industry. 

“The situation was on the edge of becoming a nightmare,” the traveler said. “If I got off the plane to find the bag, my family would land at SFO late at night without me, with no car keys, no car seats, and no safe way to get home. If I stayed, I would lose my laptop and wallet and be stranded in Miami with no way to pay for anything. There was no good answer, but American Airlines Gate Agent Luis Hernandez changed everything.”

When the traveler told Luis about his desperate situation, Luis didn’t hesitate to ask him what the backpack looked like and ran back into the terminal to find it. Moments later, he returned with the backpack in his hands.

“In that one act, Luis protected my elderly parents, my wife, and my two young children from a frightening night, saved me from a very difficult Monday at work without my laptop, and turned what could have been the worst day of our family trip into a story we will tell for years,” the traveler said in an email to MIA. “Luis represents the very best of MIA and American Airlines. He went above and beyond in a way that genuinely saved my family. I cannot thank him enough, and I hope MIA will recognize him through the I AM MIA program.”

Because of Luis’ quick feet and extraordinary compassion, he was named MIA’s June 2026 Employee of the Month.

Officials from Miami-Dade County and PS, the private luxury terminal company reimagining commercial air travel, debuted the PS MIA location today inside the former Pan American Airways headquarters at Miami International Airport. The new terminal, which enables travelers to bypass the traditional airport experience through dedicated private facilities, streamlined security, and highly personalized end-to-end travel services, marks PS’ first location in Florida and fourth outpost worldwide, following the Dallas-Fort Worth opening earlier this month.

Thoughtfully reimagining the landmark 1960s structure, the 34,000 square-foot space preserves elements of Pan Am’s original architecture and interiors while introducing a curated suite of elevated amenities that redefine the travel experience from arrival to departure. The terminal features five Private Suites, The Salon - an elevated social lounge designed for solo and business travelers - and a central open-air courtyard, complemented by spa treatments available upon request. These elements shape two distinct guest experiences: The Salon, an elevated social lounge suited to solo and business travelers, and The Private Suite, which offers fully private, residential-style accommodations designed for discretion and comfort.

Launching later this year, PS Direct will further extend this offering with integrated door-to-door transfers, transporting guests between aircraft and home or hotel. Across every touchpoint, the experience is defined by thoughtful precision, from private BMW chauffeur transfers and chef-prepared dining to discreet coordination led by PS’ Control Room across security, airlines, and agency partners, ensuring a smooth, secure, and highly controlled journey.

PS MIA brings together RJ Heisenbottle Architects and interior designer Cliff Fong to reimagine the iconic property. The design preserves its defining mid-century Brutalist character, recognized as a Miami-Dade County Historic Site, while layering in furnishings and details that subtly reference the Pan Am era. The result is a seamless blend of heritage and modern luxury, offering travelers a sophisticated retreat. The building's iconic features, including original Pan Am airline insignias, gold paneling, and original reflecting pools, have been carefully restored. The design draws inspiration from Miami’s tropical glamour through terrazzo, marble, smoked glass, and bold patterns. Blending these elements with PS’ signature hospitality, the new terminal offers a refined yet vibrant environment for travelers.

The newest location continues PS’ commitment to showcasing local artists and brands within its terminals. For this project, PS worked with Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs Art in Public Places, an award-winning public art commissioning program, to commission Nina Surel - Miami-based Argentinian artist and founder of The Collective 62, Miami’s first all-female art collective - to create integrated, artist designed reflecting pools at PS MIA. The art unfolds throughout the terminal, from a stoneware bas-relief mural of interlocking ceramic tiles to a mosaicked pool, each reflecting the city’s natural landscape and layered cultural influences.

With further art curation by Creative Art Partners, The PS Miami art collection is centered around light and a playful mix of materials with works that feel vibrant and expressive. There are subtle moments throughout, brought in through color, pattern, and arrangement, drawing from the building’s history as the original Pan Am headquarters. Softer pieces are balanced with bolder works, keeping the collection dynamic. It has an easy, vibrant energy that mirrors the rhythm and visual language of Miami itself. Artists include Shaina McCoy, Neill Wright, Jaakko Pallasvuo, Holly Lowen, and others; the art on display consists of mixed media pieces as well as paintings.

PS is currently operating in LAX, ATL, DFW, and MIA. For more information and to book, or become a member, visit reserveps.com

PS, originally established in 2017 as The Private Suite, reimagines the airport experience for the seasoned and discerning traveler. By owning and operating private airport terminals, PS allows commercial travelers to bypass the public terminals to indulge in a private and seamless travel experience with the spirit of luxury hospitality. At PS, guests can enjoy luxurious lounges or designated Private Suites, chef-prepared food, spa services and more, while the PS Control Room coordinates with government, security and airline officials to ensure the utmost efficiency, safety and privacy. Anyone can become a member of PS and corporate memberships are available.

In its centennial year, American Airlines will further its legacy as the largest airline serving the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America (MCLA) by reaching a record 100 destinations in the region this year. Anchored by the carrier’s global hub at Miami International Airport, American will add new service to its 99^th and 100^th destinations in the region, with flights to Maracaibo, Venezuela (MAR), and Cap-Haitien, Haiti (CAP). American last flew to Maracaibo in 2019 and to Cap-Haitien in early 2020.

With service to 100 destinations, American’s winter MCLA network is nearly 50% larger than its nearest U.S. competitor. For travelers, that means more nonstop access to destinations unserved by any other U.S. carrier, including Anguilla (AXA); Bimini, Bahamas (BIM); Ocho Rios, Jamaica (OCJ); South Caicos, Turks and Caicos (XSC); Montevideo, Uruguay (MVD); and more.

More service to Venezuela than any other U.S. carrier

American will begin flights to Maracaibo on July 14, offering the only nonstop service from the U.S. This new flight will continue to foster business ties and strengthened relationships with family and friends, adding to American’s twice daily service between Miami and Caracas.

American will operate flights from MIA to MAR daily with Embraer 175 aircraft, featuring premium cabin offerings and free high-speed Wi-Fi, sponsored by AT&T.

Reconnecting Haiti with the United States

American will resume flights to Haiti with flights to Cap-Haitien starting Nov. 1. American will operate daily MIA-CAP service with Boeing 737 aircraft featuring premium cabin offerings and free high-speed Wi-Fi sponsored by AT&T.

Haiti is currently the largest country in the Caribbean by demand unserved by a U.S. carrier. South Florida is home to the largest Haitian American population in the U.S., and additional communities such as New York City and Orlando will also benefit from convenient one-stop connections to CAP.

Miami-Dade County’s hometown airline provides extensive service for travelers

American is proud to connect Miami-Dade County to the world with the best network of any airline, featuring more than 410 peak daily departures. This winter, the airline is enhancing its commitment with increased service on key routes for travelers:

• Two daily flights for the full winter season to Rio de Janeiro (GIG)
• Up to eight daily flights to San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)
• Up to four daily flights to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands (STT)
• Two daily flights to Antigua (ANU) starting Oct. 5
• Up to six daily flights to Tortola, British Virgin Islands (EIS)
• Three daily flights to Exuma, Bahamas (GGT) from Dec. 17, 2026-April 5, 2027
• Two daily flights to St. Kitts (SKB) from Dec. 17, 2026-April 5, 2027

In the coming years, American will invest further in premium travel from MIA with a new Flagship^® lounge and a re-imagined Concourse D.

Ahead of Miami-Dade County’s first FIFA 2026 World Cup match, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava unveiled a series of new beautification projects and passenger experience upgrades at Miami International Airport during a nighttime ceremony on June 12. The event showcased MIA’s first-ever up-lighting installations, facility improvements across key terminal areas, large-scale baggage claim murals created in partnership with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), and a refreshed MIA brand identity.

Community partners joined Mayor Levine Cava for the ceremony, which concluded with the debut of MIA’s updated logo - a collaborative effort between MIA, the GMCVB, and the County’s Communications, Information, and Technology Department symbolizing the airport’s renewed commitment to exceptional customer service.

These enhancements are among the latest Forward Flight-inspired improvements at MIA as the airport prepares for the FIFA 2026 World Cup and beyond. The Forward Flight Team - an advisory group of local industry experts convened by the Mayor in January - continues to help streamline airport operations and elevate the overall passenger experience.

Miami International Airport celebrated the opening day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with two performances for travelers inside Concourse D by Brazilian & Latin Sounds Co., featuring electrifying Samba dancers, high-energy Batucada drummers, and gravity-defying Capoeira acrobats. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava was in attendance for the first performance.

MIA is hosting fan zones at gate E5 and in the Concourse H-J connector post-security, where all games will be shown on large-screen monitors, while many airport restaurants will air the games live as well. Soccer-themed art exhibitions are also on view in MIA’s North and South terminals to get travelers into the World Cup spirit.

As the gateway of the Americas and the second-busiest U.S. airport for international passengers, MIA will serve millions of travelers during the World Cup. In addition to welcoming visitors for seven matches in Miami-Dade County, MIA will be a busy connector airport for travelers en route to other host cities across North America.

On view through July 25, the acclaimed 107-minute digital video presents an intimate portrait of Beckham, filmed in a single, unbroken take as he rests after a Real Madrid FC training session in 2004. Departing from the familiar, high-energy images of Beckham on the football field or in the media spotlight, and lit simply from a single light source, the work draws inspiration from both Michelangelo’s classic Italian Renaissance sculpture David (1501-1504) and Andy Warhol’s underground film “Sleep” (1964), inviting viewers to reflect on themes of fame, vulnerability, and humanity. The screening offers travelers and art enthusiasts a rare opportunity to engage with contemplative but profound artwork in a unique public setting.

Working across photography, film, and video, Taylor-Johnson’s work investigates the complexities of human emotion and identity. Best known for directing major feature films, including “Nowhere Boy”, “Fifty Shades of Grey”, and most recently “Back to Black”, her projects have been exhibited internationally, including at Tate Modern, Guggenheim Museum, and the Venice Biennale. Commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery in London, “David” exemplifies Taylor-Johnson’s innovative practice, which often explores the boundaries between public and private, celebrity and anonymity.

“Filming him while he was asleep produces a different view from the many familiar, public images,” Taylor-Johnson notes. “This approach transforms the international superstar into a subject of quiet reverence, offering audiences a rare, personal glimpse beyond the public persona.”

Born in London, UK, Taylor-Johnson studied sculpture at Goldsmiths College (London), alongside a generation of British artists who came to prominence in the 1990s. After showing at the Venice Biennale (1997) and being nominated for the Turner Prize (1998), Taylor-Johnson gained international acclaim with solo exhibitions at major museums across Europe. Encouraged by filmmaker Anthony Minghella, she directed the Palme d’Or-nominated short “Love You More” (2008) and her feature debut “Nowhere Boy” (2009), followed by ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ (2015), “A Million Little Pieces” (2018), and “Back to Black” (2024). While her films have won BAFTA nominations and awards, her studio practice has remained constant, recently exhibiting self-portraits in Rome that explore the tension between body and mind. Through her embrace of diverse creative modalities, Taylor-Johnson has continued to address the psychic friction of selfhood, drawing out the tragedies and joys that arise when the inner self collides with the outside world. 

MIA Galleries, established in 1996, is managed by MIA's Fine Arts and Cultural Affairs Division. Its mission is to enhance the travel experience by presenting exhibitions that showcase the rich culture, diverse landscape, and artistic resources of the local community. MIA Galleries aims to elevate the passenger experience by curating a visually stimulating environment that is contemporary, thought-provoking, and reflective of the cultural depth and creativity of South Florida.

As part of the expansion, Families on the Fly is now available at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 at MIA, helping families traveling with strollers and young children move through security more efficiently while reducing congestion for all passengers.

The program comes as Miami-Dade County prepares for increased international travel and major global events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Commissioner Milian Orbis thanked Director Ralph Cutie, MIA staff, and the TSA for their partnership in expanding the program and improving the travel experience for families passing through MIA.

Showcasing a wide range of artistic mediums, from painting, drawing, and mixed‑media collage to assemblage, photography, printmaking, textiles, sculpture, and video art, Beyond the Pitch captures the playful parallels between art and soccer while honoring the rich stories and vibrant culture surrounding the world’s most popular sport.

Participating artists include: Alissa Alfonso, Anastasia Samoylova, Annick Duvivier, Brian Reedy, Christina Pettersson, Claudio Marcotulli, Ernesto Kunde, Gianna DiBartolomeo, Kristen Thiele, Lili Cantero, Luis Valle, Marcus Rivero, Michelle Weinberg, and R&R Studios.

Through their diverse perspectives, each artist illustrates themes of sportsmanship, unity, perseverance, fluidity, athleticism, and global community - revealing soccer’s unique power to inspire creativity, forge social connections, and transcend borders. Beyond the Pitch invites travelers, soccer enthusiasts, and art lovers alike to experience Miami’s dynamic art scene while sharing in the anticipation, energy, and excitement of the World Cup.

In further celebration of the World Cup, MIA is presenting GOOOAL! Kicking Off Creativity: Miami's FIFA World Cup Celebration, an exhibition of artwork created by Miami-Dade County students in partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ Division of Life Skills & Special Projects. The exhibition is on display through October 14 in The Children’s Gallery, located post-security in the Concourse D–E connector.

MIA Galleries, established in 1996, is managed by MIA's Fine Arts and Cultural Affairs Division. Its mission is to enhance the travel environment by presenting exhibitions and showcasing works that celebrate the rich culture, diverse landscape, and artistic resources of the local community. MIA Galleries aims to elevate the passenger experience by curating a visually stimulating atmosphere that is contemporary, thought-provoking, and reflective of the cultural depth and creativity of the South Florida region.

MIA’s freight shipments skyrocketed by 13.6% to nearly 3.5 million tons in 2025, securing its position as the busiest cargo airport in the United States and the third busiest globally, surpassed only by Hong Kong and Shanghai. Passenger traffic also reached 55.3 million, pushing MIA up two spots to become the 8th-busiest airport in the nation. The airport remains the second busiest in the U.S. for international travelers and has now surpassed 55 million passengers for two consecutive years.

The elevated economic impact numbers come on the heels of glowing bond rating reports released in May by Fitch Ratings, Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA), and Standard & Poor's Global Ratings (S&P) for MIA’s Series 2026A and 2026B aviation revenue refunding bonds.

Fitch’s report affirmed its A+ rating and updated its outlook from stable to positive, noting that “MIA is a well-positioned gateway airport that serves a growing Latin American air service market, and it is also an important cargo hub. American Airlines maintains a dominant market share at the airport, but resilient traffic activity demonstrates MIA's strong franchise strength and importance to both American and the national aviation network.”

KBRA assigned an AA- rating and maintained a positive outlook for MIA, which it said reflected the airport's “improving financial profile, underpinned by sustained growth in domestic and international passenger traffic as well as cargo activity. MIA continues to outperform many of its large hub peers, particularly in the sunbelt, with passenger levels reaching record levels in the immediate, post-pandemic environment.”

S&P graded MIA with an A+ and stable outlook, noting that its rating “reflects our view of MIA's strong performance as a large hub in a growing service area, its outperformance of peers, and its essentiality to American Airlines Inc.'s route network, in our view. In addition, our positive holistic analysis reflects our view of the airport's financial resiliency and stability through multiple economic cycles, and captures MIA's operational strengths serving regional international markets, notably in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Concierge Powered by CLEAR offers travelers personalized airport assistance for both departures and arrivals, spanning from curb to gate, including baggage support and personal guidance through the terminal, helping travelers move confidently and comfortably through MIA during periods of record demand.

Available to all travelers at MIA, Concierge Powered by CLEAR is designed to support families, international visitors, business travelers, the elderly, and anyone looking for additional support on the day of travel. CLEAR Ambassadors help travelers navigate the airport journey with a welcoming, easy-to-identify presence and dedicated on-the-ground support, creating a calmer, more predictable airport journey.

The Concierge service builds on CLEAR’s January launch of biometric eGates at MIA, where CLEAR+ Members verify their identity in under five seconds and proceed directly to physical screening.

Concierge Powered by CLEAR is the fastest way to get through MIA. Pricing starts at $99 for departures and $199 for arrivals. Travelers do not need to be a CLEAR+ Member to take advantage of Concierge Powered by CLEAR at MIA. To learn more, including how to book, please see here.

To celebrate the 10^th anniversary of the official naming of Little Haiti in Miami-Dade County and the last week of Haitian Heritage Month, Miami International Airport hosted a performance by the Nancy St. Léger NSL Dance Ensemble, a collective dedicated to preserving authentic Haitian folkloric dance. Traditional Haitian refreshments were also served to attendees in MIA’s Central Terminal area.

After waiting at the airport for her mother to arrive and not being able to contact her, Hakima was distressed and feared she was lost and alone in Miami. She went to work the next day and explained the situation to her supervisor. She and her supervisor contacted the airline, the local police department, and MIA in search of answers, which led them to MIA Operations Senior Agent Pamela Coney.

“Pamela’s actions went far beyond normal expectations and exemplified the highest standards of customer care and humanity,” said Hakima’s supervisor, in an email to MIA. “From the very beginning, Pamela took full ownership of the situation. She listened carefully, demonstrated genuine empathy, and treated the matter with urgency and seriousness.”

After receiving a photograph of Hakima’s mom taken before her flight, Pamela personally searched the airport for her. Because of her initiative and persistence, Pamela successfully located the traveler and immediately contacted Hakima.

With her supervisor’s assistance in merging the calls, Hakima and Pamela coordinated with an Arabic-speaking employee at MIA to assist her mom. Pamela then took the extra step of reassuring everyone that she would check on Hakima’s mom before she ended her shift to ensure her continued well-being.

“Pamela’s actions transformed a moment of fear and uncertainty into one of relief, reassurance, and trust,” Hakima’s supervisor wrote. “She did not simply follow procedure; she displayed outstanding judgment, compassion, and accountability while representing the organization at its very best. I strongly believe Pamela’s actions merit recognition. Her conduct reflects exceptional character, customer advocacy, and a standard of care that positively impacts both employees and passengers during their most vulnerable moments.”

Because of Pamela’s extraordinary care and compassion, she was named MIA’s May 2026 Employee of the Month.

This initiative reflects MDAD’s deliberate and proactive strategy to get ahead of the curve on air taxi infrastructure — not simply reacting to industry developments but shaping how South Florida receives them. As eVTOL technology rapidly advances from concept to commercial reality, MDAD is laying the foundation now so the region is ready when the skies open.

“SafeLand”: An Operational Testing Environment for Tomorrow’s Skies

At the heart of this partnership is “SafeLand,” a structured pilot program that will stand up the physical and digital infrastructure necessary to better support air taxi operations in an urban aviation environment. BDI will deploy ALTA, the Autonomous Landing & Take-Off Assistant, its proprietary air traffic management system across ramp facilities at TMB, establishing a live testing ground where AAM operational impact can be validated in real conditions.

And although SafeLand was structured before the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) eVTOL Integrated Pilot Program (eIPP), SafeLand complements the FAA’s Air Taxi initiatives by addressing the National Air Strategy’s goals for increased safety metrics outlined by U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

The program will launch with manned drone operations to stress-test MDAD’s capability with ALTA, reducing operational impact and increasing safety for air taxi operators and passengers alike. Before advancing to full-scale eVTOL aircraft, MDAD will coordinate directly with the (FAA), serving as the operational authority over all testing activity across all sites.

A Federally Recognized Infrastructure Leader — And Florida’s Own Partner

MDAD’s decision to partner with BDI is grounded in BDI’s exceptional track record at the local and national level. BDI has been a pioneer in securing several partnerships spanning across the United States with the sole intention of developing dedicated air taxi infrastructure to connect local air spaces. Additionally, MDAD has noted that BDI is one of only a handful of companies to have been federally selected as infrastructure partners across multiple sites in the federal eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP).

Equally significant is BDI’s established role as an infrastructure partner for Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). BDI is actively engaged in supporting SunTrax, FDOT’s dedicated air taxi testing facility, which serves as the statewide proving ground for eVTOL technology. The BDI SafeLand program in Miami-Dade will serve as direct support for this statewide effort, bridging the gap between controlled facility testing at SunTrax and operational urban integration in South Florida’s busiest airspace. Together, these converging capabilities signal a major opportunity for the State of Florida and for AAM as a whole to embrace the future with local, state, and federal support.

Bell-Dancy Industries (BDI) is a Los Angeles-based developer of autonomous infrastructure for the next generation of aviation. Founded in 2018, BDI creates the critical safety systems and digital frameworks that make advanced air mobility operationally viable. Its flagship platform, ALTA (Autonomous Landing and Take-off Assistant), was developed in collaboration with NASA and UCLA and is designed to bring the highest standards of safety and accessibility to eVTOL and UAS operations. BDI has been federally selected as an infrastructure partner for multiple of the national eIPP selected sites and serves as an infrastructure partner for FDOT’s SunTrax Air Taxi testing facility.

Today, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Miami International Airport officials unveiled plans and renderings for MIA’s new state-of-the-art Airport Operations Center (AOC) and Digital Monitoring Hub - the first of its kind in the U.S.  

Scheduled for completion in 2027, the $33-million, 13,254-square-foot operations and emergency response facility will be equipped with AI-powered long-range pan-tilt-zoom cameras, real-time digital tower technology, and a massive HD-quality integrated panoramic video wall, providing 360° visibility of MIA’s airside, landside, and terminal areas for best-in-class security and safety awareness.  

Features such as hurricane-resistant towers, vibration-controlled platforms, cyber-secure architecture, and accommodations for co-locating representatives from 30 agencies will allow the AOC to seamlessly transition to an emergency operations center during crisis situations. 

The future AOC is one of more than 200 projects within the $14-billion Modernization in Action (M.I.A.) Plan - designed to completely transform every customer service touchpoint at the global gateway over the next five years. Other major projects include: the new Ibis Garage, which opened in December 2025; the modernization and preventive maintenance for more than 600 elevators, escalators, and moving walkways; renovation of 196 public access restrooms located on all three levels of MIA’s terminal and concourses; the new Concourse K expansion scheduled to open in 2029; and the Gate D60 expansion, scheduled for completion in 2030. 

Miami International Airport, in partnership with the Miami-Dade County Asian American Advisory Board, celebrated Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with two sets of energetic performances in the MIA terminal featuring: Lion dancing by the Lee Koon Hung Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu Association; tae kwon do demonstrations by World Class Martial Arts Miami; and Turkish choir performances by the Florida Turkish American Association (FTAA) Chorus.  

MIA welcomes 91% of all the flower imports by air to the U.S., and its busiest season is the month before Mother’s Day – even busier than the Valentine’s Day season. Flower imports continue to be MIA’s largest imported product, with preliminary figures showing that the cargo gateway received 394,181 U.S. tons of flower imports valued at $1.8 billion in 2025.

Flower imports are one of the biggest reasons why MIA became the busiest airport in the U.S. and third busiest in the world for total freight in 2025, according to the latest rankings by Airports Council International.

MIA leapfrogged Louisville and Memphis – the global hubs for UPS and FedEx, respectively – to become the busiest airport for total freight in the U.S. In the world, MIA ranked third behind only the Asian cargo hubs in Hong Kong and Shanghai. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and MIA Director and CEO Ralph Cutie revealed the new rankings at World Trade Center Miami’s annual State of the Ports luncheon on April 27.

Thanks to MIA surpassing 55.3 million annual passengers in 2025, it also rose by two spots to be the 8th-busiest passenger airport in the country and jumped from #9 to #8 in total flights among U.S. airports.

MIA improved in three other global rankings: 6^th to 4^th in total cargo (freight plus mail), 5^th to 4^th in international freight, and 13^th to 11^th for total flights. MIA’s soaring cargo growth has carried over into the first quarter of 2026, when freight shipments increased by 15.7% over last year.  

Travelers and airport employees had the opportunity to interact with the dogs, learn about the adoption process, and engage directly with Miami-Dade County Animal Services staff, while also gaining a deeper understanding of the resources and services available to support pet owners throughout the County. 

The event proved highly successful, resulting in the adoption of six cats and five dogs, and has sparked discussions about making this initiative a recurring offering at the airport.

By leveraging MIA’s global platform and ASD’s mission-driven work, the partnership created a dynamic and impactful experience that extended beyond traditional adoption settings. The event underscored Miami-Dade County’s commitment to animal welfare, public engagement, and interdepartmental collaboration that enhances services for residents and visitors alike.

American first began service to Venezuela in 1987 before suspending flights in 2019. For more than 30 years, American served as the leading U.S. airline in the country, helping connect people, businesses, and communities. The resumption of this service is part of the airline’s commitment as the largest airline between the U.S. and Latin America and the Caribbean to provide travelers with comprehensive access to the region.

Starting May 21, American will introduce a second daily flight between MIA and CCS, also operated by Envoy with Embraer 175 aircraft. The E175 is a dual-class regional jet featuring a premium cabin and free Wi-Fi, sponsored by AT&T.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava kicked off the event by debuting Miami International Airport’s AI-powered hologram chatbots, now available at four key entry points across the airport.  The launch makes MIA the first airport in the world to deploy large-scale geo-aware, agentic AI across its digital infrastructure, delivering real-time, location-based assistance through natural conversation and enabling seamless interaction across web, mobile, kiosks, and on-site digital interfaces.

MIA’s hologram chatbots - developed in collaboration with Mappedin, Satisfi Labs, and Hypervsn - enhance the passenger journey by providing intuitive, personalized support from curb to gate, marking a major milestone in Miami-Dade County's use of artificial intelligence to improve the travel experience.

Complementing these efforts, PortMiami, the Cruise Capital of the World® and the Cargo Gateway of the Americas®, showcased innovative technologies aimed at strengthening operations and efficiency, including  WorkWise’s robotic cleaning systems that support maintenance teams and optimize terminal operations, along with GridMatrix’s AI-powered platforms that analyze traffic flow to improve the movement of cargo and passengers.

Together, these innovations reflect Miami-Dade County’s broader vision to be Future-Ready—leveraging artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to deliver real, everyday results for residents and visitors while strengthening the County’s position as a global hub for innovation.

Before volunteering at MIA, Langdale served the Miami-Dade Aviation Department for 36 years as a senior terminal operations agent and briefly worked part-time as a wheelchair attendant for passengers with limited mobility. Having taught himself multiple languages and being fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and what he fondly calls “Airport German,” Langdale frequently provides medical translation assistance for Spanish speakers in moments of need.

In recognition of his service, Langdale received two round-trip main cabin tickets from Delta Air Lines to fly anywhere within the continental United States, and a Miami Spice dinner for two from the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB).

Four runner-up winners - Jeff Wander, Maria Rios, and Miryam and Martin Crossland - also received either a Miami Spice Dinner for two or a Miami Spa Month treatment, thanks to the generous support of the GMCVB.

Thanks to the latest Live at MIA experience, passengers with young children waiting for flights near MIA’s Books with an Altitude lending library at gate H5 received a hands-on art experience when they got to color pages from Passe’s book Ocean Heroes: Saving the Heart of the Sea and learn about protecting the environment in the process. Participants also heard readings from the book by Passe and Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who visited MIA on Earth Day.

This year, the Live at MIA LIVE ARTS program has already hosted live music, line dancing, and theater performances in the global gateway’s terminal to entertain and delight travelers.

In partnership with the Miami Museum of Contemporary Art of the African Diaspora (Miami MoCAAD), the exhibition features vinyl replicas of three permanent murals located at historic Overtown landmarks. The murals allow viewers to explore the rich tapestry of Historic Overtown – which celebrates its 130-year anniversary this year - through visual art, oral histories, augmented reality, and QR codes that link to articles and interviews by Black Miami historians.  

OVERtown: Our Family Tree, by Anthony “Mojo” Reed II, is at the law office building constructed and owned by Judge Lawson E. Thomas, an early civil rights activist and Miami-Dade County’s first Black judge who presided over the nation’s only racially segregated court system.

Reginald O’Neal’s International Longshoreman Association Local 1416, located at the Local 1416 Union Hall, commemorates the longshoremen’s pivotal role in advancing and advocating for Miami’s Black community and providing economic ladders to the middle class.  

Stefan Smith’s Overtown Pitch: Game Changers at the historic Carver Hotel site, featuring images of soccer superstars Kylian Mbappe and Crystal Dunn, celebrates soccer through an innovative blend of figurative and abstract art and technology. QR codes in Smith’s mural invite viewers to engage with stories of Black soccer players who have left their mark on the sport and to participate in a penalty-kick shootout game.

By bringing recreations of permanent Overtown murals into an accessible public space, Miami MoCAAD aims to expand access and create new ways for residents, families, and youth across Miami-Dade County, as well as national and international visitors, to experience Miami's cultural heritage while reimagining spaces where art, history, technology, and community intersect. As the nation marks its semi-quincentennial, this exhibition pays tribute to the lasting influence of the African Diaspora in Overtown and beyond, inspiring a more inclusive vision of our past, present, and future.

Miami MoCAAD is dedicated to harnessing innovation to showcase contemporary visual arts production of the Global African Diaspora, leveraging traditional and technology-infused platforms.  The museum presents art through online virtual reality exhibitions, interactive murals with augmented reality accessible on-site in the community and on phones via the website, and traditional onsite exhibitions through collaborations.

MIA Galleries, established in 1996, is managed by the MIA's Fine Arts and Cultural Affairs Division. Its mission is to enhance the travel environment by presenting exhibitions and showcasing works that celebrate the rich culture, diverse landscape, and artistic resources of the local community. MIA Galleries aims to elevate the passenger experience by curating a visually stimulating atmosphere that is contemporary, thought-provoking, and reflective of the cultural depth and creativity of the South Florida region.

After the deputies tried to find an airline employee who could provide wheelchair assistance during the busy peak travel period, they literally took matters into their own hands and improvised a way for the couple to reach the airline check-in counter on the next level up without a wheelchair.

They secured a luggage cart, loaded the couple’s bags, and safely lifted the passenger with disabilities onto the cart. One deputy wheeled her through the terminal, while the other followed on their bicycle and accompanied the other traveler. They escorted the couple directly to their airline check-in counter and ensured that they received immediate assistance.

“In my haste to get checked in, after thanking the officer, I neglected to get their names from their uniform IDs,” the traveler wrote in an email after he arrived at his destination. “I’m hoping my description of the date, time, and location will allow you to identify the officers and again thank them for all their assistance and make sure they receive any special recognition you have to offer.”

In recognition of their compassion, initiative, and “I am MIA” attitude, deputies Hernandez and Mendez were named MIA’s April 2026 Employees of the Month.

In celebration of America’s 250^th anniversary this year, Miami International Airport continued its MIA LIVE ARTS performance series – which honors the rich tapestry of American music and culture – by entertaining passengers with two performances by a quartet from Jazz Music in Action (JAZZMIA).

 JAZZMIA is dedicated to presenting world-class jazz – “America’s original art form” - throughout Miami-Dade County. JAZZMIA’s weekly series and other events are places for Miami’s jazz community, fans, and musicians to come together and enjoy live jazz in exceptional settings, with a strong sense of camaraderie and fun.

For America250, the MIA LIVE ARTS series hosts performances at MIA in a variety of musical styles, including country, jazz, disco, and rock. Each performance will showcase the unique rhythms and traditions that define America. From the infectious beats of line dancing to the soulful improvisations of jazz ensembles, every performance aims to spark celebration and pride. The first MIA LIVE ARTS performance was a high-energy line dance performance by Southside Stampede on March 12.

In recognition of World Autism Awareness Day today, Miami International Airport (MIA), Delta Air Lines, and LATAM Airlines hosted the airport’s latest MIA Airport Instruction and Readiness (MIAair) tour for more than 50 children with disabilities from local schools, along with their parents, teachers, and guardians. The tour allowed participants to rehearse the air travel experience from start to finish, all the way to an airplane seat, in a safe and controlled environment.

The children practiced entering the airport, getting boarding passes, going through security, and boarding a LATAM Airlines plane with the airline’s gate agents and flight crew. The program also served as a learning experience for airline and airport workers at MIA. The goal of the MIAair program is for anyone, regardless of their disability, to experience the magic and wonder of flight. Since launching the MIAair tours in 2015, in partnership with the UM-NSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), MIA has now hosted tours for nearly 400 children with disabilities

For more information about MIA’s award-winning MIAair program, visit the MIAair webpage.  

Miami International Airport treated passengers and employees to a Miami Music Week experience with a three-hour live set by rising DJ and producer Amal Nemer. Hundreds of travelers got in the groove as they connected through the airport.

Nemer has quickly become one of Miami’s most exciting exports since launching her music career there in 2020. Despite only truly emerging in 2021, Amal has already released music on labels including Moon Harbour, Glasgow Underground, Nervous Records, Made in Miami, and Farris Wheel, and found her way into the top 100 of Beatport with instant hits such as ‘Shot Por Mi’, ‘A Good Song’, and ‘Feelings.’

Now open through August in MIA’s Concourse J Mezzanine Gallery on the 4^th floor, the exhibit highlights Curtiss' transformative role and impact on the region and the flourishing aviation industry that emerged during the cities’ land boom of the 1920s. Visitors can navigate through six thematic displays that weave together the narrative of Curtiss' innovative spirit and influence through a collection of loaned original artifacts, photographs, and scaled models that document Curtiss and the communities he was involved in founding; his early life in South Florida; and his business ventures such as flight schools, travel trailers, and a movie studio.

Curated by aviation historian Richard Leisenring, Miami Springs historian Ken Wilde, and Opa-locka Preservation Association Founder Alex Van Mecl, the exhibition also features a scaled model of the Glenn Curtiss and June Bug Legacy Memorial monument, an upcoming landmark in Miami Springs by local artist Natalie Plasencia. The monument will be unveiled this August in conjunction with Miami Springs' centennial anniversary on August 23, to honor Curtiss’ innovation, courage, and imagination.

The exhibition was made possible with the generous support and collaboration of the cities of Hialeah, Miami Springs, and Opa-locka, the Curtiss Mansion, the Miami Springs Historical Society, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Anthony R. Abraham Foundation.  

MIA Galleries, established in 1996, is managed by the Miami-Dade Aviation Department's Fine Arts and Cultural Affairs Division. Its mission is to enhance the travel environment by presenting exhibitions and showcasing works that celebrate the rich culture, diverse landscape, and artistic resources of the local community. MIA Galleries aims to elevate the passenger experience by curating a visually stimulating atmosphere that is contemporary, thought-provoking, and reflective of the cultural depth and creativity of the South Florida region.

When Miguel and Paul saw the nearby vehicle engulfed in flames and plumes of smoke filling the air, they each sprang into action, running to find fire extinguishers and put out the flames. Once they realized the extinguishers were not enough, they quickly established a safe perimeter to keep passengers and employees out of harm’s way while Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and emergency personnel arrived at the scene. Fortunately, the incident did not cause any injuries and only resulted in a temporary traffic delay, thanks to Miguel, Paul, and other Landside Division team members who diverted traffic and guided passengers to alternate routes.

Because Miguel and Paul’s quick thinking, courage, and “I AM MIA” spirit, they were named MIA’s March 2026 Employees of the Month.

The performance series, part of MIA LIVE ARTS, will offer airport visitors a variety of musical styles, including country, jazz, disco, and rock.  Each performance will showcase the unique rhythms and traditions that define America. From the infectious beats of line dancing to the soulful improvisations of jazz ensembles, every performance aims to spark celebration and pride.

Two mobile ventanita coffee stands from La Cafeteria offered a free colada or cortadito, and La Carreta served free coffee, croquetas and pastelitos to MDAD employees. In recognition of their dedication to serving more than 55 million passengers annually at the gateway to the 305. At 3:05 p.m. the ventanitas let out plumes of steam from the top of the giant cafeterias. In true 305 style.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County Commissioners, and American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, along with local, state, and federal officials, and community partners, today unveiled plans to expand Miami International Airport’s Concourse D. The new Gate D60 expansion will create 17 new aircraft gates and adjoining passenger boarding areas, additional dining and shopping options, and an enhanced baggage handling system by the year 2030.

Scheduled to break ground in 2027, the $1 billion, three-level extension will convert the existing gate D60 area - which currently has one common boarding space and 17 ground-level gates for smaller regional jets - into 17 traditional contact gates for larger regional and narrow-body aircraft, each with individual, spacious passenger hold rooms. All 17 gate areas will provide convenient third-level connections to Concourse D’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility for international arrivals.

The new Gate D60 extension also includes several sustainable building features designed to earn the facility LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver and Envision Verified certifications – the highest ratings for resilient structures by the U.S. Green Building Council and the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure.

The Gate D60 expansion is one of more than 200 projects within the $9 billion M.I.A. Plan. Other major projects include: the new Ibis Garage, which opened in December; modernization and preventive maintenance for more than 600 elevators, escalators, and moving walkways; renovation of 196 public access restrooms located on all three levels of MIA’s terminal and concourses; the new Concourse K expansion scheduled to open in 2029; and the $745-million Central Terminal redevelopment project, which will modernize MIA’s oldest terminal area by 2031.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Natalie Milian-Orbis for District 6, which includes Miami International Airport, County Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez, and other local government leaders gathered at MIA to unveil a new wall mural honoring pioneering aviator and land developer Glenn Curtiss, who founded the cities of Hialeah, Miami Springs, and Opa-locka – each currently celebrating centennial anniversaries. 

In partnership with the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and other local cultural organizations, From Wings to Cities: The Vision of Glenn Curtiss, is now on display through April 1, 2026, at MIA’s Connecting Communities Wall on the arrivals level near door 11. The mural features historic images and milestones of each city over the past 100 years.

Long before Miami-Dade County became a global gateway, Curtiss imagined communities built around innovation, mobility, and modern living - where aviation would redefine how people connected to place and to one another. Working with fellow pioneers, Curtiss played a defining role in founding Hialeah in 1925 and Miami Springs and Opa-locka in 1926.

Each reflects a different expression of his ambition and belief in planned communities designed for the future. Hialeah, envisioned as “The City of Progress,” has grown into a dynamic center of industry and culture, shaped in large part by its immigrant community. Opa-locka captured the imagination through its Moorish Revival style and Arabian Nights–inspired identity, making it one of the most distinctively planned cities in the nation. Miami Springs emerged as a carefully designed residential oasis, known for its Pueblo Revival architecture and human-scale charm.

During an illustrious career spanning 23 years as Third World’s principal drummer and percussionist, Willie Stewart co-produced 13 albums, five of which received Grammy nominations. He has received world acclaim as the recipient of the NAACP Image Award, the Diamond Award, and the United Nations Peace Medal. Willie has teamed with composers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, recorded and performed live with Stevie Wonder, Eddy Grant, Carlos Santana, and Bob Marley, and shared billing with Quincy Jones, U2, and The Police.

To make matters worse, her father walks with a cane because of a knee replacement and has other significant medical challenges, including a recent triple bypass surgery and mild dementia. As Saldenha and her father made the long trek across concourses, she tried to schedule wheelchair assistance for her father but was unsuccessful.

Eventually, when her father needed a break from walking, she had to leave him seated alone in a concession area so she could continue searching for help. That’s when she reached the Caribbean Airlines check-in counter and found Caribbean Airlines Supervisor Caridad Formeza, DAS wheelchair attendant Norma Ferraz, and Swissport agent Jennifer Hernandez. They came together to assist her father by securing a wheelchair and ensuring he was safely transported.

“Upon learning of our situation, Caridad took immediate ownership and ensured assistance was arranged,” said Saldenha. “Norma walked a considerable distance to retrieve my father and safely brought him back in a wheelchair. Jennifer and Caridad worked together with patience and professionalism to secure our seats, and Norma remained with us throughout the boarding process, ensuring my father’s comfort and safety. Their actions went far beyond routine customer service. In a moment when we felt vulnerable, they showed empathy, urgency, and humanity that restored our faith and transformed a traumatic experience into one marked by dignity and care.”

Because Caridad, Norma, and Jennifer went above and beyond to demonstrate outstanding compassion, customer service, and the “I AM MIA” spirit, they were named MIA’s February 2026 Employees of the Month.

TSA PreCheck Touchless ID uses advanced facial comparison technology to verify a traveler’s identity in seconds. Passengers simply look into a camera at a dedicated lane, where their live photo is securely matched against their stored passport. This touchless process enhances security while providing a more efficient and convenient screening experience for enrolled travelers.

The feature is available to current TSA PreCheck members flying with the following participating airlines at these MIA concourses:

• Concourse D (Checkpoint 1): American Airlines
• Concourse E (Checkpoint 5): American Airlines and Alaska Airlines
• Concourse H (Checkpoint 8): Delta Air Lines and United Airlines

To use TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, eligible passengers must opt in through their airline’s app or profile (where supported) and ensure their TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number and valid passport information are on file. A TSA PreCheck Touchless ID indicator will appear on the mobile boarding pass for qualifying flights.

Travelers are reminded to carry a physical ID as a backup, as requested by TSA officers when necessary. Enrollment in TSA PreCheck is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents via tsa.gov/precheck.

Cargo shipments at Miami International Airport, the busiest U.S. airport for international freight, skyrocketed by 13.6% to nearly 3.5 million tons in 2025, giving the air cargo hub of the Americas six straight years of record-breaking growth.

Passenger traffic at MIA surpassed the 55-million mark for the second consecutive year, reaching 55.3 million travelers in 2025 — just 1% below the airport’s record set in 2024. The second-busiest U.S. airport for international travel served 24.8 million passengers and 30.5 million domestic passengers, underscoring sustained demand for Miami-Dade County’s global gateway. Even as North America experienced a 2% decline in domestic air travel in 2025, according to the most recent data available from Airports Council International, MIA outperformed national trends, highlighting the continued strength and resilience of the region’s travel market.

MIA ended 2025 strong with another record-setting winter holiday travel season from December 19 to January 5, welcoming nearly 3.3 million passengers for a 1.2% increase over last year. The upward trend continued into the new year, with passenger traffic up 1.5% in January. Additionally, the first quarter of 2026 kicks off an unprecedented year of local sports and entertainment events that will draw millions of visitors to Miami-Dade County this spring and all year long.

In 2025, MIA was ranked North America’s most-improved mega airport in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power, the Best Airport for Layovers by Global Traveler magazine, one of the  Top 10 U.S. Airports for Food and Drink by Food and Wine magazine, and the third-best U.S. airport for business travelers by travel platform Booking.com for Business.

The new Miami route, which began on January 24 with three weekly flights, provides greater international and cross-border connectivity for onward travel by the Latin American and Caribbean hub for Porter’s codeshare partner, American Airlines.

This winter, Porter is offering more flights from YOW than any other carrier, serving 26 non-stop routes. Miami is part of a larger expansion into sun markets from Ottawa this season, with destinations in Mexico, The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Costa Rica operating since December.

Porter’s onboard experience provides every passenger with complimentary beer and wine served in glassware, a selection of Canadian premium snacks, and free, fast streaming WiFi. The all-inclusive PorterReserve fare includes fresh, healthy meals and features such as the ability to change flights without a fee, dedicated check-in, extra legroom, and two checked bags. For travelers who prefer to choose specific features to fit their needs, the PorterClassic fare offers these perks à la carte.

Headquartered in Toronto, Porter Airlines is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. Porter’s fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves North America, including a coast-to-coast domestic Canadian network, the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.

TSA urges all airline travelers to complete the following three steps in advance of any air travel on or after Feb 1.

All airline travelers who use TSA ConfirmID will be subject to additional ID verification, screening measures, and potential delays. Travelers who appear at the TSA checkpoint without a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID and have not already paid the TSA ConfirmID fee will be subject to additional delays, which may result in a missed flight. It is important that airline travelers plan ahead to ensure they have an acceptable form of ID to avoid these additional delays, as the process can take up to 30 minutes.

TSA’s full list of acceptable forms of ID can be found at TSA.gov/travel/security-screening/identification. Individuals with an acceptable form of ID do not need to use TSA ConfirmID. Travelers who are unsure if their ID is REAL ID-compliant should check their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

For more information on REAL ID, please visit TSA.gov/real-id or text 275-872 (“AskTSA”) anytime with questions, call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673, or submit inquiries at www.tsa.gov/email.

Watch TSA’s informational three-step process video here. 

As winter storm disruptions continued to impact air travel nationwide, MIA offered passengers a thoughtful way to unwind at the lending library experience near gate H5 in partnership with Miami Dade College, Miami Book Fair, and the Miami-Dade Public Library System.  

The activation coincided with Library Shelfie Day and featured a visit from one of MIA’s Miami Hound Machine therapy pets, Avi the poodle, who was accompanied by her owner, an MIA Volunteer Ambassador. Travelers of all ages snapped a “shelfie” with Avi, interacted with her, and enjoyed complimentary books or reading materials while they waited for their flights. 

With thousands of flights canceled across the country due to Winter Storm Fern, MIA has served as a critical support hub for airline partners repositioning aircraft and for passengers connecting to other destinations. In addition to operational support, the airport assisted passengers during extended wait times by providing additional support staff and a free overnight sleeping area. 

MIA’s Books with an Altitude library creates a calm, welcoming space for travelers to browse, read, and relax - reflecting the County’s commitment to community partnerships, innovation, and customer service, even during periods of significant travel disruption.

MIA continues to work closely with its airlines and federal partners to manage the impacts of Winter Storm Fern while identifying creative, passenger-friendly ways to improve the terminal experience during challenging travel periods. Passengers are encouraged to check their flight status directly with their airline before coming to the airport and to allow extra time for travel during ongoing weather impacts.

Built by FlightPath3D, the online tool puts MIA’s vast global network in the palm of the user’s hands with interactive features that turn and swivel the globe for their destination of choice and then zoom in for tips and reviews about local attractions from travel experts. Selecting “See Destinations” in the pop-up box opens a detailed map of the city with virtual video tours. Users can share destinations and custom trip playlists with friends and family via email or by copying the link. MIA Discover’s travel calendar lets the user select preferred dates, view available flights, and go straight to the airline’s booking portal.

The first quarter of 2026 kicks off an unprecedented year of local sports and entertainment events that will draw millions of visitors to Miami-Dade County this spring and all year long.

MIA offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport, is the busiest airport for international passengers in Florida, and the second-busiest airport for international travel in the U.S. In 2025, MIA was ranked North America’s most-improved mega airport in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power, the Best Airport for Layovers by Global Traveler magazine, one of the  Top 10 U.S. Airports for Food and Drink by Food and Wine magazine, and the third-best U.S. airport for business travelers by travel platform Booking.com for Business.