Florida Construction News staff writer
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County Commissioners, and American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, along with local, state, and federal officials, today unveiled plans to expand Miami International Airport’s Concourse D.
The new Gate D60 expansion will add 17 aircraft gates with adjoining passenger boarding areas, expanded dining and retail options, and an enhanced baggage handling system, all scheduled for completion by 2030.
Mayor Levine Cava described the project as “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.
MIA ranks among the fastest-growing global hubs since the pandemic, and the North Terminal expansion, coupled with South Terminal’s future Concourse K and the Central Terminal redevelopment, will create a new future-ready gateway fully enabled to serve our millions of visitors for decades to come.”
The $1-billion, three-level D60 extension is slated to break ground in 2027. The project will convert the existing gate area—currently a single common boarding space with 17 ground-level gates for smaller regional jets—into 17 traditional contact gates for larger regional and narrow-body aircraft, each featuring individual, spacious passenger hold rooms. All gate areas will offer third-level access to Concourse D’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility for international arrivals.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom called Miami “an important hub and gateway for American,” adding that the reimagined D60 “is a transformational project that will provide a much-improved experience for our customers and our team. This investment—alongside new premium lounges and new routes—reflects our shared commitment with Miami-Dade County and the airport to deliver a consistent, elevated customer experience.”
The expansion incorporates sustainable building features designed to achieve LEED Silver and Envision Verified certifications, recognizing excellence in energy efficiency, environmental design, and resilience.
Gate D60 is part of the $9-billion M.I.A. Plan, a comprehensive modernization effort that includes more than 200 projects across the airport.
Other key projects include: the new Ibis Garage, which opened in December; modernization of more than 600 elevators, escalators, and moving walkways; renovation of 196 public restrooms across all terminals and concourses; the Concourse K expansion slated for 2029; and the $745-million Central Terminal redevelopment, expected to modernize MIA’s oldest terminal by 2031.
