American Airlines announced a $1 billion investment to expand Miami International Airport (MIA), where 60% of its operations are by this airline, which has its main routes to Latin America and the Caribbean in this aerodrome. The works, which will begin in 2027 and end in 2030, will add 17 boarding gates in the airport's Terminal D for international routes, as well as connections to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) office for document review. The renovation will also include new food and shopping options, as well as an 'improved' baggage handling system, Miami-Dade County, which administers the airport, reported in a press release. 'The expansion is one of the most monumental customer service improvements within our unprecedented airport modernization plan, which will transform the passenger experience at MIA from the cabin to the curb within the next five years,' said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. The official framed the American Airlines announcement within the county's $9 billion investment plan for the airport, which is the second in the U.S. in international visitors and has the most flights to Latin America and the Caribbean. On the other hand, American Airlines is seeking to expand its operations by anticipating 'its largest summer schedule in history' this year, operating more than 380 daily flights from MIA to 155 destinations in 45 countries. 'This investment, along with new premium lounges and new routes, reflects our shared commitment with Miami-Dade County and the airport to ensure that Miami remains the premier gateway to the United States for Latin America,' said airline CEO Robert Isom in a press release. Overall, international cargo at MIA increased by 13.6% annually in 2025, the leader in U.S. foreign trade, marking the sixth consecutive annual record, but passenger traffic fell 1% to 55.3 million amid a 2% reduction in domestic travel across North America.
