Miami-Dade County and American Airlines have unveiled plans for a major expansion of Miami International Airport’s Concourse D. The $1 billion project will add 17 new aircraft gates by 2033 while enhancing the passenger experience with new F&B and increased spaces.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County Commissioners, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, local, state, and federal officials, as well as community partners, announced the Gate D60 expansion, which will also include adjoining passenger boarding areas, more dining and shopping options, and an enhanced baggage-handling system. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027.

“The D60 expansion is 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,” said Levine Cava.

“Miami International Airport 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 three-level D60 extension will transform the existing Gate D60 area, which currently features one common boarding space and 17 ground-level gates serving smaller regional jets. It will be replaced with 17 traditional contact gates designed for larger regional and narrow-body aircraft. Each gate will have its own spacious passenger hold room.

All 17 gate areas will also offer convenient third-level connections to Concourse D’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility for international arrivals.

“Miami is an important hub and gateway for American, and it’s an essential part of our history and our future,” added American CEO Robert Isom.

“The brand new, 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.”

Investments to continue until 2033

The expansion will incorporate sustainable building features intended to secure LEED Silver and Envision Verified certifications. These certifications represent the highest ratings for resilient structures from the U.S. Green Building Council and the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure.

D60 is one of more than 200 projects included in the $14 billion Modernization in Action (M.I.A.) Plan, an airport-wide modernization program.

Other major projects include the new Ibis Garage, which opened in December; modernization and preventive maintenance covering more than 600 elevators, escalators, and moving walkways; and renovation of 196 public-access restrooms across all three levels of the terminal and concourses.

The new Concourse K expansion is scheduled to open in 2029, while the $745 million Central Terminal redevelopment is expected to be completed by 2031. The project will modernize MIA’s oldest terminal area.

Miami International Airport is already receiving an unprecedented $14 billion investment in capital improvements and maintenance upgrades.

MIA is America’s busiest airport for international freight and the second busiest for international passengers. It offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport.

The airport is also a major economic engine for Miami-Dade County and Florida, generating $212 billion in business revenue and handling approximately 60% of all international visitors to Florida annually.