MIA’s modernization plan, airline partnerships, and targeted route development fuel global connectivity.

Ralph Cutié, Director and CEO of Miami International Airport, oversees operations at MIA and four general aviation airports in the Miami area, which together generate $181.4 billion in business revenue and support 842,703 jobs. In this exclusive interview with the WTE Miami 2025 Daily, he discusses global connectivity and MIA’s vision for future growth

How is MIA currently positioned in terms of global air connectivity?
MIA is well-positioned with nearly 100 airlines serving over 171 non-stop passenger destinations globally. When you consider our global standing, MIA is the second international gateway in the U.S., and 33rd in the world. For total passengers, we are 10th in the U.S. and 25th globally.

Are there any recent international routes you’re excited about?
This year, we have already seen new service launched by GOL to Belém, Brazil, Viva Aerobus to Monterey, Mexico, and in the fall, Icelandair will start its first-ever service from MIA to Reykjavík.

How do you see MIA’s role in connecting North America with Latin America and the Caribbean?
We play a critical role in air connectivity across the Western Hemisphere. With over 80% of our traffic originating from and departing to Latin America and the Caribbean, MIA is the largest air bridge for the region. We serve 46 destinations in the Caribbean, 10 in Central America, and 18 in South America. Most of these destinations are served multiple times a day. 

Are there specific markets or regions you are actively targeting for new or expanded service?
Our number one goal in air service is a direct flight to Tokyo, Japan. We have been working on this route for quite some time and feel that we are getting closer to achieving our goal because of new developments. Until recently, there were no airplanes with the range to fly directly from Miami to Japan. We are in discussion with other Asian carriers like Air India and Korean Air as well and expect to expand our destinations in Europe next year.

How do you work with airlines to support route development and long-term growth?
Part of the key to our success is the incredible Air Service Development Division we have, headed by Division Director Emir Pineda. They have done a great job of preparing a comprehensive air service development plan that targets airlines with strong analytics to support our business cases for air service. But it’s not just about the analysis, it’s also the strong relationships we have built with our airline partners over the years. It’s the personal service we provide throughout the process of launching the flight, the inaugural celebration welcoming them to our airport family, the promotion we give their destination, as well as the follow-up making sure they are successful in the long-term.

Officials gathered at MIA on June 24 to break ground on the future Concourse K. Can you tell us more about the project and the Modernization in Action Plan?
The new concourse will be a 300,000-square-foot expansion that will add six new passenger gates and boarding areas initially for domestic and ultimately including international flights, post-security concessions offering more dining and shopping options for travelers, and a new passenger lounge. The future three-level concourse, MIA’s first terminal expansion in more than 18 years, is slated for completion in 2029.

With a total investment of more than $700 million, the Concourse K expansion will also include a new two-level ground support equipment maintenance facility, an enhanced baggage handling system, and critical upgrades to airfield infrastructure — all designed to meet MIA’s growing travel demand. Concourse K’s design incorporates the highest levels of sustainable construction practices as well, earning LEED Silver certification and Envision verification.

Concourse K’s groundbreaking is the latest major milestone in MIA’s Future-Ready Modernization in Action (M.I.A.) Plan, which positions MIA to accommodate 77 million passengers and 5 million tons of cargo by 2040. Major renovation projects such as Concourse K, the new Ibis garage, the Central Terminal redevelopment, the Gate D60 renovation and expansion, and the replacement of more than 200 escalators, elevators, and moving walkways are all scheduled for completion by 2031.

Airports are increasingly becoming destinations in and of themselves and not just places of transit. How do MIA’s retail, dining and other services and experiences stand out?
More than 35% of MIA’s 200+ dining and retail locations are local small businesses operated by small and minority-owned businesses based in Miami-Dade County, which allows travelers to experience some of Miami’s diverse and unique multi-cultural lifestyle during their journey.

Thanks to MIA’s distinctive mix of dining and shopping options, MIA earned the Best Airport for Layovers Award and Best Airport Shopping Award for the second-consecutive year from Global Traveler. In 2025, MIA also ranked in Food & Wine magazine’s annual list of Top 10 U.S. Airports for Food and Drink.

Stand 105