Roberta Aguirre
Miami International Airport, also known as Wilcox Field or MIA Airport, is located in an unincorporated area in Miami-Dade County, 8 miles (13km) from Miami's downtown. It is one of the world's largest transportation hubs, serving millions of passengers annually and offering flights to almost every part of the world. The airport boasts a variety of amenities, including restaurants, shops, and duty-free stores, as well as convenient transportation options to and from the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Miami International Airport (MIA) |
| Other Names | Wilcox Field |
| Year of Opening | 1928 |
| Location | Miami-Dade County, 8 miles (13km) from Miami's downtown |
| Parking | Dolphin Garage, Flamingo Garage, MIA Economy Park & Ride, Cell Phone Waiting Lot |
| Terminals | 3 (North/Blue, South/Red, Central/Yellow) |
| Concourses | 6 (D, E, F, G, H, J) |
| Gates | 131 |
| Security Points | 10 |
| Airlines | American Airlines, Atlas Air, World Atlantic Airlines, Avianca, LATAM, Frontier Airlines |
| Destinations | Almost 100 international and 74 domestic |
| Restaurants | Beaudevin, Estefan Kitchen Express, Icebox Café, Sushi Maki, Bongo’s, Spring Chicken |
| Other Amenities | Duty-free stores, massage services, sports games |
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What You'll Learn
Miami International Airport (MIA)
MIA has a wide range of amenities and services to cater to different types of travellers. The airport features an extensive collection of shopping destinations, including high-end labels, designer apparel, luxury goods, and local souvenirs. It also provides dining options for passengers with layovers.
The history of MIA dates back to 1928 when Pan American Airways acquired land on NW 36th Street to build a privately owned and operated international airport in Miami, Florida. The airport was established to meet the growing aviation needs of the city, and by 1948, it had expanded to 2,500 acres. The official dedication of the County-owned Miami International Airport took place on January 4, 1950.
During the 1950s, the airport experienced a boom in postwar passenger aviation, leading to plans for a new airport. On February 1, 1959, the new Miami International Airport was inaugurated at 20th Street, dubbed Wilcox Field. The original Concourses D and E were rebuilt in the 1980s, and Concourses B and F were expanded. Today, MIA continues to be a significant hub for air travel, serving millions of passengers each year.
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MIA's amenities and services
Miami International Airport (MIA), located near Downtown Miami, offers a wide range of amenities and services to cater to the diverse needs of travellers. Here is an overview of some of the key amenities and services available at MIA:
Transportation and Terminal Navigation:
The MIA Mover station, situated between the Dolphin and Flamingo garages on the 3rd level, facilitates easy transportation within the airport. The 3rd-level Skyride, with its moving walkways, provides a convenient connection between terminals and the train station.
Shopping and Dining:
MIA boasts an extensive collection of shopping options, ranging from high-end designer labels to local souvenirs. Travellers can explore a diverse selection of designer apparel, luxury goods, and beauty products. With over 120 shopping destinations throughout the airport, passengers can find vacation-ready gear and a taste of the Miami lifestyle. MIA also offers a variety of dining options for travellers to enjoy a quick bite or a leisurely meal during their layover.
Military Hospitality Lounge:
The Military Hospitality Lounge, operated by volunteers, provides a dedicated space for military personnel. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers amenities such as snacks, TV, computers, WiFi, and Skype. Military ID and travel documentation are required for entry, and it is located on the 2nd level of Concourse E, with temporary access through Concourse D in the North Terminal.
Multi-Sensory Room:
MIA considers the accessibility needs of its passengers. The Multi-Sensory Room, located in Concourse D, offers a quiet and relaxing environment for passengers with disabilities. This dedicated space is open seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., ensuring that passengers with special needs can comfortably await their flights.
Non-Denominational Chapel:
Recognizing the diverse religious backgrounds of travellers, MIA provides a non-denominational chapel room located on the 1st level of Terminal D. Catholic Mass is also held regularly, and specific cruise line counters are available for travellers continuing their journeys by sea.
Foreign Currency Exchange and Language Assistance:
To cater to international travellers, MIA has several foreign currency exchange booths located throughout the airport, including in the Greeter's Lobby areas and near security checkpoints. Additionally, language assistance is readily available at information counters, and the Translation Language Line is utilised for languages not spoken by the multilingual staff.
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MIA's status as a major aviation hub
Miami International Airport (MIA) is the primary international airport serving Miami and its surrounding metropolitan area, in the U.S. state of Florida. It is located 8 miles (13 km) west-northwest of downtown Miami, in an unincorporated area in Miami-Dade County. MIA is the largest gateway between the US, Latin America and Europe, and it is the busiest international cargo airport in the U.S. as of 2021. It is also the second busiest for international passengers, offering more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport.
The airport was founded in 1928, and during its first few years of operation, Pan American Airways (Pan Am) pioneered U.S. international passenger aviation, offering scheduled passenger airline services from the U.S. to the West Indies, Caribbean, and Central and South America. In the 1930s, Pan Am leased space at its airport to Eastern Airlines, which officially took up residence in 1935. In 1940, Intercontinent Corporation built an aircraft manufacturing plant on land acquired immediately east of Pan American Field. The City and County financed and built runways and ground facilities at the Intercontinent plant to encourage the growth of an aircraft manufacturing industry in Miami.
In December 1945, the Dade County Port Authority embarked on an airport expansion to meet Miami's increasing commercial aviation needs. The County acquired Pan Am’s N.W. 36th Street airport, which became the hub for the newly expanded Miami International Airport. The former Pan Am terminal building was remodelled and enlarged, and by 1948, the airport had grown to 2500 acres. The new airport was officially dedicated on January 4, 1950.
Today, MIA hosts over 1,000 daily flights to 185 domestic and international destinations and is a hub for major airlines such as American Airlines, Iberia, and United Airlines. The airport has three passenger terminals and offers various amenities and services for passengers, including restaurants, bars, ATMs, currency exchange, baggage storage, and more. MIA is projected to process 77 million passengers and 4 million tons of freight annually by 2040.
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MIA's terminals and concourses
Miami International Airport (MIA) is a U-shaped airport with parking inside the "U" and departure concourses on the outside. There is one large terminal building that is split into three sections: the North Terminal, the Central Terminal, and the South Terminal. All terminals are interconnected by moving walkways located on Level 3. Within each terminal, arrivals and baggage claim are on Level 1, and departures and ticketing are on Level 2.
The North Terminal, also known as the Blue Terminal, primarily serves American Airlines and its partners. It includes Concourse D, which stretches for a full mile (1.6 km) and offers 50-51 gates, four security checkpoints, and a variety of shops, restaurants, lounges, and even spa options. The Skytrain runs along most of the length of the concourse, with four stations along the route. There are four security checkpoints between the North Terminal and Concourse D—three near the ticketing areas and one small checkpoint near the Central Terminal. Once through this checkpoint, passengers can walk to the secure area of Concourse E through a connector bridge. Concourse D has lots of shops and restaurants to pass the time, as well as an XpressSpa, The Centurion Lounge, and two Admirals Club locations.
The Central Terminal, or Yellow Terminal, consists of Concourses E, F, and G, situated at the bottom end of the U-shape. Each concourse has its own shops and restaurants inside the secure area, with more outside of security, along with the Miami International Airport Hotel. Concourses E and F operate international and domestic flights, while Concourse G operates domestic flights only. Concourse E has a total of 18 gates, with a satellite building accessible via a walkway or the MIA E Train automated people mover. Concourse F has 19 gates, and Concourse G has 14 gates. All gates can be reached from the security checkpoint within a 3- to 5-minute walk.
The South Terminal provides direct access to Concourses H and J, which operate both international and domestic flights. Passengers can travel between these two concourses within the secure area via a connecting walkway. This is also where most of the shops and restaurants are situated for both concourses. Concourse H has 17 gates, and Concourse J has 15 gates. To connect to another concourse, passengers are required to exit the secure area and take the moving walkways on Level 3 to their next concourse, where they will need to go through security again.
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Transport to and from MIA
Miami International Airport (MIA) is located in an unincorporated area in Miami-Dade County, about 8 miles (13 km) from downtown Miami. It is one of the most important aviation hubs in the US and worldwide, serving over 1000 daily flights to 185 destinations and welcoming nearly 56 million passengers in 2024.
There are various transportation options available to get to and from MIA, including public transportation, taxicabs, shuttles, and rental cars.
Public Transportation
The Metrobus, Metrorail, and Tri-Rail provide convenient and affordable connections to the airport from Miami Central Station. The MIA Mover, a free service, links the airport to the Rental Car Center and the Miami Central Station/Rental Car Center. It also provides access to the Metrorail and all Miami-Dade Transit buses, which are wheelchair-accessible. To ride on public transit, you need an EASY Card pass, which can be purchased from vending machines at Miami Central Station. The Orange Line train, accessible from the Miami International Airport Metrorail station, offers a cost-effective way to travel to and from Miami Beach for just $2.25 each way. This service runs every 30 minutes, seven days a week.
Taxicabs and Shuttles
Taxicabs and shuttles are available at MIA for convenient travel to and from the airport.
Rental Cars
The MIA Mover provides easy access to the Rental Car Center, where passengers can quickly get to their rental cars.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there is an airport in Miami. Miami International Airport, also known as MIA, is located in an unincorporated area in Miami-Dade County, about 8 miles (13km) from downtown Miami.
Miami International Airport offers various amenities, including a wide range of dining options, shopping at Duty-free stores, and massage services. The airport also has public transportation connections, ample parking, and taxi stands for easy commuting.
Miami International Airport has several parking options, including the two main parking lots, Dolphin Garage and Flamingo Garage, with a total capacity of 7500 parking spots. MIA Economy Park & Ride is the most affordable parking option but is located furthest from the terminals. New car parks are expected to be added to the airport complex.
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