Miami-Dade County officials and American Airlines CEO Robert Isom on Wednesday unveiled plans to reconstruct and expand Miami International Airport’s Concourse D.
The $1 billion, three-story extension will convert the existing gate D60 area, which has one common boarding space and 17 ground-level gates for smaller regional jets, into 17 traditional gates for larger regional and narrowbody aircraft, each with individual passenger hold rooms.
All 17 gate areas will provide third-level connections to Concourse D’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility for international arrivals.
The plan also calls for an enhanced baggage handling system.
American officials said the new concourse will be more spacious, comfortable, and brighter, with added dining and shopping areas and indoor palm trees.
Work is set to begin in 2027 and conclude by 2030.
“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,” Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said in a statement.
American is the largest airline at Miami, accounting for more than 60% of traffic there. It operates around 400 departures at the airport per day.
“Miami is an important hub and gateway for American, and it’s an essential part of our history and our future,” Isom said in a news release. “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.”
Miami is American’s main gateway to Central and South America and the Caribbean. It also supports routes to Europe.
The expanded Concourse D is one of more than 200 projects in Miami International Airport’s $9 billion master plan. Other major projects in that framework include redevelopment of the airport’s oldest terminal, renovations of public restrooms, an expansion of Concourse K, a new garage, and preventive maintenance for elevators, escalators, and moving walkways.
