American Airlines has announced a $1bn investment to expand Concourse D at Miami International Airport (MIA), with construction scheduled to begin in 2027.
The project, named Gate D60, will add 17 new gates designed for larger aircraft and aims to eliminate outdoor boarding by expanding the current ground facilities.
The expansion will also include improved boarding spaces and direct access for international arrivals to the airport’s customs hall on the third floor.
The airline currently operates about 400 daily departures from MIA, with plans to run its largest summer schedule this year, peaking at more than 380 flights to 155 destinations across 45 countries.
American Airlines manages more than 60% of the airport’s traffic and serves as MIA’s primary international gateway, offering exclusive routes to over 90 destinations, including recent additions such as Milan and Bimini.
Representatives from American Airlines, Miami-Dade County, the Miami-Dade Aviation Department, and various government and community partners attended an event to unveil the concourse expansion plans.
The new three-level concourse is expected to streamline passenger flow by providing dedicated boarding areas for each gate and accommodating future increases in international arrivals.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said: “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 ensure Miami remains the preeminent US gateway to Latin America.”
In addition to infrastructure improvements, American Airlines recently announced new lounge facilities at MIA, including a Flagship lounge and an expanded Admirals Club.
The airline has introduced self-service kiosks for quicker check-ins and implemented new technologies through partnerships with agencies like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
These initiatives include TSA PreCheck Touchless ID and Enhanced Passenger Processing programmes aimed at expediting security screening procedures.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said: “The D60 expansion is one of the most monumental customer service improvements within our unprecedented airport-wide modernisation plan, which will transform the passenger experience at MIA from the cabin to the curb over the next five years.”
American Airlines' ongoing investments at MIA form part of a wider multi-year strategy focused on updating airport facilities, enhancing operational efficiency, and supporting Miami’s role as a hub for international air travel.
