Miami Airport (MIA)

Miami International Airport, code MIA, is rated as the ninth-busiest airport in the world. It is situated approximately 8 miles (13km) northwest of Miami’s central business district. Miami Airport handles major passenger airlines as well as cargo airlines, with their flight destination to Asia. South Florida presents Miami Airport as its main airport for long-haul international flights. Miami Airport currently features 4 runways and one terminal with eight different concourses.

Miami International Airport, one of America’s largest and busiest airports as well as America’s number one airport for international freight operations, is positioned next to the Miami Springs Golf and Country Club, Lake Joanne and Blue Lagoon Lake. This airport is responsible for the contribution of more than 19 billion to the local economy. In 2007, it was recorded that 33,740,416 travellers made use of Miami International. The amount of international passengers at Miami Airport exceeded those of all other United State’s Airports during the first 10 months of 2007. This superb Airport serves 67 countries and 6 continents for a total of 155 destinations.

In 1928, flights began at Miami Airport. Although, at that time, it was referred to as the Pan American Field. It acquired this name because it was the official flight field of the now popular Pan American Airways. Later on, Pan Am moved to a different field of operation and the airport was purchased by the City of Miami. It was then re-named as the 36th Street Airport.

Between 1950 and today, many improvements and expansions were made. Today, approximately 35 million passengers pass through the airport each year and flight movements have exceeded 400,000.

Miami international is in the process of under-going various huge expansion projects to help cope with an unprecedented growth rate of 6.5 percent. Currently, during peak hours, MIA is exceeding its capacity capabilities. Air traffic is significantly increasing and MIA has more take-offs and landings per runway than any other United States airport. 2.7 Million square feet will be added to the terminal during expansion. Expansion will also include improvement to runways, taxi ways and taxi lanes. Additional storage facilities will add 3.3 million square feet in support of Miami Airport’s cargo transportation.

The north terminal has undergone development and was completed as predicted in the first half of 2006. Concourse D has now been expanded to 1.100ft and concourses B and C has been removed. Passengers of Miami International, north terminal, now enjoy 50 international gates, an automated people-mover system, 49 ticket counters and 90 self-service check-in points. The baggage handling system is also totally upgraded.

The south terminal of Miami Airport is a magnificent five storey building comprising of a total 1.7 million square feet. Included in the south terminal are two concourses (J and H) and the circular concession area with 110 feet-high glass walls. Concourse J is built in the shape of an aircraft wing! There is 50 000ft of features to welcome the passengers. 61 Retail, duty free and food outlets are available for the customer’s leisure. The south terminal features a state-of-the-art baggage screening system and passport control designed to handle 2000 passengers per hour and all is handled together in one area.

By early 2007 construction of a new runway was completed. It is 8.600ft long and 150ft wide. The expansion program for Miami International will also include further construction within Concourse A and a new five-level car rental facility. A new satellite-based air traffic control system has been installed at Miami Airport. This is the first installation of its kind and Miami Airport was chosen as the first candidate because of its flat terrain, consistent weather and a less congested air corridor when compared to other airports.

Miami International Airport pays special attention to exceptional customer service. Airport employees are encouraged to offer excellent service by the Airport-Wide Customer Service Reward and Recognition Program. Volunteer Customer Service Representatives are also placed throughout the airport to offer assistance to troubled passengers. They wear orange polo-shirts with a VIP logo on them. Miami Airport has a Tourist Information Center which is based on level 2 of Concourse E. The Tourist Centre handles all airport and tourist information in a multitude of languages. They offer an interpreting and translation service and assist with customer complaints.

Miami International Airport is a first-class establishment which is also fortunate to have a warm, subtropical climate all year round, and is surrounded by many tourist attractions, including the glorious Miami Beach with white sand and clear waters.

When arriving at Miami MIA you may be interested in renting a car from one of the leading hire companies like Avis Miami Airport prices are generally cheaper than Europe and with Free unlimited mileage.

Find below a choice of Airlines, destination and flight times from Miami Airport.

American Airlines, American Eagle and United Airlines are the busiest airlines companies that fly from Miami Airport and cover the majority of the destinations The busiest which is American Airlines covers a total of 552 flights per week out of Miami Airport and goes to 107 destinations. American Airlines travels to 32% of the total destinations from Miami Airport. American Airlines airline offers flights to Dallas/Fort Worth International, La Guardia, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Nassau International, O'Hare International Airport and Orlando International among others.

You can see below a selection of nonstop flights covered from Miami Airport with approximate times

When arriving in Miami Airport you may want to rent a car and you can find a selection of the major car hire companies in the Arrivals hall or nearby. Please be sure to bring a valid driving license if you intend to hire a vehicle. To be sure of beating the queues at the airport it is wise to book your Miami Car hire online, please visit the link for more information.