MIA Future Ready

A modernization plan is underway to fully rebuild and/or replace most of the 616 conveyances at MIA (312 elevators, 206 escalators, and 98 moving walkways), which represents half of all the conveyance units at Miami-Dade County government facilities. To keep MIA accessible for those using wheelchairs, elevators have been prioritized for modernization and eight elevator units have already been completed. So far, 32 units have been upgraded, and another 38 units are under contract to begin the modernization process in 2023 and 2024.

A full conveyance modernization typically requires 16 to 20 weeks on average to accomplish the precision fabrication of replacement components, as well as the specialized equipment and rigging needed to remove and install extremely large parts in challenging locations. For example, a modernized 40-step escalator is comprised of over 12,000 moving parts. 

As we install new and rebuilt devices, we have found it difficult to obtain parts because of continued supply chain delays. It is taking as long as eight months to receive parts. In addition, some of our devices are obsolete and parts literally are built from scratch. Additionally, routine maintenance and inspections are required, which further reduces the number of units in service. The remaining units will be in some stage of modernization within the next seven years.

What’s the first place most of us go to after a long flight? You guessed it – the bathroom. MIA’s restroom modernization project includes the renovation of 195 public access restrooms located on all three levels of MIA’s terminal and concourses. As of August 2024, a total of 44 restrooms have been modernized.

Renovations include interior demolition, new partition walls, new toilet partitions, new restroom finishes including flooring, walls, ceiling, new vanity countertops, new plumbing fixtures, new accessories, and new lighting fixtures.

Phase 1, which included 10 public restrooms in Concourse H, was completed in Winter 2023.

Phase 2, which includes 22 restrooms in Concourse D, 12 restrooms in Concourses E, F, and G, and 16 public restrooms in Concourses H and J, is scheduled for completion by Fall 2026.

Phase 3, which includes the remaining bathrooms across the MIA terminal, is scheduled for completion in stages over the next six years.

Project Benefits:

• Modernized facilities for passengers and employees
• Touchless fixtures
• Improved accessibility
• Sustainable design
• Energy-efficient products
• EPA water-sense-certified or meets LEED requirements

The Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners has adopted a new capital improvement program at Miami International Airport that will fund up to $7 billion in airport-wide modernization projects over the next five to 15 years, paving the way for future growth in passenger and cargo traffic at MIA - projected to reach 77 million travelers and more than four million tons of freight by the year 2040.

Learn more about the Capital Improvement projects.

A passenger's first step from the airplane to the airport is onto a passenger boarding bridge (PBB). MIA is improving that first impression by replacing or refurbishing all its 126 passenger boarding bridges. The first 32 bridges, including two glass bridges, have been installed. Another ten are pending solicitation. By 2028, 94 of MIA’s 126 bridges will be replaced.

This project also includes the design, fabrication, transportation, and installation of pre-conditioned air units, baggage chutes, and ground support equipment for each boarding bridge.

Project Title:  Parking Guidance System

Project Timeline:

• Completed Spring 2022

Project Summary:

• The automated parking system will assist passengers and visitors in finding a parking space in the airport garages. It consists of cameras that turn green when there is a vacant parking space and red when the space is occupied.
• 16 “Pay-On-Foot” Systems will be installed throughout the Dolphin and Flamingo parking garages. This will help in reducing congestion at the exit as the prepaid ticket is processed faster.
• All exit lanes will be equipped with Exit Terminals that will allow unattended payment allowing for more throughput regardless of staffing levels.
• A new loyalty account will be introduced for frequent parkers to earn points for each visit.  The points may be redeemed for future parking visits.

Project Benefits:

• Help passengers and visitors easily find a parking location.
• Prebook or reserve parking in advance through the airport website.
• Ability to pay for parking with a credit card, debit card or mobile pay.
• Assist in locating a vehicle when the driver forgets where they parked. A map will be displayed after payment with to illustrate where the vehicle is parked.
• Better customer service with intercoms at each of the pay-on-foot devices to allow parkers to contact a Customer Service Representative in the 24/7 staffed Parking Control Room.

Project Title: Perimeter Fence Security Enhancement 

Project Timeline:

• Completed March 2021

Project Summary: 
Installed 18” diameter stainless steel razor wire coil assemblies on top of the existing 10.95-mile-long perimeter fence, with “V” type connectors and six new lines of barbed wire. 

Project Benefits:

• Enhanced airport security

Project Title: Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS)

Project Timeline:

• Scheduled Completion: Winter 2026

Project Summary:

• A $6.2 million security project funded by TSA adds advanced technologies to the airport perimeter to detect unauthorized movement along the fence line.

Project Benefits:

• Enhanced airport safety and security.

Title: Digital Signage at D-60 Gates

Project Timeline:

• Completed Summer 2022

Project Summary:

Installation of 13 new digital displays in Concourse D, post-security, at D-60 gates. The new dynamic signs display each gate's number, destination, and flight number. The new displays replaced multiple static ones, which required manual relocation for each flight operation.

Project Benefits:

• Provides passenger information at each of the D-60 gates in a digital medium.
• Increase operational efficiency when the information needs to be updated.\