Miami Airport (MIA)

Miami Airport: The Leading Airport in Miami

Miami International Airport, also known as Wilcox Field or simply MIA Airport after its IATA code, opened in 1928. Located in an unincorporated area of Miami-Dade County, it lies about 8 miles (13 km) northwest of downtown Miami.

MIA Airport is one of the most important aviation hubs in the United States and worldwide. Welcoming tens of millions of passengers each year, it is among the busiest airports in the country and ranks second in the U.S. for international passenger traffic. Despite the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Miami Airport served 50.6 million passengers in 2022, surpassing its pre-pandemic passenger volume of nearly 46 million travelers in 2019.

Beyond passenger traffic, Miami International Airport plays a crucial role in global cargo transportation. It is estimated that MIA handles over 1,000 flights daily, serving nearly 100 international destinations and 74 domestic routes. While it connects Miami with almost every region of the world, it is especially important as a hub for flights between North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Miami International Airport Layout

Miami Airport is designed in a large “U” shape. Although it consists of a single terminal complex, it is divided into three interconnected sub-terminals:

North Terminal (Blue)
Central Terminal (Yellow)
South Terminal (Red)

The airport includes six concourses (D, E, F, G, H, and J), 131 gates, and 10 security checkpoints, four of which are located in Concourse D.

All terminals are connected by moving walkways, allowing passengers to walk between them even with heavy luggage. However, passengers often need to exit and re-clear security when transferring between terminals, making inter-terminal transfers time-consuming.

Airlines Operating at MIA

Miami International Airport hosts all major domestic and international airlines. It is one of the top three hubs for American Airlines, serving as the primary gateway for the airline’s routes to Latin America and the Caribbean.

In addition, MIA functions as a hub for several other airlines, including Atlas Air and World Atlantic Airlines, while also acting as a focus city for Avianca, LATAM, and Frontier Airlines.

Parking Facilities

Miami Airport offers multiple parking options to meet passenger needs. The main parking structures are:

Dolphin Garage
Flamingo Garage

Together, these garages provide approximately 7,500 parking spaces. The most affordable option is the MIA Economy Park & Ride, located farther from the terminals. For passenger pick-ups, the Cell Phone Waiting Lot is available.

Additional parking facilities are planned for the future. However, parking availability can be limited, especially from Thursday through Saturday.

Transit Options from Miami Airport

Miami International Airport is well connected to downtown Miami and other areas of the city. Available transportation options include:

Airport taxis
Car rentals
Private Miami airport transfers
Metrobus Line 7
Metrorail Orange Line

Services and Amenities

MIA Airport provides a wide range of services and facilities to ensure a comfortable travel experience. Key amenities include:

Shops and duty-free stores
Restaurants and bars
Luggage carts, wrapping, and storage
Business and meeting facilities
Pharmacies and medical services
Banks, ATMs, and currency exchange
Family services and playgrounds
Pet relief areas
Lost & Found offices
Yoga room and chapel
Park and relaxation areas
Airport lounges and spa facilities
Airport hotel
Free Wi-Fi
Travel agencies and information desks
Services for passengers with disabilities

Miami International Airport Contact Information

Official Name: Miami International Airport

Address: 2100 NW 42nd Ave, Miami, FL 33142

Phone: 305-876-7000

Email: [email protected]

Official Website: https://www.miami-airport.com/

The City of Miami

Miami is synonymous with sunshine, beaches, and a vibrant lifestyle. Its coastline attracts visitors from all over the world, especially water-sport enthusiasts. The city’s cultural diversity is one of its defining characteristics, blending Latin American, Caribbean, European, Asian, and Middle Eastern influences.

Neighborhoods such as Little Havana showcase authentic Cuban culture, while Miami’s shopping districts, nightlife, and street art scene contribute to the city’s dynamic atmosphere. Combined with its unique architectural heritage and constant flow of art and music events, Miami offers an experience that feels different with every visit.

FAQs

Does Miami have 2 airports?

Miami is mainly served by two airports. MIA Airport is to be found on the northwest side of the city, approximately 8 miles (13km) from the city center. On the other hand, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is also an important hub, 21 miles (33.7km) north of Miami, in Broward County. Nevertheless, the main airport in the area is Miami International Airport.

What is Miami Airport called?

Miami International Airport is commonly known as MIA Airport after its IATA code. Its historical name, on the other hand, is Wilcox Field, as a tribute to J. Mark Wilcox, the memorable Miami congressman.

How far is Miami Airport from city?

Miami International Airport is located within an 8-mile (13km) distance from the heart of Miami city. It lies in the northwest part of the city, only a 13-minute drive from downtown.

Is Miami a big airport?

Miami Airport is a vast airport spread over 3,230 acres (1,335 hectares). Its U-shape terminal is actually divided into 3 terminal buildings (North, West, and South), which are connected to each other via moving walkways. MIA is considered to be one of the largest airports in the world and one of the busiest ones in terms of international passenger traffic.

Which airport is bigger JFK or MIA?

Although MIA Airport covers a 3,230 acres (1,335 hectares) area, JFK Airport spreads over 5,000 acres (2,023 hectares). Thus, JFK is bigger than Miami Airport.

How many terminals does MIA have?

MIA Airport has 3 terminals and 6 concourses. The South terminal, the North terminal, and the Central one form Miami Airport. The 3 terminals are interconnected and can be reached via moving walkways.

How many gates are in Miami Airport?

Besides the 3 terminals and the 6 concourses, Miami International Airport has 131 gates. In detail, concourse D has 51 gates, concourse E 18, concourse F 19 and concourse G 14. Finally, 13 gates are to be found at concourse H and 15 at concourse J.

Is 1 hour enough for connecting flights in Miami?

Miami Airport is one of the busiest U.S. airports as well as among the most bustling hubs in the world. Hence, even though one hour might be enough time to catch a domestic flight, a 2-3-hour layover would be recommended for international transit flights.