Miami Airport (MIA)

Miami Airport: The Leading Airport in Miami

Miami International Airport, also known as Wilcox Field or Mia Airport after its IATA code, opened its doors in 1928. Located in an unincorporated area in Miami-Dade County, it is 8 miles (13km) away from Miami’s downtown, on the city’s northwest side.

MIA Airport is one of the most important aviation hubs in the U.S. and worldwide. Welcoming millions of passengers annually, it is considered one of the busiest U.S. airports as well as the second busiest when it comes to international passenger traffic. Even though being considerably affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, Miami Airport served 50.6 million passengers in 2022, long exceeding the almost 46 million passenger traffic of the pre-pandemic period (2019). In addition to its importance concerning passenger volumes, MIA plays a significant role in the country’s cargo transport. 

It is estimated that Miami Airport handles more than 1000 flights on a daily basis while serving almost 100 international destinations and 74 domestic ones. Although it is evident that it connects Miami to almost every part of the globe, it is, even more, a key hub for transfers from and to Latin America, North America, and the Caribbean. 

Expectantly, MIA Airport hosts all the major airlines, national and international. Specifically, it is among the top 3 hubs for American Airlines and a focus airport for Avianca, LATAM, and Frontier Airlines.

Miami International Airport’s Layout

Miami Airport resembles a huge “U”. Consisting basically of one large terminal building, it is actually divided into 3 sub-terminals, interconnected via moving walkways. Thus, MIA Aiport has 3 terminals: the North terminal, the South terminal, and the Central one. Furthermore, the airport spreads into 6 concourses (D, E, F, G, H, and J) and has 131 gates and 10 security points, 4 of which lie in concourse D.

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.

What are the transportation options from Miami Airport?

Apart from the comfortable Miami airport taxis, lavish private airport transfers or autonomous car rentals are also available for passengers cherishing convenience and independence respectively. As far as public transportation is concerned, MIA passengers, searching for a cheap alternative for their transfers, can opt for a train or bus ride.