Miami International Airport (MIA) is gearing up for a significant milestone as it prepares to reintroduce three out of four Concourse D Skytrain stations into service on March 29. After undergoing extensive repairs and testing over the past six months to address structural issues, the Skytrain is primed to enhance passenger convenience and efficiency once again.
"I am thrilled that most of our Concourse D Skytrain will soon be operational again. Our unwavering commitment to passenger and employee safety prompted the temporary suspension of Skytrain services last September. With the impending reopening, travelers can expect seamless access to most Concourse D gates in just minutes, " said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
Built 25 years ago, the Skytrain was temporarily decommissioned on September 15, 2023, following regulatory inspections that revealed structural concerns near station 1, necessitating comprehensive evaluations for public safety. The diligent repair efforts have now paved the way for the safe resumption of Skytrain service between stations 2, 3, and 4 (gates D20 to D60), with station 1 (near gate D16) slated to rejoin operations by summer. The total cost of repairs stands at $4.2 million.
During the interim period until full Skytrain service is restored, MIA will continue to provide a courtesy trolley service for passengers between stations 1 and 2. Additionally, individuals requiring wheelchair assistance are advised to coordinate with American Airlines ahead of their flight.
Miami-Dade County is also making record investments in modernizing MIA – with an unprecedented investment of $7 billion in capital improvements and $1.7 billion in maintenance upgrades under its Modernization in Action (M.I.A.) Plan.
The M.I.A. Plan is replacing or renovating all 616 elevators, escalators, and walkways at MIA that are in need of an upgrade. Of all 616 units, only 9% are currently out of service for repair or modernization. Under the Plan, at least 30 conveyance units are scheduled to be upgraded or replaced annually over the next five to seven years. The M.I.A. Plan is also replacing or refurbishing all of MIA’s 126 passenger boarding bridges, with the first 32 already completed and 10 bridges scheduled for completion every year through 2028. MIA’s 207 public restrooms are being renovated as well. A total of 33 bathrooms have already been modernized in concourses D, H, and J, and 32 more in MIA’s other concourses are on schedule for renovation in 2024.
MIA is not only revitalizing infrastructure but is also reaffirming its commitment to delivering a world-class travel experience for passengers. Last month, MIA launched the “I AM MIA” campaign, a pivotal initiative designed to transform the customer experience. The campaign has deployed dedicated Lightning Crew teams of highly trained employees to strategically patrol the terminal for maintenance issues in need of immediate attention. Other Lightning Crew members will proactively address passenger inquiries and concerns, to significantly enhance the overall customer experience at the airport.
