Airports

Mayor Daniella Levine Cava Unveils Newest Glass Boarding Bridge at Miami International Airport

April 17, 2024

With plans to introduce a 62 bridges in the first phase by 2028, Miami International Airport is poised to become the leading adopter of these energy-efficient innovations among U.S. airports.

Related To: Miami International Airport

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava (center), Miami-Dade County Chief Operating Officer Jimmy Morales (second from left) and Miami International Airport Director Ralph Cutie (second from right) cut the ceremonial ribbon.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and officials from Miami International Airport (MIA) celebrated the inauguration of the latest glass passenger boarding bridge at gate H17, marking a significant milestone in the airport's ongoing modernization efforts.

“I am so proud to unveil our newest glass bridge at MIA and announce our ambitious plans to introduce 60 more, making MIA the largest user of these energy-efficient innovations in the country. These bridges not only enhance the traveler experience but also demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and innovation." -Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

The unveiling of the glass bridge at gate H17 follows the successful introduction of a similar structure at gate D14 in winter 2022. With plans to introduce a 62 bridges in the first phase by 2028, Miami International Airport is poised to become the leading adopter of these energy-efficient innovations among U.S. airports.

Glass bridges not only offer a sleek and modern aesthetic but also provide enhanced comfort for passengers, reducing feelings of claustrophobia commonly associated with traditional steel bridges. Moreover, their streamlined surface and superior insulation make them more energy-efficient, contributing to significant cost savings in cleaning and temperature control.

"The boarding bridge is that critical first step a visitor takes into MIA and Miami-Dade County. What better way to give a positive first impression of our County than to see our magnificent Miami skyline as soon as you exit your flight? Our boarding bridges are also the first step a passenger takes into our M.I.A. Plan, which is modernizing the entire airport experience from the cabin to the curb." - Ralph Cutié, MIA Director and CEO.

The airport’s Modernization in Action (M.I.A.) Plan has modernized 30 other gates since 2019 with state-of-the-art steel bridges, but the rest of MIA’s 126 bridges moving forward will be replaced with glass.

The M.I.A. Plan is implementing $1.7 billion in maintenance upgrades, including replacing or renovating all 616 elevators, escalators, and moving walkways at MIA in need of an upgrade. Under the Plan, at least 30 conveyance units are scheduled to be upgraded or replaced annually over the next five to seven years. 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 also making an unprecedented investment of more than $7 billion in its Future-Ready Capital Improvement Program.