Concourse K Breaks Ground at Miami International Airport
Miami International Airport is on the brink of its first terminal expansion since 2007 after the Miami-Dade County Commission approved a $600 million project to construct Concourse K in the South Terminal. This addition represents a major milestone in MIA’s $9 billion “Future-Ready Modernization in Action” plan and will address surging passenger and cargo traffic by 2040. With nearly 56 million travelers and more than 3 million tons of freight handled in 2024, the airport aims to boost annual capacity to 77 million passengers by the end of the decade.
Concourse K will feature six new domestic gates, allowing airlines to add flights and relieve congestion at peak times. The expansion also includes two baggage make-up carousels designed to accelerate luggage processing, as well as upgraded connections between the existing Central Terminal and the new South concourse. A dedicated aircraft apron with jet fuel hydrant infrastructure will streamline refueling, while a ground support equipment maintenance facility ensures that tugs, belt loaders and deicers remain in top condition. These enhancements are intended to improve operational efficiency, minimize delays and elevate the passenger experience.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava hailed the project as transformative for South Florida’s economy. She noted that the new concourse will create thousands of construction and airport-related jobs, generate millions in economic activity and reinforce MIA’s status as a leading global gateway to Latin America, the Caribbean and beyond. Construction is slated to start this summer, with Lemartec-NV2A serving as general contractor and Perez & Perez Architects Planners leading design. The first phase is expected to open in spring 2029.
Concourse K’s approval comes alongside other significant upgrades at Miami International Airport. A four-level renovation of the Central Terminal aims to expand check-in areas, modernize security checkpoints and add dining and retail space. Concourse D will see the reconfiguration of 18 gates to accommodate larger aircraft and premium lounges, while an international arrivals corridor linking Concourses F and H will streamline passport control and customs processing. Together, these projects will enhance connectivity for more than 50 airlines serving MIA.
Data from OAG Schedules Analyser shows American Airlines dominates MIA’s route network, operating 61.4 percent of departing seats in May 2025. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines follow with 6.9 percent and 3.4 percent shares, respectively. Domestic U.S. travel accounts for roughly 54 percent of total seat capacity, underscoring the importance of new gates for expanding service to secondary markets and improving frequency on core routes.
Airport officials emphasize that Concourse K was designed with sustainability in mind. Energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, low-flow water fixtures and provisions for future solar installations will reduce the facility’s environmental footprint. Integrated wayfinding and digital signage will guide travelers seamlessly from curbside drop-off through security to the boarding gate, while public art installations will reflect Miami’s vibrant cultural heritage.
As Miami International Airport moves forward with its most ambitious capital improvement program in two decades, the addition of Concourse K marks a turning point. By expanding gate capacity, modernizing baggage infrastructure and enhancing airfield support, MIA is positioning itself to meet the demands of a growing global travel market. When Concourse K opens in 2029, it will stand as a testament to Miami’s commitment to world-class aviation, economic growth and unparalleled connectivity.
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