Summary: Miami International Airport has announced a $1 billion expansion of Concourse D (Gate D60) that will add 17 contact gates, new passenger boarding areas, enhanced retail and dining, and an upgraded baggage system. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027 with completion targeted by 2030.

MIAMI — Miami International Airport has revealed plans for a major MIA Concourse D expansion that will transform the existing Gate D60 area into a three-level, $1 billion extension featuring 17 contact gates, enhanced passenger zones and a modernised baggage handling system, with the project due for completion by 2030.

Expansion overview

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, County Commissioners and American Airlines leadership joined MIA officials to present the Gate D60 extension as part of the airport’s broader five-year modernisation programme. The scheme aims to support long-term passenger growth at one of the fastest-growing global hubs since the pandemic.

New gates and passenger flow

The project will convert the current D60 footprint — which today includes a single common boarding area and 17 ground-level gates for smaller regional jets — into 17 contact gates designed to accommodate larger regional and narrow-body aircraft. Each gate will include its own passenger hold room, and all will provide third-level access to Concourse D’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility for arriving international flights.

  • Budget: $1 billion for the D60 three-level extension
  • Gates: 17 new contact gates with dedicated hold rooms
  • Connections: Third-level links to CBP for international arrivals
  • Passenger amenities: Expanded dining and retail, upgraded hold areas
  • Systems: Modernised baggage handling

Leadership and partners at the unveiling

City and airline officials displayed a rendering of the future D60 at the event. Present at the unveiling were American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, MIA Director and CEO Ralph Cutie, County Commissioners Raquel Regalado and Natalie Milian-Orbis, American Airlines Miami Hub Vice President J.C. Liscano, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, County Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, and Miami-Dade County Chief Operating Officer Jimmy Morales.

Miami is an important hub and gateway for American, and it’s an essential part of our history and our future. The brand new, reimagined D60 is a transformational project that will provide a much-improved experience for our customers and our team. This investment – alongside new premium lounges and new routes – reflects our shared commitment with Miami-Dade County and the airport to deliver a consistent, elevated customer experience.

Rendering of MIA Concourse D showing new gates and passenger circulation areas
A rendering unveiled at the press event shows the future three-level Gate D60 extension at Miami International Airport

Sustainability and the M.I.A. Plan

The Gate D60 extension will incorporate sustainable design targets, with MIA aiming for LEED Silver certification and Envision Verified recognition from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure. The D60 work is one of more than 200 projects included in the $9 billion M.I.A. Plan to modernise airport facilities across terminals and support long-term capacity.

  • Part of a $9 billion, airport-wide M.I.A. Plan
  • Recent projects include the newly opened Ibis Garage
  • Ongoing maintenance program for over 600 elevators, escalators and moving walkways
  • Refurbishment of 196 public restrooms across terminals

Timeline and next steps

Construction on the three-level Gate D60 extension is scheduled to begin in 2027, with the airport targeting completion by 2030. The D60 project sits alongside other major M.I.A. Plan initiatives, such as the upcoming Concourse K in the South Terminal due in 2029 and a $745 million Central Terminal redevelopment expected to finalise by 2031.

What this means for travellers and the industry

For passengers, the D60 expansion promises shorter connection times, improved hold areas, more dining and retail options and better baggage handling. For airlines and the region, the project increases gate capacity for larger narrow-body services and supports Miami’s role as a gateway for domestic and international traffic.

So what? The Concourse D expansion is a strategic investment that enhances MIA’s operational resilience and passenger experience while preparing the airport for projected traffic growth. Travellers can expect improved facilities and connectivity in the coming years, while airlines gain additional capacity to expand routes and services through Miami.