A second Miami-Dade airport? What county leaders are saying
- Miami-Dade County Commissioners are considering a potential new airport.
- Miami International Airport could reach full capacity within the next 15 years, according to a report by the mayor.
- Commissioners are also considering expanding Miami Executive Airport or Miami Homestead General Aviation Airport.
The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners is considering a potential new airport, as Miami International Airport (MIA) could reach full capacity within the next 15 years.
That’s according to a March press release by the county, published after a feasibility report issued by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava confirmed that MIA is approaching its operational limits. Consequently, the County Commission moved forward with studying the possibility of opening a second airport, or expanding Miami Executive Airport (KTMB) or Miami Homestead General Aviation Airport (X51) into full-on commercial airports.
“We are approaching a critical point where capacity constraints could limit economic growth, disrupt travel, and impact our competitiveness," said Chairman Anthony Rodriguez. "We must act now to stay ahead. Being proactive will ensure that MIA is ready to support its continued growth.”
The release says that a motion directed Levine Cava to "advance all next steps outlined in the feasibility study," which included further evaluation of the three potential sites.
WPLG reported that it would take 12 to 15 years to expand either general airport, and a minimum of 20 years to build an entirely new one.
Miami International Airport is already undergoing a $9 billion "modernization" initiative, which involves building a new concourse and renovating over a hundred passenger boarding bridges and bathrooms, as well as over 600 elevators, escalators and moving walkways.
Where are the three sites located?
Miami International Airport (MIA) is located at 2100 N.W. 42nd Ave. in Miami.
Miami Executive Airport (KTMB) is located at 12800 S.W. 145th Ave. in Miami.
Miami Homestead General Aviation Airport (X51) is located at 28700 S.W. 217th Ave. in Homestead.
Sarah Perkel is a South Florida Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network's Florida Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.