American Airlines and Miami-Dade County officials have unveiled plans for a major expansion of Concourse D at Miami International Airport, a project that will add 17 new gates and expand the airport’s capacity for larger aircraft — a huge boost for an airport is the world’s largest gateway to the Caribbean.
The new D60 extension, scheduled to break ground in 2027, will transform an area currently used for smaller regional jets into a three-level concourse designed to handle mainline aircraft. The expansion will eliminate outside boarding at those gates and introduce individual adjoining boarding areas for each gate, replacing the current shared configuration.
That area is used particularly often for flights to the islands of The Bahamas, where American typically uses smaller Embraer aircraft to serve markets like Governor’s Harbour and North Eleuthera, among others. The expansion would mean a big experience improvement for travelers to those destinations.
Airport officials say the redesign is intended to ease congestion and improve passenger flow in one of the busiest parts of the airport.
The project also includes future capability to process international arrivals, along with direct third-floor access to the airport’s customs hall. Renderings show larger gate areas, expanded seating and new dining and retail space.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said the D60 project is part of a broader airport modernization effort planned over the next five years.
Expanding Capacity at American’s Largest International Hub
Miami is American Airlines’ primary gateway for flights to Latin America and the Caribbean. The airline operates roughly 400 departures a day from Miami International Airport and plans to run more than 380 peak daily flights this summer to 155 destinations across 45 countries.
American accounts for more than 60 percent of passenger traffic at MIA, according to the airline.
The carrier offers service to more than 90 destinations that are served only by American from Miami, including new flights to Bimini in The Bahamas that launched earlier this month.
The additional gates are expected to support continued growth in widebody and larger narrowbody operations at the airport, particularly on international routes.
Premium Lounge Expansion and Technology Upgrades
Separately, American recently announced plans to open a new Flagship lounge at MIA and expand its existing Admirals Club facilities.
Over the past year, the airline has installed new self-service kiosks at the airport aimed at speeding up check-in. It is also participating in federal programs including TSA PreCheck Touchless ID and Enhanced Passenger Processing with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, designed to streamline security screening and international arrivals processing.
Groundbreaking on the D60 expansion is expected in 2027. A completion timeline has not yet been announced.
Caribbean Journal Staff
2026-02-26 20:13:00