MIA International Airport Starts Construction on Private Terminal in Historic Pan Am Building

Key Points

• Location & timeline: PS MIA will occupy the historic former Pan American Airways headquarters (4900 N.W. 36th St.), with opening slated for spring 2026.

• High-end amenities: Features include five private suites, two salons, dining venues, outdoor courtyard, spa, on-site TSA/customs, and chauffeured transfers.

• Modernization momentum: This debut aligns with MIA’s $9 billion “Future‑Ready Modernization in Action” overhaul—new concourse, gates, parking, and on-airport hotel underway.

Miami International Airport is upgrading its premium travel game. On July 10, MIA and PS (formerly The Private Suite) broke ground on a first‑of‑its‑kind private terminal within the historic Pan Am building. It is designed in collaboration with PS Miami.

Project Overview

• Historic restoration: PS MIA will revive the mid‑century brutalist Pan Am headquarters (Historic Site since 2014), preserving iconic features like the reflecting pools, gold panels, and original Pan Am logos.

• Design credentials: Spearheaded by RJ Heisenbottle Architects and interior designer Cliff Fong (also behind PS LAX), the space will evoke Palm Beach glamour—with terrazzo, marble, smoked glass, Lilly Pulitzer– and Marimekko‑style patterns.

Luxury Passengers’ Experience

• Private suites & salons: Travelers will have exclusive access to one of five private suites or share comfortably in salon lounges—with dining, spa, and massage services available .

• Fast-track travel: The facility will offer private, on-site TSA screening, immigration processing, and chauffeur escorts directly to the jet bridge.

• Extended presence: Whether arriving before flights or unwinding after landing, guests can enjoy pampering, food, and privacy away from the main terminal’s crowds.

Bigger Infrastructure Strategy

It is just one part of MIA’s aggressive expansion plan:

• New Concourse K: $600 million project set to add six gates, baggage systems, and ground‑support facilities—part of the $9 billion modernization.

• Airport-wide upgrades: Plans encompass parking garage expansion, automated walkways, roof replacements, an on-site 550-room hotel, and a new seven-story garage.

• Capacity for growth: MIA served nearly 56 million passengers and 3 million tons of cargo in 2024, projecting up to 77 million travelers by 2040. The modernization ensures it can meet future demand.

Investor & Developer Insights

• PS brand credibility: PS began with luxury terminals at LAX (2017) and a shared-salon model there, followed by Atlanta in 2023. Versions are planned for DFW and Miami completing the upscale portfolio.

• Historic adaptive reuse: Restoring the Pan Am building taps into growth in creative reuse of landmark structures—serving both preservation and luxury demand.

• High-margin opportunity: Targeting affluent travelers flying commercial, PS MIA taps into the premium experience segment without the overhead of private jets.

This marks a strategic elevation for Miami Airport—blending historic preservation with ultra-premium service to meet demand from wealthy travelers. As MIA transforms into a next-gen aviation hub, PS's private terminal adds a new dimension to the airport’s amenities and revenue potential. Expect broader investor interest as touchpoints like Concourse K, parking, and hospitality roll out—solidifying Miami’s status as a top-tier gateway to Latin America and beyond.