Miami Airport’s $600M Concourse K Set to Transform South Terminal by 2029

Key Points

• $600M Investment: Miami-Dade County approves a $600.6 million contract for Concourse K, part of MIA’s $9B modernization plan.

• Six New Gates: The expansion will add six gates, with three convertible to international use, enhancing capacity and flexibility.

• Spring 2029 Completion: Construction begins this summer, aiming for a Spring 2029 opening.

MIA’s South Terminal Expansion: A Strategic Move

Miami International Airport (MIA) is embarking on a significant expansion with the approval of Concourse K, a $600.6 million project aimed at enhancing the airport's capacity and modernizing its facilities. This development is a key component of MIA's ambitious $9 billion Future-Ready Modernization in Action plan, designed to accommodate growing passenger demand and improve operational efficiency.

Project Overview: Concourse K Details

• Location & Structure: Concourse K will be an extension of the South Terminal, situated east of Concourse J.

• Gate Configuration: The concourse will feature six new gates designed for domestic narrow-body aircraft, with the flexibility to convert three gates for international use in the future.

• Additional Facilities:

  • A ground support equipment maintenance facility.

  • Enhanced baggage handling systems, including two new baggage make-up carousels.

  • Upgrades to the existing baggage handling system to connect the Central and South Terminals.

  • Installation of a jet fuel hydrant system.

• Sustainability Goals: The project aims for LEED Silver certification, emphasizing sustainable infrastructure.

Construction Timeline & Stakeholders

• Contractors: The design-build contract has been awarded to Lemartec-NV2A JV, LLC, with Perez & Perez Architects Planners, Inc. serving as the lead architect.

• Timeline:

  • Groundbreaking is scheduled for this summer.

  • The project is slated for completion by Spring 2029.

Strategic Significance for MIA

• Capacity Enhancement: Concourse K is expected to play a crucial role in MIA's plan to handle 77 million passengers and 5 million tons of cargo annually by 2040.

• Economic Impact: The expansion is anticipated to create thousands of jobs and reinforce MIA’s position as a premier global gateway.

• Modernization Efforts: This project marks the first terminal expansion at MIA since 2007, signifying a transformative milestone in the airport's evolution.

Additional Insights

• Replacement of Concourse G: Concourse K is set to replace the aging Concourse G, which was built in 1957 and lacks modern amenities and access to U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities.

• Broader Modernization Plan: The Concourse K project is part of a comprehensive $9 billion capital improvement program that includes the redevelopment of Central Terminal concourses E and F, expansion of the South Terminal, and construction of new hotels and cargo facilities.

• Technological Innovations: MIA is also investing in cutting-edge technologies, such as AI-driven signage and autonomous wheelchairs, to enhance passenger experience.

The approval and forthcoming construction of Concourse K represent a significant step in Miami International Airport's ongoing efforts to modernize and expand its facilities. By addressing current capacity challenges and anticipating future growth, this project underscores MIA's commitment to maintaining its status as a leading global aviation hub. For real estate investors, landlords, and commercial real estate brokers, the expansion signals potential opportunities in the surrounding areas, driven by increased passenger traffic and economic activity.

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