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Miami International Airport is equipping some of its jet bridges with wheelchair lifts. The decision was made to help improve the travel experience for passengers using mobility devices. While the lifts will be introduced with a limited scope at first, they are a part of Miami Airport's larger initiative to modernize its facilities.
Miami International Airport
IATA/ICAO Code MIA/KMIA Country United States CEO Ralph Cutié Terminals North Terminal | Central Terminal | South Terminal
The new lifts will be spread out across each of Miami's concourses, so the new technology will be available at gates across the airport. Though only a handful of gates will initially have lifts installed, more gates will receive wheelchair lifts as the airport continues to update its infrastructure.
New Wheelchair Lifts On Jet Bridges
Miami International Airport reported that the installation of the new lifts will start next week. Initially, 41 gates will be modified to include the lifts, with more additions in the future. These additions will make traveling for passengers with reduced mobility more streamlined, and make for a smoother boarding process once they are operational.
The upgrades coming to these jet bridges, among other improvements to existing facilities, are part of an improvement and modernization initiative started by the airport. Miami International Airport's Future-Ready Modernization in Action Plan will see the airport spend an impressive $9 billion on improving the airport. This will assist Miami in serving as an important passenger and freight hub into the future.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava explained:
"Our modernization efforts are designed with people at the center. Whether it's a faster check-in process, more efficient operations, or improved accessibility, we are making MIA more inclusive, more responsive, and better equipped for the future. An airport that works for everyone is an airport that truly leads. This initiative reflects our core values of equity, innovation, and care for all residents and visitors. Through the Future-Ready Modernization in Action plan, we're building a stronger, smarter, and more accessible MIA -- one that is ready to serve our growing community for decades to come."
Other Big Improvements Are Coming To MIA
Miami Airport's Future-Ready Modernization in Action Plan will bring other improvements to the airport. The program is mainly focused on enhancing the travel experience for its 55 million annual passengers. This is no easy feat, given that Miami is one of the busiest airports in the United States. Still, a variety of improvements are coming soon.
Many existing facilities will be renovated to modernize and enhance the capabilities of airport infrastructure. Infrastructure like jet bridges, bathrooms, and conveyances will be improved in the coming years, though the airport has warned that some improvements will require temporary closures that could impact passengers' travel experiences.
32 new jet bridges have already been installed as part of this program, including two glass bridges. By the end of 2028, the airport expects to have 94 of 126 jet bridges replaced. The slow pace is likely due to Miami's massive passenger volumes and airline schedules, which make it difficult to close too many spaces at once.
Renovated Facilities
Amount Of Renovations
Jet Bridges
126
Public Bathrooms
207
Conveyances
600+
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Posts 5 Miami Is A Critical US Hub
Miami is a critical aviation hub, both for the United States and the state of Florida. The airport serves as a massive international gateway, especially for services to Central American and South America. American Airlines is by far the most dominant carrier at MIA, and the Florida city is one of the airline's busiest hubs. American is uncontested in terms of market share compared to competitors.
Miami's new improvements will help the airport better welcome international and domestic passengers alike. With such an important role in connecting passengers with the United States, these new lifts, and other improvements, will create a more accessible and streamlined airport for the future.