Movement at Miami - new concourse opens
Look for a number of airlines to switch gates at Miami International Airport (MIA) now that Concourse J is open for business. The new facility sports 15 gates, geared for both domestic and international flights. It's even capable of handling the new A380 VLA (very large aircraft), the double-decked gargantuan built by Airbus.
Concourse J is part of the Miami International's 1.7-million-square-foot South Terminal expansion, which has just been completed.
Twelve airlines will operate out of J, and seven more from newly renovated Concourse H, which is also part of the South Terminal project. Look for all 19 carriers to relocate to the new terminal area by November 13, just in time for Thanksgiving traffic.
There's more to the South makeover than gates. Among other things, flyers can expect to see:
- A new Federal Inspection Service area capable of handling 2,000 international passengers per hour;
- A new baggage screening system that can accommodate 4,000 pieces of luggage an hour;
- 168 ticket counters, and a commensurate 1,048 feet of new curbside pick-up and drop-off space;
- A trio of security checkpoints for Concourses J and H;
- A new cruise and tour bus station, with 22 dedicated airline check-in counters for shuttling flyers to the Port of Miami;
- 900 feet of new moving walkway on the third level of the complex.
Over the past few years, there has been a concerted attempt to remake the image of MIA. The new South Terminal project is a major piece of that plan.
© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler