Every year, Miami International Airport beats its own record from the year before — a conduit for 52.3 million passengers and 2.78 million tons of cargo in 2023. Is there going to be a need for a second airport sometime soon?
Miami-Dade Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera — who could be months from becoming an ambassador so he’s still a county elected — might think so. He wants a comprehensive study that will look at remaining capacity at MIA and “explore the feasibility of building a new airport to meet future demand,” as explained in a statement from his office.
The commission voted last month to direct the administration to conduct the study and provide a report within 90 days on how a new airport could accommodate cargo, commercial passenger and general aviation operations. The resolution was recommended by the aviation and economic development committee.
“Year after year, MIA sets new benchmarks. But we can’t afford to wait until we hit capacity,” Cabrera said in a statement. “Planning for the future now means more jobs, less congestion, and securing Miami-Dade’s status as a global hub for commerce and tourism.”
Read related: Miami-Dade Commission considers land buy near airport for $17 million
The study will evaluate MIA’s existing capacity, identify potential locations for additional airport infrastructure (read: ka-ching!) and assess funding opportunities and environmental challenges. The idea, the statement says, is to act before there’s a congestion crisis.
“We’re not just reacting to growth — we’re anticipating it,” Cabrera said. “This is about ensuring Miami-Dade is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow with bold, forward-thinking solutions today.”
But wait just one Skytrain minute. The county already owns two other airports. Miami Opa-Locka Executive Airport (photo left) is 10 miles from the Hardrock Stadium and has the largest Coast Guard Air and Sea Rescue operation in the country. The Florida Department of Transportation named it the state’s general aviation airport of the year in 2018. It is also the “premier private airport” in Miami.
It’s 1,880 acres and recorded over 28,000 private jet departures in 2023.
And there’s also Miami Executive Airport in West Kendall, which used to be called the Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport, one of the busiest general aviation airports in Florida, serving corporate, recreational, flight training, and governmental agency activities with easy access to the Florida Keys.
Are those at capacity? Can those be expanded? Or is there not enough graft to go around that way?
Does Miami need another airport? Commissioner Kevin Cabrera asks added by Ladra on
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how about fixing the broken escalators and walkways at MIA? or the Skytrain? or the water leaks? useless clowns from Levine on down
Shoemaker, to your sandals The Everglades Jetport (1968) , proved impractical , primarily because City Fathers at the time , had knowledgeable concerns over it’s environmental impacts. Today, it’s the Dade-Collier Training & Transitional Airport. 36 miles from Downtown Miami , the Commissioners may inquire from MIA tenants and other competent residents , to determine if the time has come to re-evaluate a project at that location
Has anyone asked the airlines if they want another airport and are they willing to pay for it?
Do We need Another Airport ? Only If The Commissioners Have Friends That Will Like To Have Acsses To The Airport Grounds ? “or” After The Dome Idea Of Freedom Park Now WE WILL NOT Be Able to Catch A Plane ?
Can somebody please remind me what ever happened to the Homestead airport?
Transactional idea? Is there land that Trump has optioned that can become a second airport??
Why else would Cabrera care now that Trump named him Ambassador to Panama – a job for which he has ZERO qualifications!!