2024 was the best year in Miami International Airport (MIA)’s history. Record passenger numbers — just under 56 million — passed through the Floridian airport, a 7% increase compared to 2023.
However, at the beginning of 2025 the airport suddenly found itself facing a more challenging economic outlook. The announcement of tariffs led to gloomy economic predictions and an expectation that air travel would suffer.
But Ken Pyatt, Deputy Director of Miami International Airport, remains optimistic about the airport’s future. In an exclusive interview at Aviation Festival Americas 2025, he shared his outlook on the future and MIA’s ongoing development strategy.
From a short-term perspective, MIA has proven itself to be resilient in times of uncertainty. Pyatt notes that the airport was one of the first in the US to bounce back after the Covid-19 pandemic, and in 2025 airlines continue to add flights to Miami, suggesting that the appetite for travel remains.
Arajet has introduced service to Santo Domingo. Volaris added service to Monteray. And Viva, a low-cost Mexican carrier, is flying to Mexico City. When you start seeing carriers adding flights to your airport, that’s a very positive sign.
In the long-term, MIA’s US$9 billion investment plan continues as it aims to make the most of its 6.5 square mile footprint. US$700 million alone is being invested in upgrading conveyances with smart technology.
The sensors can tell us electronically when conveyances aren’t working so we can fix them immediately, and make them slow down when not in use to save wear and tear. Right now, these units run 24/7 which takes a toll on preventative maintenance.
Customs gates are also deploying smart tech to streamline processes and reduce time waiting in lines for domestic passengers.
Enhanced passenger processing is a new programme that we’re going to implement by the end of the year, which allows customers to be recognised and identified without seeing an officer. So we’ll be able to redeploy those customs heads on the international side to process them faster as well.
A new Concourse K, a redesign of the central terminal, and more car parking spaces are additional components to the US$9 billion plan.
🎥 Watch the full interview to hear the full conversation with Ken Pyatt on MIA’s ongoing investment plans and position in the aviation industry.
Questions asked include:
- How are you seeing demand shift from last year? Has that affected your position as a gateway?
- Does the airport have the infrastructure to support ongoing passenger growth?
- What are the most promising technologies for managing more passengers with a limited airport footprint?
- What are your strategic goals for the future and how do they align with the trends of today?
Join us at Aviation Festival Americas 2026 to hear more from industry leaders in American aviation.
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