FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Airport Update: Miami International Airport

by Nicole Quaste

May 1, 2017
May 2017

WITH ITS PROXIMITY to some of the most beautiful beaches and tourist destinations in the United States and Latin America, Miami International Airport is one of the country’s largest hubs, ranking 10th-busiest airport in the United States and busiest in Florida by annual passenger count.

Located only eight miles from downtown Miami, MIA is South Florida’s main airport for long-haul international flights and one of only eight U.S. airports to accommodate the Airbus A380 jet.

The airport currently services 109 airlines, with American Airlines accounting for 50 percent of the airport’s growth. It also serves as a focus airport for Avianca, Frontier Airlines and LATAM as the gateway to Latin America.

MIA experienced a record-breaking year in 2016. The airport served nearly 44.6 million travelers, an increase of 234,000 from 2015. Despite a large downturn in travel between MIA and top South American markets due to struggling economies and the presence of Zika in South Florida, the global gateway’s annual passenger traffic still increased by 0.53 percent.

Also in 2016, J.D. Power and Associates ranked the airport fifth among large airports in the North America Airport Satisfaction Study — its highest ranking ever, up from 18th place in the 2015 study.

This looks to be another successful year for the South Florida airport despite a bumpy start with a couple of safety threats and an altercation with pop star Jason Derulo.

The airport welcomed six new passenger airlines and four allcargo carriers in 2016, and five airlines will launch new service in 2017. Three new airlines began serving MIA in February: Mexican low-cost carrier Volaris will offer service to Guadalajara (GDL) four times a week and Mexico City (MEX) daily, Qatar Airways Cargo began two weekly freighter flights, and Canadian airline First Air began charter passenger flights from Ontario (ONT). In April low-cost trans-Atlantic airline WOW Air launched three-times-weekly service to Reykjavík (KEF), and in September Aer Lingus will launch three weekly flights to Dublin (DUB).

In March the Airports Council International-North America awarded the airport with the 2017 Environmental Achievement Award in the Environmental Management category for its Sustainability Project. Launched in August 2015 in partnership with Florida Power & Light Services, the project includes $32 million worth of air-conditioning and ventilation upgrades, water conservation retrofits, energy-efficient lighting and other innovative solutions that will save the airport more than 35 million kilowatts of power per year and $40 million in utility costs over the 14-year contract period with FPLS. The project is reducing carbon emissions at the airport by the equivalent of 5,110 cars and water consumption equal to 28 million gallons of water.

The Miami-Dade Aviation Department also announced in March it is moving forward with a multiphase Cargo Optimization, Redevelopment and Expansion program that will optimize MIA’s usable cargo space. The initial phase will increase taxiway, ramp and aircraft parking space in the cargo area.

In 2015 airport officials disclosed details about their plan to refurbish the aging Central Terminal, while some officials want the building demolished and replaced. The airport embarked on a three-year, $651 million renovation it believes is necessary to keep pace with unexpectedly high growth. However, the airport also has long-term plans to demolish and replace the Central Terminal beginning in 2025.

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Sep 29, 2023

Spies, Lies and Nukes Weekend at La Fonda on the Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Did the new film Oppenheimer rouse your interest in the nefarious world of international espionage? You can go straight to the real-life setting for covert actions this November (Nov. 10–12), when La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe hosts a specially themed “Spies, Lies and Nukes” weekend. The hotel actually served as the retreat location for Manhattan Project scientists, who stayed at La Fonda on the Plaza to take a break from the stress of their work. During the weekend, the property’s La Fiesta Lounge will make a tasty nod to those days by serving up a special Atomic Martini.

Business or Leisure? With TAP Air Portugal, You Can Have Both!

Are you looking to enhance your business trip with a little leisure? Look no further than Portugal, a country renowned for its captivating blend of history, culture and natural beauty. And with TAP Air Portugal, you can effortlessly transform your business trip into an unforgettable bleisure adventure. Discover why Portugal and TAP Air Portugal are the perfect combination for an enriching and rejuvenating experience.

Daily
Sep 29, 2023

A Shucking Good Time: The Read House Introduces New Lavish Martini & Pearls In-Room Service

Ever want handcrafted martinis and freshly shucked oysters delivered straight to your room? The Read House’s New Martinis & Pearls service has you covered. Shining in 1920s-themed decor, the historic hotel in the heart of Chattanooga offers a true Gatsby-esque experience, now further elevated with this upscale amenity. Guests can now indulge in their perfectly chilled martini, made to order, and “pearls” (oysters) in the comfort of their room.

Daily
Sep 29, 2023

4 Can’t Miss New York Adventures for Active Travelers

If your idea of fun in New York City is to get the adrenaline flowing and your heart racing rather than engage in more relaxed pursuits like shopping, seeing Broadway shows and visiting museums, here are four activities that are anything but low-key:

Hit the High Notes in Nashville

Nashville’s once-modest skyline continues to evolve as its luxury market grows. Lavish hotel properties are added to the landscape while acclaimed chefs stake claim in the robust culinary scene and premier cultural offerings round out the city’s repertoire.

Daily
Sep 28, 2023

Studio City: The More Mellow Side of Hollywood

There are two Hollywoods: A catch-all name for the American entertainment industry and the physical place where it was born. The latter continues to draw tourists with the original Walk of Fame; historic hotels, movie and live production theaters; and a full spectrum of pop cultural phenomena.

Daily
Sep 26, 2023

4 Sweet Spots for Vintage Clothing Lovers

Whether you call secondhand fashion treasure troves “thrift stores,” “fripperies,” “charity shops,” “vintage boutiques” or something else, shifting the paradigm from “old clothes” to “new finds,” you may find the best, most conversation-starting souvenirs inside these shops and neighborhoods located in the world’s most fashionable cities and a few unexpected places.

MORE TO TRAVEL

There’s more to travel than just getting there.

eFlyer Reviews
Sep 26, 2023

Viking Polaris Canadian Discovery Review

While the 372-passenger Viking Polaris expedition ship, launched in September 2022, falls midway in size between Viking Cruises’ intimate river cruise ships and large-scale ocean ships, it is operated with the same attention to detail and personalized service.