MIA is Bigger and Better in 2025

I’m a fan of great leadership and Ralph Cutié embodies that at Miami International Airport.

As Director and CEO of one of the most important economic engines in South Florida and the state, he’s got a heavy lift ahead. He’s overseeing a $7.4 billion Capital Improvement Program at Miami International Airport (MIA) that includes a new concourse, a new garage and lots more. He’s also directing a $1.7 billion program to update and improve the performance of elevators, moving walkways and more, as well as overhaul bathrooms and help staff respond to issues in advance of a possible passenger meltdown because there’s no toilet paper in a stall. An overhaul of the passenger bridges that connect planes to the concourse is going to add glass throughout to make getting on and off the plane a better experience.

As part of all this, there are going to be sensors everywhere to make maintenance more efficient and less costly and let MIA anticipate part replacements before they break. I know you hear these types of promises from government all the time, but Cutié is walking the walk. Cargo being a key component of the airport’s success, the airport is creating greater cargo capacity and better facilities to process flowers and food including seafood.

Why am I writing about this now? Because Miami is no longer anchored to the old stories that centered on the “Miami Vice” TV show, Art Deco and random tourism alone. We’ve become an international destination, that is driving spending from visitors for all types of events year round from Art Basel to F1 racing to international soccer led by Lionel Messi to Miami Book Fair. The snowbirds from Canada and the Northeast of the US may not like the competition for attention, but it has changed Miami for the better. In 2026, Miami will be hosting several World Cup soccer matches – that’s a big deal!

By expanding our visitor base and attracting more residents we have made our economy more resilient and less vulnerable to economic downturns in Brazil, Venezuela, which used to put our economy into hibernation. We are now a glamorous, mature metro that is competitive with international heavyweights like Singapore, Dubai and more, at least that’s what Florida International University says.

So, what do we need going forward? Anyone who reads my columns regularly knows that I am a huge booster of business in Miami. That’s the only way we can grow and pay for everything we need. The expansion of the Amazon warehouse in South Dade, the soccer stadium next to the airport, the new bridge connecting I-395 to Miami Beach, the construction of gorgeous new cruise facilities at PortMiami and more international events are on the way.

I’m excited for 2025 because I know with people like Cutié at the helm, we will realize big things that will improve Miami’s quality of life for years to come.

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