MIAMI.– A few days before the first game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Miami-Dade, the county mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, presented a series of beautification projects and technological improvements at Miami International Airport (MIA), considered the main economic engine of South Florida and one of the main gateways for international visitors to the United States.
During an evening press tour Friday, the Mayor unveiled the airport’s first permanent architectural lighting installation, new large-format murals of county landmarks in baggage claim areas, renovated passenger spaces, children’s play areas and a new visual identity for MIA, including an updated logo.
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The tour began and ended at Solar Garden. An outdoor space located in the airport’s central terminal that was renovated as part of beautification and passenger experience initiatives. It has rest areas, with benches covered by solar panel roofs, with stations for charging mobile phones and surrounded by an improved garden and decorative lighting.
“MIA is being transformed into a space that reflects Miami’s global identity as a dynamic, welcoming and unforgettable destination,” said Levine Cava. “From vibrant lighting installations and immersive cultural experiences to innovative technology and refreshed design, we are preparing the airport to welcome the world.”
The improvements are part of the Forward Flight initiative, an advisory group made up of business leaders and industry experts convened by the mayor in January to accelerate modernization projects in advance of the World Cup and other major international events planned for this year, including the G-20.
The director of MIA, Ralph Cutie, highlighted that the airport incorporated new areas illuminated with the World Cup colors, special signage and aesthetic improvements in different parts of the terminal.
Information through holograms
“We are the first airport in the world to use holograms to offer information to travelers,” said Cutie. These human-shaped holograms “are integrated with artificial intelligence and can answer questions in 12 languages about airport facilities and services.”
Four interactive holograms are currently operating and the airport administration plans to install another five in different areas of the terminal.
Improvement of elevators and escalators
Cutie also noted progress in modernizing essential infrastructure. As he explained, just a few years ago 85% of the elevators, escalators and moving walkways were operational, while currently the figure reaches 95%.
“In 2023 and 2024 we replaced 32 mechanical units. In 2025 we replaced 36 more in a single year”, doubling the pace, he indicated.
What about Uber and Lift?
Regarding criticism related to waiting times and access to shared transportation services such as Uber, the director explained that the airport works with the company to improve passenger pick-up efficiency. However, he acknowledged that MIA lacks the space necessary to create an exclusive centralized area for these services, as occurs in other airports in the country. The paradox arises that taxis, which are less in demand, take up a lot of space at MIA, while passengers have to wait for the arrival of Uber or Lift whose parking area is two miles from the terminal.
MIA a priority
The improvements presented are part of an ambitious investment program of approximately 14 billion dollars aimed at modernizing facilities, expanding terminals and maintaining infrastructure until 2030.
Considered Florida’s most important airport for international cargo transportation and one of the country’s busiest for international passengers, MIA generates approximately $212 billion in economic activity and receives nearly 60% of all international visitors to the state.
The crisis that is going on
The presentation of these projects comes at a time when Levine Cava faces one of the biggest infrastructure challenges of his tenure. This is the uncertainty about the future of the fuel tanks that supply PortMiami. The mayor recently announced her intention to begin an expropriation process to acquire the Fisher Island land where the facility considered essential to the operation of the port operates, a dispute that, according to authorities and experts, could end up costing the County several hundred million dollars.
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