Starting next week, Miami International Airport will begin installing 41 wheelchair lifts directly onto jet bridges across every concourse. It is a major move to improve accessibility for travelers who need mobility support.
Wheelchair Lifts Are a Major Part of MIA’s $9 Billion Upgrade
These lifts are part of MIA’s massive 9 billion dollar Future Ready Modernization in Action (MIA) Plan. The project is focused on improving every part of the airport, from jet bridges and restrooms to parking and customer service. The wheelchair lift installation is one of the most meaningful upgrades, designed to ease boarding and deplaning for passengers who use mobility devices.
Jet Bridge Lifts to Improve Passenger Boarding at Miami Airport
Each concourse will receive at least three lifts in this first rollout. Many of the newly built jet bridges are being prioritized. These devices attach directly to the jet bridge, allowing travelers to board or exit without needing a portable lift or assistance from staff. It is a safer, smoother, and more respectful experience.
Key Infrastructure Upgrades at Miami International Airport
This is just one part of a much broader push. Miami International Airport is currently undergoing the largest infrastructure overhaul in its history. It includes:
- Replacement of 126 jet bridges, with 32 already completed
- Renovation of 207 public restrooms (48 done so far)
- Upgrade of over 600 conveyance systems like elevators, escalators, and walkways
- Expansion of the Flamingo Garage to add 2,240 parking spaces
- A new 546 room Westin hotel, set to open in 2027
- Expansion of Concourse K with six new gates by 2029
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MIA Prepares for 77 Million Passengers by 2040
This upgrade is no vanity project. It is a response to pressure on the ground. Last year, MIA broke its own record with 52.3 million travelers. That number is only going up. Seventy seven million are expected by 2040. The airport is growing because the city is moving and people are coming in faster than ever.
MIA Focuses on People with New Customer Service Initiatives
Beyond equipment, MIA is also focusing on people. The airport has launched the I AM MIA customer service program, trained over 1,300 employees, and hired a Lightning Crew to fix maintenance issues quickly. Together, these efforts aim to make the airport more inclusive and efficient. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance real-time responsiveness, with Lightning Crew teams completing an average of 23 urgent maintenance tasks daily and the customer service program designed to improve assistance for travelers with varying needs, including those with limited mobility or language barriers.
MIA Sets Example for Accessible Air Travel
With this new wheelchair lift initiative, MIA sets a powerful example for accessible travel. It is a message of dignity, service, and preparedness, welcoming every traveler with care and respect. The project also aligns with federal accessibility standards, setting a benchmark for other major airports looking to meet Air Carrier Access Act requirements and adapt to the needs of an increasingly diverse passenger base.
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FAQs
How do jet bridge wheelchair lifts work?
They are built into the boarding bridge and allow passengers in wheelchairs to get on or off the plane without needing extra equipment or manual help.
Why is Miami International Airport installing wheelchair lifts?
To make boarding easier for passengers with mobility needs as part of its $9 billion airport upgrade.
How many lifts are being installed in this phase?
A total of 41 lifts will be installed, with at least three per concourse.
Which areas of the airport will get the new lifts first?
They will first be installed on MIA’s newest jet bridges.
What is the Future Ready Modernization in Action Plan?
It is MIA’s 9 billion dollar upgrade plan to improve jet bridges, restrooms, transport systems, parking, and customer service.
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