Next-Level Travel: Jacobs Powers Terminal Transformation at Miami International Airport

Jacobs is part of the team delivering architectural and engineering professional services for the Central Terminal Redevelopment - Phase 2 project at Miami International Airport (MIA). The effort aims to modernize and enhance the airport's central terminal to meet the needs of today’s travelers and improve the overall passenger experience.

MIA is the fastest-growing airport in the U.S. with more than 190,000 passengers and employees passing through daily. The central terminal redevelopment is a key part of its broader infrastructure enhancement plans. 

Phase 2 improvements include expanding the queueing area, raising the ceiling and roof to bring in more natural light, consolidating checkpoints and renovating the curbside façade on the second level to unify the airport’s exterior appearance. 

Jacobs is providing a range of services to support the redevelopment, including passenger experience improvements, concessions planning, security design and operational, readiness, activation and transition (ORAT) and scheduling, cost estimating, quality assurance and control and engineering construction management.

“The redevelopment of the central terminal is part of Miami International Airport’s efforts to maintain its status as a leading global aviation hub,” says Jacobs Director of Architecture Kevin Regalado. “With record passenger and cargo traffic in recent years, the airport is enhancing its infrastructure to accommodate future growth. Jacobs’ experience across more than 500 airports globally gives us a deep understanding of airport operations and passenger needs, which we’ll employ at MIA to design and implement innovative solutions that not only meet the demands of tomorrow but also revolutionize the travel experience today.”

The Central Terminal Redevelopment Project is part of MIA’s Capital Improvement Program. Through modernization of vintage ticket counters, installing new automated exit lane breach control systems and structural roof upgrades the Phase 2 improvements will enhance operational efficiency, passenger comfort and security. Both phases of the project are expected to be complete in 2030.