Miami International Airport's South Terminal Expansion Contract Heads to Commission Vote

Miami-Dade commissioners are set to vote next week on a significant contract for the expansion of Miami International Airport's South Terminal, marking a crucial step forward in the airport's growth strategy.

Competitive Bidding Yields Cost-Effective Option

The South Terminal expansion project received two design-build price proposals with a substantial difference in cost. The Lemartec-NV2A team submitted a bid of $532 million, while Weitz-MCM JV proposed $743 million for the same project. County officials are recommending that commissioners accept the more economical proposal from Lemartec-NV2A, with a maximum total contract amount of approximately $600 million, including all contingencies and allowances.

The winning Lemartec team has partnered with Perez and Perez Architects for the project, while the competing Weitz-MCM bid included architectural services from Gensler.

Project Timeline and Scope

Once Miami-Dade issues the Notice to Proceed, the contractor will have 1,485 days—approximately four years—to complete the expansion. The project aims to extend the South Terminal (Concourse K) eastward, adding six new domestic gates that are critical to accommodating MIA's projected growth and new airline carriers entering the market.

Strategic Importance for MIA's Future

This expansion serves multiple strategic purposes beyond simply adding capacity. As an enabling project for the larger Central Terminal redevelopment, the South Terminal expansion will provide replacement capacity for the aging Concourse G, which has reached the end of its useful life and is slated for demolition.

The removal of Concourse G will create space for the future construction of the new Concourse F and significantly improve aircraft circulation in the alleyways between the planned Concourse F and the existing Concourse H.

Additional Terminal Modernization Efforts

In a related development, Miami-Dade commissioners will also vote next week on a design contract for the Central Terminal modernization project. This initiative will focus on rebuilding and updating check-in areas and other key facilities within the terminal.

Both items are scheduled for consideration by Miami-Dade's Airport Committee on May 14, representing important milestones in MIA's ongoing efforts to enhance capacity, improve passenger experience, and prepare for future growth.