Miami International Airport and PortMiami are seeking nearly $300 million to upgrade and replace passenger boarding bridges, with a $147 million addition heading to county commissioners this week for approval.
The initiative targets the airport’s aging fleet of 126 passenger boarding bridges, most of which date back decades. According to the airport’s modernization roadmap, 94 of the 126 bridges will be replaced by 2028, part of a broader effort to refresh the passenger experience across all concourses.
The new boarding bridges will feature energy-efficient design, pre-conditioned air units, and glass panels that allow passengers to view the airfield during boarding. The airport plans to install 62 glass bridges by 2028, marking a significant visual upgrade from the airport’s existing steel infrastructure. Additionally, the project includes the installation of 41 jet bridge-mounted wheelchair lifts across all concourses to improve accessibility.
This boarding bridge project is part of Miami International Airport’s larger $9 billion Future-Ready Capital Improvement Program, which encompasses terminal renovations, new gates, and expanded passenger facilities. The airport’s modernization effort reflects a nationwide trend of infrastructure investment at major hubs.
Across the United States, airports are pursuing significant boarding bridge upgrades supported by federal funding. The Federal Aviation Administration awarded $870 million in Airport Infrastructure Grants in August 2026 to projects across 44 states and two territories. These grants support runway, terminal, taxiway, and other critical infrastructure improvements. Earlier in 2026, the FAA awarded $523 million to modernize airport infrastructure in 43 states, demonstrating sustained federal commitment to aging aviation facilities.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocated $5 billion annually for five years through the Airport Terminal Program, providing competitive grants to modernize passenger facilities nationwide. Individual airports have received grants ranging from under $300,000 for smaller terminal projects to over $90 million for major upgrades, making federal support essential for large-scale modernization efforts like Miami’s.
Miami’s boarding bridge replacement reflects the broader infrastructure needs facing U.S. airports. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, nearly $68 billion is needed between 2025 and 2029 to address aging airport infrastructure nationwide. Boarding bridges, which connect terminals to aircraft, are critical passenger touchpoints that affect both experience and operational efficiency.
The airport’s glass bridge initiative has already begun to reshape the passenger experience. In April 2024, Miami unveiled its first glass boarding bridge at Gate D14, offering passengers panoramic views of the airfield. The new bridges combine aesthetic appeal with functional improvements, including climate control and modern safety features designed to enhance comfort during the boarding process.
Sources
- Miami Today News — Miami International Airport and PortMiami seeking $300 million combined for boarding bridge upgrades, with $147 million addition on county commission agenda (September 2, 2026)
- Miami Airport Official Website (MIA Future Ready) — 126 passenger boarding bridges being replaced; 94 bridges to be completed by 2028; glass and air-conditioning features
- U.S. Department of Transportation — $870 million in Airport Infrastructure Grants awarded August 2026 across 44 states; $523 million awarded May 2026 for airport modernization in 43 states
- FAA — Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocating $5 billion annually for Airport Terminal Program grants; individual grant ranges from under $300,000 to over $90 million
- American Society of Civil Engineers — Nearly $68 billion needed for U.S. airport infrastructure between 2025 and 2029
- Miami-Dade County Government — 41 jet bridge-mounted wheelchair lifts to be installed across all concourses (May 2024 announcement)
- Simple Flying — 62 glass bridges planned at Miami International Airport by 2028; first glass bridge unveiled April 2024
