New Airport in Miami-Dade?

New Airport in Miami-Dade? A Critical Look at the Proposal by Kevin Marino Cabrera and Daniella Levine Cava

The possibility of building a new airport in Miami-Dade County has sparked public debate, driven by Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera and Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. Its supporters argue that the rapid growth in passenger and cargo traffic at Miami International Airport (MIA) warrants an additional facility to “plan ahead” and avoid capacity constraints that might hinder the region’s economic engine. However, many residents, especially those who have lived in the county for decades, question whether this will become another tax burden that further drives up living costs and pushes out longtime families.

The Current State of MIA: Neglect or Mere Saturation?

Critics of the project claim that MIA has been “almost in ruins” for years, with maintenance issues affecting escalators, moving walkways, and other key areas. They argue that, before embarking on an expensive plan to build another airport, time and resources should have been devoted to sustainably modernizing the existing infrastructure.

County officials counter that MIA has a modernization program—called Future Ready—worth over $9 billion to renovate dozens of restrooms, passenger walkways, elevators, and parking facilities, in addition to adding a four-star hotel and a garage with 2,240 spaces. Despite these improvements, the annual increase in travelers (which surpassed 52 million in 2023) and the expansion of air cargo (close to 2.7 million tons) have led some commissioners to consider a second major airport.

The New Airport Plan: Costs, Location, and Uncertainties

In November 2024, Commissioner Cabrera introduced a resolution (Legislative Item No. 241777) calling for a feasibility study on building an airport “capable of accommodating cargo, commercial passenger, and general aviation operations.” The proposal requires Mayor Levine Cava, within 90 days, to identify:

1. Potential locations (including the county’s four general aviation training airports).
2. Funding sources.
3. Potential economic impact and job creation.
4. Legal or environmental obstacles that could stall the project.

Although supporters insist that much of the funding would come from landing fees, concession rentals, and other airport-related revenues, opponents worry that these massive projects invariably wind up hitting taxpayers’ wallets. They fear increased taxes in a county where housing and overall living costs have skyrocketed, displacing longtime families and many older adults on fixed incomes.

Miami-Dade as the “Caribbean Dubai”?

The growing vision of Miami-Dade as a luxury tourism hub—complete with big casinos, parties, beaches, and an international elite—feeds concerns that the county is becoming unaffordable for the local population who have shaped the area’s identity over generations. Many residents say that real estate values and costs in general have soared, forcing part of the community to relocate to more affordable areas.

In this context, the new airport project reinforces the notion of a city geared toward mega-events, high-end airlines, and large-scale cargo operations, effectively sidelining those who “struggle” with high living costs.

Stances from the Media and the Business Sector

Publications such as Florida Politics, Miami Today, and Simple Flying have covered the debate around the new airport. These outlets highlight Commissioner Cabrera’s justification, saying: “We want to be forward-thinking and prepared for the future.” They also note Commissioner Raquel Regalado’s support, who believes it’s essential to examine MIA’s limitations and develop a “cargo master plan.”

However, there is also mention of pushback from nearby communities, worried about noise, pollution, and increased traffic. Local groups argue that the county should explore less expensive alternatives or, at the very least, thoroughly upgrade existing infrastructure before committing to a new hub.

Who Foots the Bill, and Who Will Lead the Project?

Another major question is how to fund it. Although official statements emphasize that “residents’ taxes” will not be directly used, there are concerns that overruns or debt service could lead to higher taxes down the road. Cost estimates remain unknown until the mayor’s final report is released, and some analysts note that these kinds of mega-projects almost always come with budget overruns.

Moreover, Commissioner Cabrera recently announced that he will leave his seat to serve as ambassador to Panama, according to local media reports. This leaves open the question of who will be the project’s new “champion” on the Board of County Commissioners—and whether the proposal for a new airport could stall or be sidelined without a key advocate.

Conclusion

The debate over a second major airport in Miami-Dade highlights tensions between modernization and public investment, between economic growth and local quality of life. On one hand, MIA’s rising passenger and cargo numbers bolster some officials’ claims that new infrastructure should be seriously examined. On the other, county residents warn that yet another multibillion-dollar project could drive up taxes even more and hasten the gentrification of an already expensive area.

Will Miami-Dade become a global airport hub or end up saddling its residents with higher expenses and displacement? The answer largely hinges on transparent studies, public engagement, and political will to address the needs of those who have helped build Miami-Dade over the decades. In the meantime, the county continues to debate whether a new airport represents a flight toward prosperity or a crash landing into fiscal and social realities.

Attention Miami-Dade!

Your voice matters in Miami-Dade! Take part in county decisions, monitor your representatives, and demand accountability. Attend meetings, share concerns, and propose solutions. Together, we’ll build a more prosperous and transparent future. Speak up and let’s create a stronger Miami-Dade!