MIAMI-DADE – Miami International Airport set a new all-time record for passenger traffic in 2014 with 40.9 million passengers – an increase of nearly 400,000 over 2013’s total and the fifth consecutive record-breaking year at the airport. MIA also set a new all-time record for cargo in 2014 with 2.2 million tons of goods moving through the global gateway, up 55,000 tons over 2013 and the third consecutive year of growth in that metric. This record-breaking performance was accomplished despite political and economic instability in key overseas markets.
“MIA’s continued growth as our County’s top economic engine is welcome news to our community,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “I applaud and appreciate the hard work of our Aviation Department professionals who keep our airport climbing to new heights 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year.”
Despite challenges in top foreign markets, a total of eight new international destinations were added to MIA’s growing route network last year. TAM Airlines added service to Belém and Fortaleza, Brazil, while MIA hub carrier American Airlines launched service to Campinas, Brazil and Cap-Haïtien, Haiti. European carrier Jetairfly launched new scheduled service to Brussels, Belgium, and Lufthansa and Finnair added seasonal service to Munich, Germany and Helsinki, Finland, respectively. The year was highlighted by Qatar Airways’ entry to the Miami market with scheduled service to Doha, Qatar – Florida’s only direct connection to the Middle East. These eight destinations are projected to generate 6,800 direct and indirect jobs and business revenues in excess of $830 million annually within Miami-Dade County, according to a recent economic impact study.
MIA also attracted eight new airlines in 2014, propelling it to now be the only U.S. airport serving 100 air carriers and putting it ahead of other major U.S. hubs such as Chicago O’Hare International Airport, New York’s JFK International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport.
“MIA once again continues its upward trend in both passenger and cargo traffic,” said Miami-Dade Aviation Director Emilio T. González. “More important than the records is the fact that this growth translates to new jobs and economic growth in our community, as well as new connections that further strengthen Miami’s position as one of the nation’s top global gateways.”
