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A Brief History Of Miami International Airport

 Miami International Airport, also known as MIA or Wilcox Field, is a very busy and well known international airport. It is Southern Florida's most important airport for international flights. It is the chief center for international airlines connecting Latin America, the USA and the Caribbean. More than 100 airlines ply through this airport reaching 10000 of passengers to more or less 150 countries around the world everyday.

According to the Miami International Airport history, in 1927, the management of Pan American Airways determined to shift their operational base to Miami from Key West. Accordingly 116 acres of land was bought along the North West 36th street in order to construct the airport. The construction was completed by 1928. Then it had two solid surfaced runways, two hangers and a passenger terminal. The two storied terminal building was sturdy and spacious and one of its kinds in those days. All the facilities and services for the passengers were kept in the ground floor while in the top floor was the numerous offices and a huge balcony with a brilliant sight of the airdrome.

Officially, the airport started its operation on the 15th of September, 1928. It was Capt. The first flight was piloted by Edward Musick, who flew a Sikorsky-38 to Havana passing through Key West. During its first year of action, the Pan American Field took care of 8600 commuters and 20 tons of cargo. It was renamed the Miami International Airport in 1948. After the II World War, the airport felt the need for expansion as the footfall of passengers and load of cargo was increasing each day. As a result of acquisition and annexations of further lands, the airstrip had increased its size to 2878 acres by 1951.


Miami being a famous tourist spot in America, each year more than 33.6 million tourists make avail of this airport. It has been designed with a central terminal structure with eight forecourts coming out from it. They are named as A-H and serve numerous airlines and a huge number of destinations. Every forecourt has its own assortment of bars, restaurants, shops, newsstands etc. For the convenience of the flyers, there are ample numbers of lounges, ATMs, banks, post-offices and business services scattered all over the airport.

The location of MIA is very convenient. It is situated in close proximity to the city and is barely 13 km away from the Central Business District of Miami. The airport is very well connected with the city by means of the Super Shuttle, Metro bus or taxi. The Metro bus is an economical option while the cab is considered the most convenient way of connecting with the city. The airport also offers free shuttle services to Hialeah Market Station, where from the traveler may avail the Tri-rail and travel to their desired destinations. There are also various car rental companies inside the airport renting cars to the travelers.

These days it is the second busiest airfield in the US. It is stretched out on almost 3230 acres of land and can boast of having four runways for jet aircraft. The airport hoards some exquisite piece of art from artists all over the globe, which is a real treat for the art lovers. Today, MIA has a huge contribution to the local economy by generating almost 282043 direct or indirect jobs.

Traveling can be a stressful event so knowing the airport you are flying into and from will help with any issues you may run into.

Article Source: Shiv_Ricardo_Santiago

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