21 April 2020: As a part of COVID-19 relief Miami International Airport is awarded USD 207 million in funding from Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Airport Grant Program. This funds have made MIA the largest grant recipient among all airports in Florida.
These funds will be used to support the on-going facilitation of essential travel and trade, and to prepare the global gateway to resume full operations as one of America's leading passenger and cargo hubs.
"We are extremely pleased with the USD 207 million in relief funding for MIA. I appreciate the federal government for recognizing MIA's critical role as the busiest international gateway in Florida and third busiest in the nation. This aid will certainly help our County's largest economic engine, which supports one out of every five jobs locally; make a speedier return to normal operations after the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic subside," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez
"The CARES Act funding, coupled with the financial relief plan approved by the Board of County Commissioners this month for our airport business partners, provides much-needed support for MIA to continue serving as the leading economic engine for our community. As we maintain our passenger and cargo operations and prepare for travel demand to return, these monies will aid us in developing new protocols and facility renovations designed to enhance the travel experience and improve employee safety," said Lester Sola, MIA Director and CEO.
The CARES ACT fund will support continuing operations and replace lost revenue resulting from the sharp decline in passenger traffic and other airport business due to the COVID-19 public health emergency as per FAA. The funds are available for airport capital expenditures, airport operating expenses including payroll and utilities, and airport debt payments.have