Miami International Airport (MIA)
History, Facts and Overview

(Miami, Florida - FL, USA)

Flights at Miami Airport started as early as 1928, when it was better known as the Pan American Field, the official home of up-and-coming Pan American Airways. However, just ten years later, Pan Am moved the majority of its operations elsewhere and so the airfield entered a quiet time, with just a handful of operating aircraft by Eastern Airlines.

In the mid-1940s, the airfield was purchased by the city of Miami and renamed as the 36th Street Airport. Many improvements were soon made, including a new passenger building in 1959 and many staged expansions. Now named the Miami International Airport (MIA), the American Airlines now has a notable presence here and currently offers popular routes to Latin America.


With Bank of America ATMs, post offices, news-stands, chapels, ice cream parlors, and more than 50 restaurants and 30 shops spread around the concourses at Miami Airport, passengers will find plenty to keep them occupied if necessary. Popular shops include the $10 Gift Shop, Florida Gifts, the Ron Jon Surf Shop and numerous Duty Free stores.

Apart from eateries such as the Au Bon Pain bakery, Cafe Versailles and Guava & Java, Miami Airport is also home to a series of food courts, with fast-food outlets such as Burger King, Pizza Hut and the Budweiser Brewhouse. For fine dining with a view, head to the Top of the Port Lounge, which is to be found on level 7 of the onsite Miami International Airport Hotel, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, whilst boasting superb airport and city vistas.