Miami Airport Plans to Convert All Jet Bridges to Glass

Miami International Airport (MIA) unveiled a new glass passenger boarding bridge at gate H17 on Friday, marking a move towards wider use of the technology.

The overhauled bridge follows a similar structure introduced at gate D14 in late 2022. MIA plans to install 62 glass bridges in the first phase by 2028, aiming to become a leader in their use among U.S. airports.

“I am so proud to unveil our newest glass bridge at MIA and announce our ambitious plans to introduce 60 more, making MIA the largest user of these energy-efficient innovations in the country,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava in a news release.

During a press conference, the airport announced that all of its 126 gates would be converted to glass as part of a $1.7 billion master plan to upgrade its infrastructure. The plan has already modernized 30 gates with steel bridges since 2019.

According to the airport, glass bridges offer some advantages. They provide a more open and spacious feel for passengers compared to traditional steel bridges. Additionally, their design and insulation improve energy efficiency by reducing cleaning needs and improving temperature control, the airport stated in a press release.

These types of jet bridges are more widely used outside the U.S. Only a handful of U.S. airports have glass bridges, including Kansas City International Airport, which opened a brand-new terminal in 2023. 

“[Glass bridges are] the industry trend right now,” MIA Director and CEO Ralph Cutié said during a press conference. “If you go to Europe…you will see bridges like that everywhere, so we are very excited about it.”

MIA recorded record-setting passenger numbers in 2023. The airport handled 52.3 million passengers, up three percent from 2022. Fort Worth-based firm TK Airport Solutions is fabricating the airport’s new jet bridges.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

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