Miami International Airport Expands Cargo Operations With Major Cold Storage Facility

Miami International Airport (MIA) is set to increase its cargo capacity by up to 50% through the development of a state-of-the-art cold storage facility, marking a significant step in strengthening its position as a key hub for perishable goods entering the U.S.

Construction officially just began on the $141 million project, a collaboration between MIA and PortMiami. The new 340,000-square-foot facility—equivalent in size to six NFL football fields—will rise on previously unused land near Northwest 74th Avenue and 12th Street, southwest of the airport. The facility is expected to be operational by 2027 and will handle large volumes of fresh fish, fruit, flowers, and other perishables destined for the East Coast.

Hollywood-based Mandich Group, a private developer specializing in cold storage, is investing $98.5 million in the project. PortMiami is contributing $9 million, along with $33.5 million secured through a U.S. Department of Transportation grant.

“This will be the first facility of its kind in Florida and the largest cold storage center in the nation,” said Suzy Trutie, spokesperson for PortMiami, in an interview with the Miami Herald.

Source: horti daily