by Donald Wood
Last updated: 12:11 PM ET, Thu January 24, 2019
Miami International Airport (MIA) set a new record last year by welcoming 45 million passengers, nearly one million more than in 2017.
The Florida airport served nearly 21.9 million international passengers in 2018, an increase of 403,380 people. In addition, the facility hosted more than 23.1 million domestic travelers over the last year.
Part of the reason Miami International set the records was the launch of several new international and domestic routes launched by hub carrier American Airlines, including service to Colombia, Guyana, Netherland Antilles and more.
"Congratulations to the MIA team for completing another successful year and for reaching the historic milestone of 45 million passengers," Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez said in a statement. "As our County's largest economic engine, MIA's growth has the largest impact on business revenue and job creation in our community."
The airport also added four new passenger airlines to its roster, including Air Italy, Brazilian low-cost carrier GOL, Sunwing Airlines and Flair, while existing carriers like Viva Air and United Airlines expanded service.
In addition, MIA cemented its reputation as the busiest United States airport for international freight with a new record of 2.3 million tons of freight, adding 60,000 tons to the 2017 total.
"We are extremely encouraged by the substantial gains made at MIA last year, from both our passenger and cargo operations," MIA CEO Lester Sola said. "With more new international service launches coming soon, we are expecting another strong year of growth."
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