On February 26, 2025, Miami International Airport (MIA) successfully executed its full-scale triennial emergency preparedness exercise, fulfilling a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirement to assess and improve airfield emergency response capabilities. The exercise, conducted in collaboration with the Miami-Dade Fire-Rescue Department, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, and various local and federal agencies, simulated a security incident requiring a swift and coordinated emergency response.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava expressed pride in the collaboration, stating, “I am so proud of the strong partnership and teamwork we saw on full display between MIA, Miami-Dade Fire-Rescue, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, and our local and federal partners at this year’s drill. The triennial drill is just one example of how MIA’s safety and security workforce trains and prepares constantly to keep our visitors and employees safe around the clock. In addition to fulfilling an FAA requirement, we will now be even more ready in the event of a real-life emergency.”
In a demonstration of community involvement, more than 100 student volunteers from Miami Springs Senior High School participated in the drill, role-playing passengers evacuating an aircraft due to a simulated security incident. Their participation added a layer of realism and enhanced the practical training aspect of the exercise.
As the busiest U.S. airport for international freight and the second busiest for international passengers, MIA is also undergoing a significant $9 billion capital improvement project aimed at upgrading facilities and infrastructure. Serving as a critical hub for flights to Latin America and the Caribbean, MIA plays a vital role in the economy of Miami-Dade County and Florida, contributing $118 billion in business revenue annually. The airport welcomes approximately 60 percent of all international visitors to the state each year.
This triennial emergency exercise underscores MIA’s unwavering commitment to safety, preparedness, and continuous improvement in emergency response, ensuring that the airport is ready to handle any real-world crisis that may arise.
Miami International Airport, America’s busiest airport for international freight and the second busiest for international passengers, is receiving an unprecedented investment of $9 billion in capital improvements and maintenance upgrades. MIA offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport and is also the leading economic engine for Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida, generating business revenue of $118 billion and approximately 60 percent of all international visitors to Florida annually.
