Passengers at Miami International Airport are facing significant disruptions as the Skytrain, an automated mover connecting the main concourse to its farthest gate, has been temporarily suspended due to structural concerns. As first reported in the Miami Herald, Engineers working on behalf of Miami-Dade County recently discovered what they described as "accelerated deterioration" of several concrete structures supporting the elevated tracks of the Skytrain, a vital transportation link within the airport. Albert Hernandez, an engineer representing county contractor HNTB, expressed his concerns in a September 15 email to senior staff at MIA, stating that "Three piers, especially Pier 106, show accelerated deterioration of the concrete," and he noted "extensive structural cracking in various patterns throughout the exposed pier cap perimeter."
In response to Hernandez's recommendation, the county-owned airport made the difficult decision to close the Skytrain at midnight on the same day. As of now, there is no official timetable for when the trains will be operational again. Greg Chin, a spokesperson for MIA, confirmed that an in-depth analysis of the issue is underway and is expected to continue until at least mid-October. Once the analysis is complete, the airport will decide on the necessary repairs and potential short-term solutions. The Skytrain, designed to move approximately 9,000 passengers per hour, has been a critical part of Miami International Airport since its opening in 2010 as part of a massive $3 billion expansion project that consolidated four concourses into one main concourse, which is now known as Concourse D.
The Skytrain, operated and maintained by Crystal Mover Services, a company affiliated with train-maker Mitsubishi, has been a significant expense for Miami-Dade County, costing approximately $22 million annually. However, the county has not yet released the inspection report from HNTB or provided an explanation for why the identified structural issues were not addressed sooner. According to Chin, the Skytrain structure undergoes inspections every other year, as mandated by Florida transportation regulations. Minor cracks were identified during a 2021 inspection, but they were only monitored at the time.
The situation escalated during a May inspection, leading to the detailed analysis by HNTB, which ultimately resulted in the September 15 shutdown. Chin clarified that while the Skytrain system relies on more than 100 piers to support its structure, the cracking issue was isolated to just three of them. As a result of the Skytrain suspension, most passengers traveling through Concourse D are left with no option but to walk the route they previously traversed by train.
To assist passengers during this challenging period, Miami International Airport had two six-seat golf carts available for passenger rides within Concourse D, where American Airlines serves approximately 80,000 passengers daily. These limited shuttle rides are aimed at assisting passengers who have difficulty walking without the Skytrain. Chin emphasized that the primary goal is to aid those facing mobility challenges.
Despite the disruption, some passengers have noted a lack of communication regarding the availability of shuttle rides, with signage indicating "Skytrain Suspended for Scheduled Maintenance." American Airlines also provides carts for passengers who request them in advance. Passengers like Jacqueline Brennan, who was fortunate to secure a shuttle ride with her family, expressed gratitude for the assistance, acknowledging that the alternative would have been a lengthy and challenging walk to their gate.