Opening of New Terminal at MIA May Be Delayed

Jan. 20, 2006
Miami International Airport's South Terminal's opening could be delayed by two months because of problems installing a new fiber-optic communications system.

Miami International Airport's South Terminal's opening could be delayed by two months because of problems installing a new fiber-optic communications system.

Airport officials still hope to start moving into the $800 million building in July, but that target is now ''optimistic,'' said John Cosper, deputy director of MIA's capital improvement plan. The new fiber-optic system will handle all of MIA's communications, including airline flight information. The system eventually will be installed in all three of MIA's terminals.

The South Terminal will add 15 new gates to MIA when Concourse J opens. The renovated Concourse H will also be part of the terminal, a massive glass-front building with 30-foot ceilings. Tenants include Delta, Continental and United.

The current plan is to get a temporary certificate of occupancy in July, allowing the airlines and concessionaires to begin constructing their stores and offices. If that's delayed, passengers might not use the terminal until early 2007.

Miami Herald

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