Miami International Airport (MIA) has successfully completed third-party verification of its 2025 greenhouse gas emissions, demonstrating a measurable reduction in carbon intensity per passenger and advancing the facility toward Level 2 Certification under the Airport Carbon Accreditation program.

The verification, announced by the Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) on July 1, 2026, confirms that the airport reduced its total Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions from a 2023 baseline while simultaneously managing record traffic volumes. Upon receiving final certification from Airports Council International (ACI), the facility will become the 16th airport in the United States and the second in Florida to achieve Level 2 status.

Tracking carbon intensity against passenger growth

The third-party verification process documented absolute reductions in the airport’s operational carbon footprint. Total Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions fell to 98,275 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) in 2025, down from the 2023 base year total of 102,789 metric tons.

Carbon intensity efficiency per passenger also improved during the two-year period, dropping from 2.03 kilograms of CO2e in 2023 to 1.78 kilograms of CO2e in 2025. This efficiency gain occurred during a period of significant growth, as the airport handled 55.3 million passengers in 2025.

The Miami-Dade Aviation Department has established a phased timeline for further emissions reductions. The airport targets a 20 percent reduction in total Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035, relative to the 2023 baseline. Subsequent targets include a 35 percent reduction in total emissions by 2045 and a 50 percent reduction by 2055.

Infrastructure investments driving efficiency

Miami International Airport is operated by the Miami-Dade Aviation Department and is the property of Miami-Dade County. As one of the largest energy consumers in the county, the airport generates monthly electricity costs exceeding $2 million.

To address this consumption, the airport has executed substantial infrastructure upgrades over the past several years. In November 2020, the facility completed Phase II of its Sustainability Project. The $45 million investment encompassed energy-efficient lighting, water conservation measures, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades. These improvements generate an estimated $3.2 million in annual utility savings.

Earlier that same year, in January 2020, the airport partnered with Florida Power & Light Company to launch a half-acre, 402-panel floating solar installation in the adjacent Blue Lagoon. The array, which was the first of its kind at an airport, generates 160 kilowatts of power.

The Airport Carbon Accreditation framework

The Airport Carbon Accreditation program, administered by Airports Council International, serves as the primary global carbon management certification standard for airports. The framework requires independent assessment of an airport’s efforts to measure, manage, and reduce carbon emissions through a multi-level certification structure.

Miami International Airport previously earned Level 1 (Mapping) accreditation on July 30, 2024. That initial certification required the airport to map its carbon footprint and commit to a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, aligning with the broader Miami-Dade County Climate Action Strategy.

The emissions reductions come amid record economic output for the facility. On June 2, 2026, the airport reported that its economic impact reached $212 billion in 2025. In addition to its 55.3 million passengers, the airport processed nearly 3.5 million tons of Cargo aircraft, maintaining its position as the busiest cargo airport in the United States and the eighth-busiest passenger gateway in the nation.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) broke ground on September 29, 2026, on Concourse M, a new six-gate reliever facility designed to preserve operational capacity during the airport’s multi-billion dollar expansion program.

In a press release issued by the City of Austin, officials confirmed the approximately 37,000-square-foot terminal and an accompanying Maintenance Ramp Expansion will allow the airport to maintain passenger flow and narrow-body aircraft operations while major construction advances on the future 26-gate Concourse B and the remodeling of Concourse A.

Preserving capacity during major construction

Concourse M will operate as a standalone facility on the west side of the AUS airfield, physically separate from the main Barbara Jordan Terminal. Passengers will access the new concourse via a shuttle bus operating from Gate 13, which is currently the airport’s only ground-level gate. The facility will feature four contact gates and two walk-out gates specifically configured for narrow-body aircraft.

The Austin City Council previously authorized a food service and retail concession lease agreement for the facility with Star Concessions on March 26, 2026. The concourse will include a coffee market with 24-hour vending, restrooms, a nursing room, public WiFi, and a pet relief area.

“Concourse M is a critical component of the Journey With AUS expansion program, allowing us to advance major construction while continuing to serve millions of passengers each year,” Ghizlane Badawi, Chief Executive Officer of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, stated in the release.

The design joint venture of Stantec and Fentress Architects, alongside planning firm RS&H, developed the facilities. Hensel Phelps serves as the prime contractor for Concourse M.

Maintenance ramp and airfield upgrades

Alongside the passenger terminal, the September 29, 2026, groundbreaking included the Maintenance Ramp Expansion project, managed by construction firm Austin Bridge & Road. This airfield upgrade will add six new aircraft parking positions, comprising four equipped with jet bridges and two designated for ground-loading.

The expanded ramp is designed to accommodate up to 18 diverted aircraft, providing critical operational flexibility during irregular operations or severe weather events. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allocated $9 million in funding specifically for the ramp expansion component.

The Journey With AUS expansion program

The new infrastructure arrives as Austin experiences unprecedented passenger demand. In June and July 2026, the airport recorded its busiest and second-busiest months in history, processing over 2.1 million passengers each month. International traffic is also expanding, highlighted by Delta Air Lines (DL) announcing its first-ever transatlantic service from Austin to Paris (CDG) in August 2026.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson noted that the infrastructure planning is essential to sustaining the region’s economic vitality. “Concourse M will allow AUS to maintain reliable operations while multiple construction projects through the Journey With AUS expansion program advance across the airport, preserving gate capacity and keeping passengers, airlines, and commerce moving,” Watson said.

The broader expansion program is funded through a combination of airport revenues, cash reserves, federal grants, and future airport revenue bond proceeds. Officials noted that no local taxpayer dollars are being used for the projects.

The Maintenance Ramp Expansion is slated for completion in 2027, followed by the targeted opening of Concourse M in 2028.

Swissport International AG has signed binding transaction agreements to form a strategic joint venture with UNEX Aviation Services, establishing the global aviation services provider’s first operational footprint in Indonesia.

Announced in a company press release on September 28, 2026, the partnerships involves Swissport acquiring a stake in the Jakarta-based ground handling company, officially known as PT UNEX Rajawali Indonesia. The joint venture will initially focus on operations at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta, with plans to expand cargo, ramp handling, and passenger services to additional Airports across the archipelago.

Targeting Southeast Asian market growth

The expansion positions Swissport to capitalize on a rapidly scaling sector. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts that Indonesia will become the fourth-largest aviation market globally by 2030. The country recorded approximately 101 million domestic and international passengers and handled roughly 1 million tonnes of air freight in 2024.

Swissport President and CEO Warwick Brady highlighted the strategic value of the new partnership in the company’s official statement.

“Indonesia is one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, with IATA forecasting it to become the fourth-largest globally by 2030. This joint venture is a significant step in our successful strategy to expand our cargo business, while providing a strong platform to strengthen our ground-handling presence in Southeast Asia.”

UNEX Aviation Services, founded in 2003, brings established local infrastructure to the joint venture. Founder and CEO Budiman Tedja stated that Swissport’s global network and industry expertise will help UNEX expand its service offerings and strengthen operational capabilities to support the continued growth of the Indonesian aviation sector.

Expanding the Asia-Pacific footprint

The Indonesian joint venture adds to Swissport’s existing presence in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2025, the company’s regional operations handled approximately 25 million passengers, 632,000 flights, and 450,000 tonnes of cargo, supported by a workforce of 10,000 employees.

Regional metrics indicate sustained demand for aviation services. International traffic within Asia increased by 11.9 percent in 2025, while air cargo demand for Asia-Pacific airlines saw an 8.4 percent year-on-year growth during the same period.

Brady noted that Indonesia’s geography, which spans thousands of islands and supports a population exceeding 280 million, makes aviation critical for connecting people and trade. He added that combining Swissport’s hub operations expertise with UNEX’s local knowledge will support airline and cargo growth across Asia.

A broader acquisition strategy

The UNEX partnership follows a series of targeted international expansions by Swissport in 2026. On September 21, 2026, the company announced its entry into Colombia through the acquisition of GHI, a ground-handling and logistics provider at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá. Earlier in the year, on June 3, 2026, Swissport launched operations at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

Brady confirmed that the company will continue to pursue mergers and acquisitions in dynamic aviation economies to create long-term value for customers and partners.

AirPro News analysis

We view Swissport’s entry into Indonesia as a calculated continuation of its broader strategy to capture market share in high-growth, geographically fragmented regions. Following its recent expansion into Colombia and Shanghai, the company is clearly prioritizing emerging markets where domestic connectivity relies heavily on aviation infrastructure. By utilizing a joint venture model with an established local entity like UNEX rather than attempting a greenfield startup, Swissport mitigates the regulatory and operational risks typical of entering the Indonesian market. This approach allows the company to immediately integrate local expertise while deploying its global standardized safety and operational protocols.

Sources: Swissport International AG (Indonesia JV)