A record year for cargo at Miami International

Miami International Airport (MIA) set a new record for cargo volumes in 2020 thanks to an end of year surge in demand.

Last y

ear, the Florida airport saw its cargo volumes increase by 57,382 tons year on year to more than 2.3m tons.

The airport highlighted an “exceptionally strong” end to the year with an average of 210,000 tons in October, November and December, making them the airport’s busiest months ever.

MIA also ended 2020 with a record 59,000 cargo-only flights, which was nearly 8,000 more flights than in 2019. 

The increase in demand towards the end of the year also reflected the overall rebound in the US economy, with nationwide retail sales increasing rapidly.

US National Retail Federation figures show that 2020’s $789.4bn in holiday spending during November and December was the highest on record, despite the coronavirus pandemic. 

Miami-Dade County mayor Daniella Levine Cava said: “The fact that this growth occurred during the pandemic is even more encouraging. As our local economic rebound progresses, we are fortunate to have a leading passenger and cargo hub like MIA that is thriving during these unprecedented times.”

The airport said that as the busiest US airport for international freight and perishable products, MIA continued to be a global hub for essential supplies and e-commerce throughout the pandemic.

“Our record-setting year would not have been possible without the strong partnership we share with each and every airline, federal agency and logistics provider that adapted and maintained their services throughout the pandemic,” added Lester Sola, MIA director and chief executive.

“We are deeply grateful for their ongoing support and look forward to reaching even greater heights together in 2021, as we facilitate more essential trade and commerce across our region and the globe.”