airport

The inaugural Miami-Rome departure by American Airlines gets a water-cannon salute from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.

Miami-Dade residents can now travel directly to Rome from Miami International Airport (MIA). American Airlines has begun a new service from Miami International Airport to Rome, and now the airline has its largest summer schedule in MIA history. American and Miami-Dade County leaders recently hosted an event to celebrate the new route, complete with Italian food and traditional entertainment for customers to enjoy ahead of the historic flight.

"American Airlines has been an essential driver of MIA’s global success, and with this bold expansion to Rome, they’re once again proving their commitment to our community, our economy, and our place on the world stage,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “This new connection opens the door for more international travelers to experience everything Miami-Dade has to offer. I’m proud to celebrate this major milestone for both MIA and American Airlines that strengthens our county’s position as a premier global destination.”

American Airlines will operate more than 37,200 flights from MIA this summer between May 16 and Sept. 2, part of more than 715,000 flights systemwide throughout the summer. The airline will also increase flying from MIA to popular destinations this summer, including Chicago (ORD), Las Vegas (LAS), Montego Bay (MBJ), Los Angeles (LAX), and New York (LGA). The airline serves 170 destinations from MIA, including 90 unique destinations served exclusively by MIA.

“[American Airlines] is stronger than ever before in Miami with our largest summer schedule on record and an industry-leading international network, reinforced by new service to Rome today,” said Vice President of American Airlines Miami Hub Juan Carlos Liscano. “Our sustained growth is not only a testament to our focus on our customers, but it represents our team’s ability to execute on a record-breaking schedule and signifies the strength of Miami-Dade, bolstered by our 35-year legacy as its hometown airline. I’m proud of the critical role we play in connecting Miami to the world and vice versa, making the region a more desirable place to live, visit, conduct business, and attract a global audience for major events,” said Liscano.

Miami International Airport is the busiest airport for international freight flights in the United States and the second busiest for international passengers. The airport is receiving an investment of $9 billion in capital improvements and maintenance upgrades. MIA offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any U.S. airport and is a leading economic engine for Miami-Dade County. It generates business revenue of $118 billion and 60 percent of international visitors to Florida annually.

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