In early 2024, plans were announced for a Westin to open at Miami International Airport (MIA) with direct terminal access, targeting a 2026 opening. With 2026 nearly over, the hotel is no longer happening.
Westin Miami Airport Plans Scrapped Altogether
Miami Airport is undergoing a large-scale modernization, and part of that included plans for a 451-key Westin property connected directly to the terminal. The developers behind the project have now completely abandoned the concept after the FAA rejected the 150-foot-tall hotel structure, citing concerns it would create a radar blind spot and pose a safety risk to aircraft.
Negotiations to redesign the structure dragged on for nearly two years before developers concluded the project was no longer economically viable. The Westin deal itself came after a years-long bidding process that the developers had won, with the airport set to receive annual payments of $2.5 million or 3.5% of gross revenue, whichever was greater.
Airport officials are now working to expedite a new request for proposals for a different hotel operator.
Miami Airport’s Modernization Leaves a Lot to Be Desired
Miami Airport is spending $14 billion on its modernization over roughly a decade. Even years into the program, the most visible signs of progress have been broken people movers and escalators bearing “MIA — Modernization In Action” signs. The satellite portion of Concourse E has been redone, but the results are underwhelming compared to redesigns seen at other major airports.
For travelers needing a place to sleep at MIA, options remain limited. The airport now has an in-terminal Wait N’ Rest facility, though it is expensive for what it offers. The Miami International Airport Hotel is also connected directly to the terminal, but the property has not seen meaningful updates in decades.
Bottom Line
The planned Westin at Miami International Airport is no longer moving forward. The FAA blocked the 150-foot structure over radar blind spot concerns, and developers determined a full redesign was not financially worthwhile. The airport is now searching for a new hotel partner, but given how long this process has already taken, travelers should not expect a new terminal-connected hotel before 2030 at the earliest.
