(MIAMI) Air France will build a new VIP lounge at Miami International Airport, aiming for a 2028 opening after advancing through county approvals and design planning. The lounge, placed on Level 3 of Concourse H near gates H12 and H15, marks a major investment in the airline’s U.S. footprint and targets premium travelers who have long said Miami’s lounge options fall short of other hubs.
Documents reviewed by Miami-Dade officials show a 10-year lease with a $7–8 million build budget and projected $96,000 per month in rent starting in March 2028. Construction is expected to begin in the coming years as approvals continue.
Location, size, and unique features
Air France’s plan calls for a 7,400-square-foot indoor footprint plus a 1,000-square-foot outdoor terrace — the first open-air space of its kind at Miami International Airport. While final renderings are pending, the airline intends to:
- Dedicate a section for La Première (First Class) passengers
- Serve curated French food and wine
- Create modern interiors reflecting Parisian design
- Offer the distinctive outdoor terrace as an open-air seating and viewing area
VisaVerge.com analysis suggests the terrace will be a strong draw in Miami’s climate and may prompt competitors to update their own lounge spaces.
The outdoor terrace could become a signature feature that reshapes lounge expectations at MIA, according to industry observers.
Project timeline and financial terms
- Lease length: 10 years, with a 5-year extension option
- Estimated build cost: $7–8 million
- Projected rent: ~$96,000 per month, beginning March 2028
- Target opening: 2028 (project listed in advanced planning as of September 10, 2025)
Miami-Dade Airport Committee agendas confirm the project is in advanced planning, and industry reporting treats the effort as green-lit and funded, despite no recent public executive statements from Air France.
Access and service scope
Air France currently operates one daily Miami–Paris CDG flight in summer and two daily flights in winter. Until the lounge opens, premium and elite passengers will continue using the Delta Sky Club.
Expected access policies (to be finalized closer to opening):
- La Première (First Class) passengers
- Business Class passengers on Air France
- Flying Blue elite members
- Potential access for other SkyTeam premium travelers
The lounge is aimed at Air France’s highest-spending travelers and is tailored to the busy evening transatlantic window, prioritizing comfort and privacy.
Expected amenities and passenger benefits
Key features and benefits highlighted by the plan:
- Dedicated First Class area for La Première
- Curated French cuisine and wines
- Modern, Parisian-inspired interiors with a luxury focus
- Outdoor terrace for open-air seating and views
- Closer proximity to Concourse H gates to reduce walking times and gate changes
Operational benefits may include more consistent departures from nearby gates, shorter walks for passengers, and steadier boarding schedules — all especially helpful for families, older travelers, and those with sensitive documents.
Operational and competitive impact
- The lounge addresses longstanding complaints about limited lounge capacity and crowding at MIA.
- Air France’s investment reflects a broader airline strategy: improving ground experience can influence customer loyalty as much as onboard service.
- Industry watchers expect Miami’s premium-service upgrades to pressure competitors and alliances to add or refurbish lounges, especially if the terrace and First Class area prove popular.
Practical notes for travelers
- Until opening, use the Delta Sky Club for Air France premium access.
- For winter travel with two daily departures, allow extra time to access the lounge and reach your gate.
- If connecting or checking bags, plan for security and transfer lines.
For official updates:
– Miami International Airport: Miami International Airport
– Air France: Air France
For general airport information, MIA’s main line is 305-876-7000.
Status and outlook
Project paperwork and committee agendas show continued oversight as design is finalized and the build moves toward construction. Public records and aviation-press coverage support the 2028 target, though timelines for major airport projects can shift due to permitting, construction delays, or operational testing.
VisaVerge.com reports the outdoor terrace could become a model for future MIA spaces if passenger feedback is strong. While the new lounge won’t solve every traveler complaint, it represents a notable quality upgrade: shorter walks to H gates, quieter seating, better food, and a fresh-air option before a long overnight to Paris. For the airport, the addition signals a competitive move that may spur further premium upgrades.
This Article in a Nutshell
Air France is advancing a new VIP lounge at Miami International Airport on Level 3 of Concourse H, aiming to open in 2028. The facility will feature roughly 7,400 square feet of indoor space and a 1,000-square-foot outdoor terrace — the first open-air lounge area at MIA. Documents show a 10-year lease, a $7–8 million build budget, and estimated rent of about $96,000 per month beginning March 2028. The lounge will include a dedicated La Première area, French cuisine and wines, and Parisian-style interiors, with expected access for La Première, business-class passengers, Flying Blue elites, and possibly SkyTeam premium travelers. Until opening, premium guests will use the Delta Sky Club. Industry observers say the terrace and dedicated First Class space may prompt competitors to upgrade their own lounges and improve Miami’s premium offerings.
