In 2019, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) commenced the environmental assessment for proposed flight path modifications as part of the South-Central Florida Metroplex - one of 12 metroplex projects in the United States. The objectives of the Metroplex projects are to enhance the way aircrafts navigate complex air space, improve airport access, and make flight routes more efficient. The South Central Florida Metroplex includes Miami International Airport (MIA) and other airports in the southern half of Florida.

During the Project Development and Environment phase of the Metroplex project, the FAA and its consultants held four public workshops in the Greater Miami area from April 29 to May 2, 2019 to discuss the proposed air traffic changes. City staff attended the workshop in Miami Springs on May 2, 2019 to understand the potential impacts of the proposed flight paths on Miami Beach. The City’s Transportation and Mobility Department engaged Kimley-Horn and Associates (KHA), a firm with aviation experience, to attend the workshop, review all available project material from the FAA, and develop a technical memorandum outlining the potential impacts to Miami Beach.

Following an in-depth review of the FAA’s environmental assessment for the South Central Florida Metroplex, KHA determined that there would be no significant adverse effects to the City as a result of the proposed flight paths, and that the City would benefit from the proposed consolidated flight paths. The results of KHA’s technical review were shared with the City Commission via Letter to Commission # 239-2020 dated July 7, 2020.

Prior to the implementation of the South Central Florida Metroplex project, most of the east departures flew over the South Beach and Middle Beach areas of the City. Under the Metroplex plan, east departures are routed south of the City (over Virginia Key). North departures are re-routed west of Miami Beach over Biscayne Bay, thus avoiding flight paths over Miami Beach (Attachment). Furthermore, under the Metroplex, aircrafts fly further east over the Atlantic Ocean on the downwind legs prior to turning west toward the runway approaches. The overflights are mostly concentrated approximately between the Venetian Causeway and the Julia Tuttle Causeway. The approximate altitude of these overflights ranges between 2,000 and 3,000 feet.

At the March 22, 2021 Neighborhood and Quality of Life Committee (NQLC) meeting, the City’s aviation consultant presented the results of their independent review of the FAA South Central Florida Metroplex Study and provided their professional opinion on the potential effects of the Metroplex project on Miami Beach (i.e. no significant adverse impact). However, at the meeting, there was some discussion regarding noise concerns and an alleged early implementation of the Metroplex Plan at MIA. Following the NQLC meeting, the City’s’ consultant communicated with the FAA staff who stated that the Metroplex project had not been implemented or tested on a pilot basis as of that date.

The implementation of the South Central Florida Metroplex commenced on August 12, 2021. At this time, and based on recent conversations with FAA staff, the Metroplex has been implemented in its entirety. The City’s consultant also reviewed the current MIA flight paths and confirmed that the Metroplex flight paths are being followed as proposed and approved by the FAA.

While the overall impact of flyover routes on our City has been reduced due to the new Metroplex flight paths, some municipalities in Miami-Dade County have challenged the FAA due to a perceived increase in noise levels. For example, on December 11, 2020, the City of North Miami filed a lawsuit in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals against the FAA (Case No. 20-14656). Other municipalities involved in the litigation include Indian Creek Island, Biscayne Park, North Miami Beach, and Bay Harbor Islands. The case is currently pending.

Given the limited impact of the Metroplex on Miami Beach, the Administration recommends no further action on this item.