History of Miami International Airport
Miami International Airport began as Pan American Field, operated by Pan American Airways. In 1946, Dade County seized control and changed the name to Miami International Airport. The former Pan Am terminal was modified and formally dedicated in January 1950. A separate new or rebuilt airport opened on 20th Street on December 10, 1959, but all commercial flights were moved unchanged from the old airport to the new airport upon the new airport's opening. Miami Airport grew throughout the late 1940s and 1950s, becoming the world's largest commercial air terminal by the end of that time. Over time, MIA has become one of the largest international airports in the world, and it has been the U.S. leader for international freight and one of its top destinations for international passenger traffic.