American Airlines is still the largest airline in Miami but it has been under increasing competition. American Airlines just announced a significant expansion in Miami this winter. This includes new routes and more capacity in existing markets.Miami is becoming more competitiveAlthough historically, American had little competition in Miami, at the least domestically, that is something that has changed in recent years and especially during the pandemic.It is interesting to see airlines moving south from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Miami. Historically, airlines chose only one airport.Spirit Airlines has added 30 new routes to MiamiAmericans now have new routes and frequencies from MiamiAmerican Airlines has put on sale flights this weekend that will help it expand its presence in Miami. These include two new international routes and six new domestic routes. Additionally, there are new frequencies in existing markets. American will be operating up to 341 daily flights from Miami in the coming winter, if you add all of it up.All these new flights can be booked on aa.com. Let's look at the details.Two new international routes departing from MiamiAlthough they aren't long-haul, American is offering year-round flights from Miami to:Chetumal (CTM), Mexico (December 1, 2021): The flight will fly 2x per week with E175sSan Andres Island (Colombia) (ADZ) will be served by E175s twice weekly starting December 4, 2021.These updates will allow American to serve 28 destinations in Mexico, and seven in Colombia. This is quite remarkable. The addition to San Andres Island is particularly interesting. Has anyone been there?American will add two international routes to MiamiSix new domestic routes from MiamiAmerican will add domestic routes to Miami from:Albany (ALB), between November 6, 2021 and April 2, 2022. The flight will operate Saturdays with the E175sBurlington (BTV), between November 6, 2021 and April 2, 2022. The flight will operate Saturdays using E175sMadison (MSN), between November 6, 2021 and April 2, 2022. The flight will operate Saturdays with the E175sSalt Lake City (SLC), between December 16, 2021 and April 4, 2022. The flight will operate daily with 737-8800sSyracuse (SYR), between November 6, 2021 and April 2, 2022. The flight will operate Saturdays with the E175sTulsa (TUL), year-round, starting November 6, 2021. The flight will operate Saturdays with the E175sThe only significant addition is the Salt Lake City flight, which is clearly targeted at Delta. It is a daily flight using a 737. Although the other flights are great, it is hard to get excited about a once-weekly regional jet service. I get the feeling that American wants to keep Breeze Airways at bay by using other routes.American will add six domestic routes to MiamiFrequent flights to Miami from other cities.American will increase its frequency from Miami to these destinations starting November 2, 2021Baltimore (BWI), is growing from 2x daily up to 3x dailyCleveland (CLE), is growing from 2x daily up to 3x dailyDetroit (DTW), is growing from 2x daily up to 3x dailyGuatemala City (GUA), is growing from 2x daily up to 3x dailyJacksonville (JAX), is growing from 5x daily up to 7x dailyNashville (BNA), is growing from 3x daily up to 5x dailyNew Orleans (MSY), is growing from 4x daily up to 5x dailyOrlando (MCO), is growing from 6x daily up to 10x dailyRaleigh-Durham's (RDU), population is growing from 4x to 5x dailySan Juan (SJU), is growing from 5x daily up to 6x dailySan Jose (SJO), is growing from 2x daily up to 3x dailySan Pedro Sula (SAP), is growing from 2x daily up to 3x dailySanto Domingo (SDQ), is growing from 4x daily up to 6x dailyTampa (TPA), increasing from 5x daily up to 8x dailyThese are significant frequency increases, especially for flights within Florida. Orlando receives an additional four flights per day, while Tampa gets an additional three.American is expanding its presence in existing marketsBottom lineAmerican Airlines has expanded its Miami operations with eight new routes and increased frequency in existing markets. This is clearly a response to the many new routes that have been added in Miami over recent months.What do you think of Americans expanding out of Miami?
