South Florida Tourism Braces After American Airlines Bankruptcy

As American Airlines heads to Texas bankruptcy court, many other national hubs for the airline are also worried about how the news will impact travel and local tourism. The Miami International airport is the airline’s largest hub in the southeastern area of the United States, which serves to transport many in and out of Latin American and the Caribbean. As South Florida’s dominant air carrier, the bankruptcy news has struck fear in the heart of locals.

Concerns Over The Future

Prior to the recession, American Airlines had been building a new terminal at Miami International Airport. After funding problems struck, the project stalled and the county took over the construction project.  With the focus now being on repaying creditors, American has not been able to devote any time or efforts towards keeping the peace with national airline hub locations.

Miami is one of American Airline’s largest hubs around the nation. American is one of the five largest private employers in Miami-Dade County, employing nearly 9,000 workers.  Not only is Miami-Dade County one of the  largest areas of employment for American, but it is also the second largest home of the airline’s creditors. Owing the county $29 million, American has some major restructuring to do if it plans to come out of Chapter 11 unscathed.