Miami International Airport Reopens After Precautionary Evacuation Amid Nationwide Storm Delays

Miami International Airport (MIA) resumed normal operations Sunday evening following a precautionary evacuation triggered by unattended luggage, airport officials confirmed.

The incident unfolded at the Departures level near Door 21, where an unattended bag was discovered. As a safety measure, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office ordered an evacuation of the immediate area and called in the Bomb Squad to investigate. Authorities emphasized the evacuation was precautionary.

During the investigation, TSA checkpoints for Concourses G, H, and J were temporarily closed, along with portions of the curbside roadway. No injuries were reported, and officials later determined there was no threat. MIA announced at approximately 7:25 p.m. that all operations had resumed.

The disruption at Miami International came amid widespread travel chaos across the United States caused by a powerful winter storm. On Sunday alone, MIA reported more than 150 flight delays and 248 cancellations. At Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport, travelers faced 51 delays and 248 cancellations.

Nationwide, more than 10,000 flights were canceled as the storm swept across large portions of the country. The severe weather led to states of emergency being declared in 23 states from the South through the Northeast.

Travelers at MIA described repeated cancellations and delays that forced last-minute changes. One passenger said multiple flights were canceled throughout the day before finally being delayed again in the evening.

Authorities also confirmed two storm-related deaths in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, underscoring the severity of the weather system.

Airport officials urged travelers to check flight statuses before heading to the airport as weather-related disruptions continue to ripple through the national air travel system.