Miami International Airport (MIA) serves as the primary gateway for fresh flower imports into the United States, handling more than 90% of the total volume. The period leading up to Mother's Day consistently represents the airport's peak season for these perishable goods, exceeding the volumes typically seen for Valentine's Day.
Avianca Cargo reported a record-breaking season for Mother's Day in 2026, highlighting the significant logistical effort required to manage the influx of flowers, predominantly from South American farms. This annual surge underscores MIA's critical role in the cold chain for floral products.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this signifies a predictable, high-volume period requiring meticulous planning for air cargo capacity, cold storage, and expedited customs clearance at MIA. Securing space with carriers like Avianca Cargo during this time is crucial, and any delays can severely impact product quality and delivery schedules due to the perishable nature of the cargo. The consistent demand also suggests stable, albeit potentially higher, air freight rates for this specific commodity during peak seasons.
