Orlando International Airport’s story begins with its roots as a military airfield during World War II. Established in 1942 as Pinecastle Army Airfield, the facility served as an important training base for B-17 and B-24 bomber crews. After the war, the airfield was deactivated in 1946 but reactivated in 1951 as Pinecastle Air Force Base during the Korean War.
The base was renamed McCoy Air Force Base in 1958 in honor of Colonel Michael Norman Wright McCoy, who died in a B-47 crash at the facility. This military heritage is reflected in the airport’s current IATA code “MCO,” which preserves the McCoy name even decades after the end of military operations.
The transformation into a civilian airport began in the early 1960s when the military allowed commercial flights to share the facility. This arrangement became increasingly important with the 1971 opening of Walt Disney World, which dramatically increased visitor traffic to the Orlando area. The booming tourism industry prompted the creation of a new passenger terminal, which opened in 1981 with its distinctive central building and satellite terminals connected by an automated people mover system.
When McCoy Air Force Base officially closed in 1975 as part of post-Vietnam military restructuring, the city of Orlando and surrounding Orange County gained control of the facility. The airport was formally renamed Orlando International Airport in 1976, though its IATA code remained MCO as a lasting tribute to its military origins.
The decades since have seen continuous expansion and refinement of the airport’s facilities to accommodate Central Florida’s explosive tourism growth. Major additions included a third parking garage in 2008, Airside 4 expansions for international traffic in 2010, Intermodal Terminal Facility in 2017, and most recently, the landmark Terminal C which opened in September 2022.
Throughout its evolution, MCO has maintained a uniquely Orlando character, with design elements and amenities that provide visitors with their first taste of Florida’s distinctive blend of natural beauty and magical experiences.
MCO Quick Facts
- IATA Code: MCO
- ICAO Code: KMCO
- Location: Six miles southeast of downtown Orlando
- Elevation: 96 feet (29 meters) above sea level
- Runways: 4 runways (two 12,000 feet, one 10,000 feet, one 9,000 feet)
- Terminals: 3 terminals (Terminal A, Terminal B, Terminal C)
- Operating Hours: 24/7
- Official Name: Orlando International Airport
- Airport Operator: Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA)
- Hub For: JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines
- Time Zone: Eastern Time (ET)
Impressive Statistics
Orlando International Airport consistently ranks as one of the busiest airports in the United States and serves as Florida’s busiest airport by passenger volume. In 2023, MCO handled a record-breaking 57.7 million passengers, surpassing its pre-pandemic numbers and securing its position as the seventh-busiest airport in the country and the busiest in Florida.
The airport serves as a gateway to the world’s most popular tourist destination, with Orlando welcoming approximately 74 million visitors annually. International traffic comprises about 13% of the airport’s passenger volume, with roughly 7.5 million international travelers moving through MCO each year.
With a total land area of approximately 14,000 acres (5,665 hectares), MCO is one of the largest airports in the United States by land size. The airport manages an average of 950 flight operations daily across its four runways, connecting Orlando to over 150 destinations worldwide.
The economic impact of MCO extends throughout Central Florida, directly and indirectly supporting more than 380,000 jobs and generating an annual economic impact of $41 billion for the region. More than 25,000 people work at the airport itself across its various facilities and operations.
The recently opened Terminal C spans 1.8 million square feet and adds 15 additional gates to the airport’s capacity, increasing the potential annual passenger capacity by 10-12 million travelers. MCO’s people mover system transports approximately 100,000 passengers daily between the main terminal and satellite airside terminals.
Modern Facilities
Orlando International Airport offers travelers a distinctive airport experience designed to capture the essence of Central Florida. The airport’s original design features a central terminal building (divided into Terminals A and B) connected to four satellite airside terminals (1-4) via automated people movers. The newest addition, Terminal C, represents the first phase of a massive South Terminal Complex that will eventually include additional concourses.
The central terminal complex provides visitors with their first impression of Orlando through expansive atrium spaces filled with natural light, tropical plants, and water features. This “Orlando Experience” design philosophy continues throughout the facilities, with palm trees, fountains, and large windows creating a distinctly Florida atmosphere.
Shopping options at MCO include approximately 100 retail locations spread across all terminals. These range from Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld official merchandise stores to luxury brands like Tumi and Michael Kors. The airport showcases Florida-themed gifts and specialties, with shops offering citrus products, beach attire, and coastal-inspired jewelry and decor.
Dining reflects Orlando’s diverse culinary scene, with more than 80 food and beverage outlets throughout the airport. Local Florida favorites include Cask & Larder (featuring Southern-inspired farm-to-table cuisine), Bahama Breeze (Caribbean-themed dishes), and Winter Park-based Foxtail Coffee. National brands and quick-service options are abundant, providing choices for every preference and budget.
Terminal C has elevated the airport’s offerings with a sophisticated selection of new dining and retail options, including Wine Bar George, Sunshine Diner by Chef Art Smith, and the first airport location of Orlando-based Provisions by Cask & Larder. The new terminal also features advanced technology, including interactive digital media installations and state-of-the-art interactive video walls.
Business travelers can access multiple lounges including The Club MCO (Terminals A and B), Delta Sky Club (Airside 4), and United Club (Airside 3). The new Terminal C houses a Plaza Premium Lounge for international travelers. In-terminal hotels include the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport, located within the main terminal building, offering 445 rooms and extensive meeting facilities with direct access to both landside and airside areas.
Family-friendly amenities are a priority, with children’s play areas in each airside terminal, family restrooms throughout the facilities, and companion care restrooms for those needing assistance. For travelers seeking relaxation, Terminal B features a spa offering massages and beauty services, while quiet seating areas throughout the terminal provide respite from the bustle of travel.
Art plays an important role in the passenger experience, with MCO’s collection including large-scale installations like the 1,560-foot “Fern Theater” video wall in Terminal C, the dramatically lit “Crystal Garden” in the central atrium, and rotating exhibitions by local and regional artists.
Airlines and Destinations
As one of the country’s premier leisure travel destinations, Orlando International Airport hosts approximately 40 airlines connecting Central Florida to over 150 destinations worldwide. The airport serves as a focus city for several major carriers, including JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines, all of which maintain substantial operations at MCO.
Domestic connectivity is extensive, with service to virtually every major market in the United States. Southwest Airlines operates the largest domestic network from MCO, serving dozens of destinations across the country. Other significant domestic carriers include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Frontier Airlines, providing frequent service to their respective hubs and beyond.
International service has expanded dramatically in recent years, with direct flights to more than 60 international destinations. Latin American and Caribbean connections are particularly strong, with service to Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Brazil, and numerous Caribbean islands. European carriers including British Airways, Lufthansa, Icelandair, Virgin Atlantic, and Aer Lingus provide direct service to major European hubs.
Canadian connectivity is robust, with Air Canada, WestJet, and seasonal operators providing service to multiple Canadian cities. The Middle East is served by Emirates’ direct flights to Dubai, while Copa Airlines offers convenient connections to Central and South America via Panama City.
The opening of Terminal C has enhanced MCO’s ability to handle international traffic, with advanced U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities capable of processing 2,000 passengers per hour. This expanded capacity has facilitated the addition of new international routes and increased frequencies on existing services.
Seasonal charter operations supplement regularly scheduled service, particularly during winter months when travelers from northern climates seek Florida sunshine. These seasonal flights connect Orlando to additional European and Canadian markets that may not support year-round service.
Ground Transportation
Orlando International Airport offers diverse transportation options to accommodate the millions of leisure travelers who visit Central Florida annually. The expansive ground transportation system begins within the terminals, where a hub system facilitates connections on the first level of the main terminal building.
Public transportation includes the Lynx bus service connecting the airport to downtown Orlando and other Central Florida destinations. Route 11 provides service from the A-Side of the terminal, while Route 42 serves the B-Side, both offering affordable connections to the broader Orlando area.
The SunRail commuter rail system can be accessed via a short bus connection, offering service throughout Central Florida’s urban corridor. For long-distance travel, the Brightline high-speed rail service now connects Orlando directly to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach from the airport’s new Intermodal Terminal Facility adjacent to Terminal C.
Shuttle services are particularly prominent given Orlando’s tourism focus. Disney’s Magical Express previously offered direct service to Walt Disney World Resort hotels, but following its discontinuation, Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer now provide similar services. Universal Orlando Resort and other major attractions offer their own dedicated shuttle services for guests.
Taxis, limousines, and ride-sharing services including Uber and Lyft operate from designated areas at each terminal, providing direct transportation to specific destinations. MCO’s central location puts most major attractions within a 30-minute drive, with Walt Disney World approximately 20 miles southwest and Universal Orlando about 15 miles northwest.
Car rental is exceptionally popular given the dispersed nature of Orlando’s attractions. The airport houses one of the world’s largest rental car operations, with major companies operating from the main terminal’s A and B sides. The Intermodal Terminal Facility near Terminal C houses additional rental car operations, accessible via moving walkways and the automated people mover system.
The Future Airport
Orlando International Airport is in the midst of a transformative expansion to accommodate Central Florida’s projected growth. The recently opened Terminal C represents only the first phase of the South Terminal Complex, which will eventually expand to include 120 gates across multiple concourses, more than doubling the airport’s current capacity.
Future phases of development will add Concourses 6, 7, and 8 to the Terminal C complex, with construction timing based on passenger growth trends. The master plan allows for ultimate expansion to accommodate up to 100 million annual passengers, ensuring MCO can support Orlando’s tourism and business growth for decades to come.
Airfield improvements include ongoing rehabilitation of existing runways and planning for potential additional runways as traffic demands increase. Taxiway enhancements focus on improving operational efficiency and reducing aircraft ground time.
Technology integration remains central to MCO’s development strategy, with continued implementation of biometric boarding, advanced baggage handling systems, and enhanced security screening to reduce wait times. The airport’s recent innovations include automated screening lanes, facial recognition for international departures, and the GOAA app providing real-time updates and wayfinding assistance.
Sustainability initiatives drive many future improvements, with Terminal C already incorporating numerous green building features including large skylights that harvest natural light, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and Florida-friendly landscaping that minimizes irrigation needs. Future projects will continue this focus on environmental responsibility, with goals for carbon footprint reduction, expanded electric vehicle infrastructure, and renewable energy integration.
Ground transportation enhancements will build upon the Intermodal Terminal Facility, with plans for expanded rail connectivity. The completion of Brightline’s extension to Tampa will position MCO as a crucial hub in Florida’s emerging high-speed rail network, potentially reducing the number of short-haul flights and rental car usage.
Commercial development of airport property continues with several non-aviation revenue projects in various planning stages. These include additional hotel facilities, office complexes, and retail developments that will enhance the airport’s revenue stream while providing additional amenities for travelers and the local community.
As Orlando continues to grow as both a leisure and business destination, MCO’s expansion ensures that the airport will maintain its position as Central Florida’s premier gateway while continuing to provide visitors with their first magical experience of the Sunshine State.
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