Orlando's Airports: A Tale Of Two Travel Hubs

Orlando, Florida, is served by two airports: Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). Orlando International Airport is the primary international airport located just 6 miles southeast of Downtown Orlando. It is the busiest airport in the state of Florida and one of the largest commercial airports in the United States. Orlando Sanford International Airport, on the other hand, is a smaller, secondary commercial airport located in Sanford, Florida, near Orlando. It is farther from downtown Orlando and handles fewer passengers compared to MCO. Both airports play a crucial role in facilitating tourism and travel to the Orlando area, offering convenience and accessibility to visitors from around the world.

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

The airfield was originally constructed as a U.S. Army Air Forces facility, with military operations beginning in 1942 as Orlando Army Air Field #2, an auxiliary airfield to Orlando Army Air Base, now known as Orlando Executive Airport. The airport gained its current name and international airport status in 1976 but retained its old IATA airport code MCO, which stands for the airport's former name, McCoy Air Force Base.

MCO has three terminals: Terminal A, Terminal B, and Terminal C. Terminal A consists of the northern half of the main terminal, with tramway systems to Airside 1 and Airside 2. Terminal B makes up the southern half of the main terminal and has tramway systems to Airside 3, Airside 4, and Terminal C. Terminal C, also known as the South Terminal Complex, contains 20 gates and is connected to the Orlando International Airport Intermodal Terminal, which provides a link to Terminals A and B.

The airport features an on-site Hyatt Regency hotel within the main terminal structure, offering a spacious lobby area, convention space, bars, and restaurants. MCO also has its own radio station, FlyMCO 105.1 HD2, providing airport information, local weather, and music.

In recent years, MCO has seen significant growth and development, with the addition of new terminals and concourses, as well as the implementation of new technologies such as the automated people mover system. The airport is well-connected to the city and surrounding attractions, making it a convenient and popular choice for travellers to the Orlando area.

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)

The airport covers 3,000 acres and has four runways. It is owned and operated by the Sanford Airport Authority, which was established by the City of Sanford in 1969 when it assumed control of the former Naval Air Station Sanford. The airport was commissioned on November 3, 1942, as a Master Jet Base for carrier-based attack and reconnaissance aircraft, and was used by the U.S. Navy until 1969.

Orlando Sanford International Airport has undergone several name changes over the years, including Sanford Regional Airport, Central Florida Regional Airport, and Orlando Sanford Regional Airport. The inclusion of "Orlando" in the airport's name has caused confusion for travellers, as it is farther from downtown Orlando and major attractions like Walt Disney World than MCO. Despite this, SFB has seen steady growth in passenger traffic since 2011, with a majority of its traffic being domestic.

The airport has a robust flight training operation and caters to a large volume of air carrier and air taxi traffic. It is also home to the L3 Harris Airline Academy, which provides flight training for prospective regional and international pilots.

Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB)

The airport is overseen by a seven-member board appointed by the Melbourne City Council and the private sector. Notably, the airport's operations are funded through the Melbourne municipal budget, without relying on local tax dollars. In 2010, the projected expenses were estimated at $14.1 million, with Greg Donovan serving as the airport's executive director.

Orlando Melbourne International Airport has undergone several name changes throughout its history. Initially called Melbourne International Airport, it was renamed Orlando Melbourne International Airport in 2015 to position itself as a less-congested alternative to Orlando's other commercial airports. However, due to a lawsuit claiming that the name was misleading to passengers, it was changed again in May 2021 to Melbourne Orlando International Airport.

The airport has a rich history dating back to 1928 when a Pitcairn Aircraft landed on a cow pasture strip north of Kissimmee Highway. Airmail service commenced later that year, and the airport was designated as a fuelling stop. The City of Melbourne expanded its aviation capabilities by acquiring 160 acres in 1933 to develop what would become Naval Air Station Melbourne during World War II.

Melbourne Airport resumed civilian operations after the war and was officially deeded to the city in 1947. Over the following decades, the airport underwent various name changes, including Cape Kennedy Regional Airport and Melbourne Regional Airport, before settling on its current name.

In terms of facilities, the airport covers 2,420 acres (979 ha) and features three asphalt runways: 09R/27L, 09L/27R, and 05/23, with lengths ranging from 3,001 to 10,181 feet. The main terminal building bears the name of Edward L. Foster Air Terminal.

Regarding aircraft operations and traffic, Melbourne Orlando International Airport accommodates a significant volume of flights. In the year ending December 31, 2020, the airport recorded 103,660 aircraft operations, averaging 284 per day. The majority of these flights were general aviation (93%), followed by scheduled commercial (4%), air taxi (2%), and military operations (<1%).

The airport is home to a diverse range of tenants, including those in the aerospace, defence, and manufacturing industries. These tenants contribute significantly to the local economy, generating over $3 billion annually for the Space Coast's economy, according to a 2023 study.

In recent years, the airport has invested in significant upgrades and expansions. In 2023, MLB unveiled a $72 million renovation project, enhancing facilities and amenities. This included the addition of a welcome centre, new passenger boarding bridges, food and beverage options, retail offerings, an expanded international baggage claim area, and additional bathrooms.

With a focus on passenger convenience, MLB offers a variety of shopping and dining options before departure. The airport also provides easy access to on-site rental car services, with a dedicated rental car area located conveniently near baggage claim. Additionally, the airport's parking facilities are conveniently located just steps away from ticketing and the security checkpoint.

Transport to and from the airports

Orlando has two airports: Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). Here is some information about transport to and from these airports.

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Orlando International Airport is located just six miles from downtown Orlando and is easily accessible by several transport options.

Shuttle Services

Mears Connect offers a 24/7 shuttle service between the airport and various resorts and hotels in the Disney World area. This service is affordable and provides ample luggage space. SuperShuttle Express also offers shuttle services with upfront pricing and insured, experienced drivers.

Taxi Services

Mears Taxi provides taxi services to and from Orlando International Airport. They offer taxi sedans for up to four passengers and taxi vans for up to seven passengers.

Limousine Services

Mears Luxe offers limousine services with professional chauffeurs for a luxurious and comfortable travel experience.

Car Rentals

Car rental services are available at the airport, although they may be more expensive and less convenient than shuttle services.

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)

Orlando Sanford International Airport is located further from downtown Orlando and Walt Disney World than MCO. Here are some transport options for this airport:

Shuttle Services

Mears provides shuttle services to and from Orlando Sanford International Airport, connecting passengers to various resorts, hotels, and attractions in Central Florida.

Taxi Services

Mears also offers taxi services to and from this airport, providing a safe and reliable option for passengers.

Limousine Services

For a more luxurious option, Mears Luxe is available for transport to and from Orlando Sanford International Airport.

Car Rentals

Car rental services are available, but passengers should be cautious of accidentally booking a rental car for the wrong airport, as the two airports in Orlando can be confusing.

Both airports offer a range of transport options, but it is essential to plan ahead and choose the most suitable option based on your specific needs and destination.

History of the airports

Orlando is served by two airports: Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). Here is a history of each airport:

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Originally constructed as a U.S. Army Air Forces facility, the airfield began military operations in 1942 as Orlando Army Air Field #2, an auxiliary airfield to Orlando Army Air Base, now known as Orlando Executive Airport. In January 1943, Orlando Army Air Field #2 was renamed Pinecastle Army Airfield.

With the establishment of an independent U.S. Air Force in 1947, the airfield was briefly placed in caretaker status until being reactivated during the Korean War as a Strategic Air Command (SAC) facility for B-47 Stratojets and KC-97 Stratofreighters. It was renamed Pinecastle AFB and later McCoy AFB in 1959 after Colonel Michael Norman Wright McCoy, commander of the 321st Bombardment Wing, was killed in a crash during SAC's annual Bombing and Navigation Competition.

McCoy AFB was identified for closure in 1973 as part of a post-Vietnam reduction in force. The following year, most of the McCoy AFB facility was turned over to the city of Orlando, and in 1975, the final Air Force contingent departed. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) was established as a state-chartered local governmental agency to operate, manage, and oversee construction of expansions and improvements to both the Orlando International Airport and the Orlando Executive Airport.

The airport gained its current name and international airport status in 1976 but retained its old airport code MCO, which stands for the airport's former name, McCoy Air Force Base. In 1978, construction began on the current Landside Terminal and two Airsides on the west side of the terminal (known today as Airsides 1 and 3), which opened in 1981.

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)

Orlando Sanford International Airport started life as Naval Air Station Sanford, a Master Jet Base for carrier-based attack and reconnaissance aircraft. Commissioned on November 3, 1942, the base initially concentrated on advanced land-based patrol plane training. It was used by the United States Navy until it closed in 1969.

In 1969, the City of Sanford assumed control of the former NAS Sanford and renamed the facility Sanford Airport. For the next 25 years, the airport was a general aviation facility and periodically hosted civilian/military air shows and static displays. The City of Sanford also established the Sanford Airport Authority, which still operates the airport today.

Through the 1980s and 1990s, the oldest Navy buildings were demolished, and those built in the 1950s and 1960s were renovated for civil use. New buildings and hangars were added, and in the mid-1990s, a new passenger terminal capable of accommodating jet airliners was built.

In 1996, Michael Jackson and his team did the first rehearsals of the HIStory World Tour at the airport. In 2010, Allegiant Air announced it was moving many flights to the larger and more centrally located Orlando International Airport, but due to passenger feedback, all flights have since returned to Orlando Sanford.

Frequently asked questions