Orlando's Airport: An Essential Travel Hub For Florida Visitors

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 6 miles southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida. It is the busiest airport in the state and the seventh busiest airport in the United States. The airport is a major hub for several airlines and serves as an important international gateway for the Florida region. Orlando Sanford International Airport, on the other hand, offers fast and affordable air travel with efficient security lines.

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

The history of Orlando International Airport dates back to World War II when it was constructed as a U.S. Army Air Forces facility. Military operations commenced in 1942 as Orlando Army Air Field #2, an auxiliary airfield to what is now known as Orlando Executive Airport. In January 1943, it was renamed Pinecastle Army Airfield. After World War II, Pinecastle played a role in the Bell X-1 programme, conducting unpowered glide tests before the programme moved to California for the world's first supersonic flight.

The airport's former name, McCoy Air Force Base, is reflected in its IATA airport code, MCO. This former Strategic Air Command installation was closed in 1975 following the end of the Vietnam War, and the airport gained its current name and international status in 1976. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) was established to manage and oversee expansions to the airport, including the construction of the Landside Terminal and two Airsides (now known as Airsides 1 and 3), which opened in 1981.

Orlando International Airport has experienced significant growth in passenger traffic over the years. In 1978, the airport handled 5 million passengers, and by 2018, that number had surged to 47 million. In 2021, the airport recorded 19,618,838 enplanements, becoming the busiest airport in Florida and the seventh busiest in the United States. The airport serves as a base for several airlines, including Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines, with Southwest being the largest carrier by passenger numbers.

The airport's infrastructure includes three terminals. The North Terminal Complex features a large main terminal building with north and south sides, along with four airside concourses accessible via elevated people movers, totalling 93 gates. The Orlando International Airport Intermodal Terminal was designed to accommodate the SunRail commuter rail service, providing connections to the airport. Additionally, there are plans for further expansion, including the addition of Terminal D to the South Terminal Complex, with a projected final capacity of 100 million passengers annually.

Orlando Executive Airport

In 1976, the City of Orlando transferred ownership and operational responsibilities to the GOAA, which renamed the airport Orlando Executive Airport in 1982. Today, the airport covers 967 acres of land and has two asphalt runways. In the year ending December 31, 2020, the airport had 122,835 aircraft operations, with an average of 337 per day. The airport serves private and corporate aircraft and has been used for special aviation industry events, including the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Convention.

Orlando Sanford International Airport

The airport first began as Naval Air Station Sanford in 1942, with the airport codes NRJ and KNRJ. The base was used by the United States Navy for advanced land-based patrol plane training until it closed in 1969. The City of Sanford then took over the facility, renaming it Sanford Airport and establishing the Sanford Airport Authority. In the following years, the airport underwent several name changes, including Sanford Regional Airport, Central Florida Regional Airport, and Orlando Sanford Regional Airport, before finally becoming Orlando Sanford International Airport.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the oldest Navy buildings were demolished, while those from the 1950s and 1960s were renovated for civil use. New buildings and hangars were constructed, and the airport began to cater to civilian and military air shows and static displays. In 1992, parts of the film 'Passenger 57' were filmed at the airport, and shortly after, a new control tower was built, with air traffic control operations assumed by the FAA.

Airport facilities and services

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the primary international airport located 6 miles southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida. It is Florida's busiest airport, covering 47 square kilometers and is the fifth-largest airport in the United States by land area. The airport code, MCO, stands for the airport's former name, McCoy Air Force Base, which was closed in 1975 following the end of the Vietnam War. Orlando International Airport serves as a major international gateway to the Florida region, with over 850 daily flights on 44 airlines servicing 135 domestic and international destinations.

Orlando International Airport offers a range of facilities and services to cater to the millions of passengers who pass through its terminals each year. The airport has three terminals: the North Terminal Complex, Terminal C, and the Intermodal Terminal. These terminals provide passengers with various amenities, including essential services, entertainment options, and accessibility features.

The airport provides standard services such as a lost and found section, information desks with helpful staff, ATMs, currency exchange offices, and free Wi-Fi. Additionally, it offers unique features like a service animal relief area, showers, postal services, and luggage storage and transport services. For those seeking relaxation, the airport also boasts art programs and spas.

Passengers can choose from a variety of shops and restaurants located throughout the airport, with options differing based on the terminal and location. There are also numerous lounges located throughout the airport, providing passengers with additional comfort and convenience.

In terms of transportation, the airport offers a convenient shuttle train, known as the Automated People Movers (APM), which facilitates quick and efficient travel between terminals. The airport also provides car rental services, ground transportation options, and direct train connections to the Orlando area and beyond via Brightline.

Orlando International Airport also offers optional automated passport control services through a mobile application, helping to alleviate congestion at passport control counters.

With its range of facilities and services, Orlando International Airport ensures that passengers have a smooth, efficient, and enjoyable experience during their time at the airport.

Airport reviews

Orlando, Florida, has two international airports: Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB).

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Orlando International Airport is the primary international airport located 6 miles southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida. It is the fifth-largest airport in the United States by land area and the busiest airport in the state of Florida. The airport serves as an operating base for airlines such as Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, and is a focus city for JetBlue.

Reviews for the airport are mixed. Some travellers praise the convenience of the CLEAR service, where an agent will cut the line for you. However, other reviews criticise the airport for long wait times, particularly for immigration, security, and baggage claim. The airport has also been described as overcrowded and understaffed, with long lines for concessions and restaurants. The layout of the airport has been described as confusing, with a lack of signage to direct passengers to their gates.

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)

Orlando Sanford International Airport is a separate airport serving the Orlando area. It markets itself as offering fast and affordable air travel, with convenient navigation and quick security lines.

Frequently asked questions