Orlando's Airport Options: How Many Are There?

Orlando, Florida, is served by several airports, including two large commercial airports. These are the Orlando International Airport (MCO) and the Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). Orlando also has a few smaller operational airports near the city, including the Orlando Executive Airport and the Melbourne Orlando International Airport.

Orlando Executive Airport

The airport covers 967 acres of land at an elevation of 113 feet. It has two asphalt runways: 7/25, which is 6,004 feet by 150 feet, and 13/31, which is 4,625 feet by 100 feet. In 2020, the airport recorded 122,835 aircraft operations, averaging 337 per day. As of March 2022, there were 215 aircraft based at the airport, including single-engine, multi-engine, jet, and helicopter aircraft. The airport has two fixed-base operators: Atlantic Aviation and Sheltair Air Services.

Orlando International Airport

MCO is a hub for Silver Airways and a focus city for Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, and Spirit. It also offers regular services abroad, with international destinations including London/Gatwick, Paris/de Gaulle, Rio de Janeiro, and San Jose, Costa Rica. The airport features three terminals spread over two buildings. Terminal A is primarily for domestic flights, with airlines like Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest. Terminal B serves both domestic and international travellers, with carriers such as American, Delta, and United. Terminal C is the newest addition.

MCO offers a range of public transportation options, including the SunRail, which links the airport to key locations throughout the city, and the Lynx bus network, which provides several routes that service the airport and fan out across the region. The airport also has an app, which provides users with information on security wait times and flight details.

Orlando Sanford International Airport

The airport is known for its convenience and efficiency, with shorter lines and quicker processing times compared to MCO. It is particularly convenient for travellers heading to the northern suburbs of Orlando or those interested in exploring the eastern coast of Central Florida, including popular beaches.

SFB provides a more relaxed alternative to the busier MCO, making it ideal for travellers seeking a more streamlined travel experience.

Orlando, Melbourne International Airport

The airport covers 2,420 acres (979 ha) and features three asphalt runways. In the year ending December 31, 2020, the airport recorded approximately 284 daily aircraft operations, with general aviation accounting for 93% of these movements. As of 2023, MLB is home to over 60 tenants across various industries, including aerospace, defence, and manufacturing. These tenants contribute significantly to the local economy, generating more than $3 billion annually.

In recent years, the airport has undergone significant expansion and renovation projects, including a $72 million upgrade that added over 86,000 square feet of new and improved facilities and amenities. These enhancements include a welcome centre, new passenger boarding bridges, food and beverage options, retail spaces, an expanded international baggage claim area, and additional bathrooms.

The airport is served by several airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Sun Country Airlines, and Elite Airways. It also houses the Florida Institute of Technology Research, Science and Technology Park, occupying about 100 acres and surrounded by prominent aerospace companies.

Daytona Beach International Airport

The airport has two terminals: a six-gate domestic terminal and an international terminal. It has three runways: 07L/25R, 10,500 x 150 ft. (3,200 x 46 m), 07R/25L, 3,195 x 100 ft. (974 x 30 m) and 16/34, 6,001 x 150 ft. (1,829 x 46 m). In the year ending September 30, 2021, the airport had 364,071 aircraft operations, with an average of 997 per day.

The airport is served by several airlines, including JetBlue Airways, Delta Air Lines, Sun Country Airlines, Silver Airways, and United Airlines. Destinations include Charlotte, New Haven, Wilmington, and Philadelphia.

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