Lois Larson
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a major public airport located 6 miles southeast of Downtown Orlando, Florida. It is one of the largest commercial airports in the United States in terms of land area, covering 11,605 acres. Orlando International Airport serves as a hub for several airlines, including Silver Airways, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Frontier Airlines. The airport also has a maintenance base for United Airlines and previously served as a hub for Delta Air Lines until 2007. With over 850 daily flights on 44 airlines serving 135 domestic and international destinations, Orlando International Airport is a significant gateway for the mid-Florida region and the busiest airport in the state.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Orlando International Airport |
| IATA Code | MCO |
| ICAO Code | KMCO |
| FAA LID | MCO |
| Former Name | McCoy Air Force Base |
| Location | 6 miles/9.7 km southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida, United States |
| Land Area | 11,605 acres/4,696 ha |
| Number of Terminals | 3 |
| Number of Runways | 4 |
| Number of Gates | 93 |
| Airlines Using as Hub or Focus City | Silver Airways, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, AirTran Airways (until 2014) |
| Daily Flights | Over 850 |
| Destinations Served | 135 (domestic and international) |
| Annual Enplanements (2021) | 19,618,838 |
| Major Projects | Development of a vertiport for Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft |
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What You'll Learn
Orlando International Airport's history
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is located 6 miles southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida. Covering 47 square kilometres, it is one of the largest commercial airports in the United States in terms of land area.
The airport was originally constructed as a US Army Air Forces facility and military operations began in 1942 as Orlando Army Air Field #2, an auxiliary airfield to Orlando Army Air Base, now known as Orlando Executive Airport. In 1943, Orlando Army Air Field #2 was renamed Pinecastle Army Airfield. After the end of World War II, the airfield was briefly placed in caretaker status until being reactivated during the Korean War as a Strategic Air Command installation.
In 1974, McCoy Air Force Base, a Strategic Air Command installation, was closed and the land was acquired by local authorities. The following year, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) was established to manage and oversee expansions to both the Orlando International Airport and the Orlando Executive Airport. In 1976, the airport gained its current name and international status. The airport code, MCO, stands for the airport's former name, McCoy Air Force Base.
In 1978, construction began on a new Landside/Airside Terminal complex, which was completed in 1981. The terminal complex included two Landside Terminals (North and South) and four airside concourses, with a total of 93 gates. The airport has continued to expand and improve its facilities over the years, including the addition of new terminals, parking garages, and hotels.
Orlando International Airport has served as a hub for various airlines over the years, including Delta Air Lines, AirTran Airways, Silver Airways, and Frontier Airlines. It is also a focus city for JetBlue and the largest carrier by passengers carried is Southwest Airlines. The airport is a major international gateway for the Florida region, with over 850 daily flights on 44 airlines servicing 135 domestic and international destinations.
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Airlines that use Orlando Airport as a hub
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a major hub for several airlines. The airport is located 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida, and is the busiest airport in the state. With a vast land area of 11,605 acres (4,696 ha), it is one of the largest commercial airports in the United States.
Several airlines have chosen Orlando International Airport as a strategic hub. Silver Airways has established a hub at this airport, offering a range of destinations and connections. Additionally, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines have designated Orlando International Airport as a focus city, emphasizing its importance in their operations. Southwest Airlines, in particular, stands out as the airport's largest carrier by passenger volume, catering to a significant number of travellers.
In the past, Delta Air Lines also operated a hub at Orlando International Airport until 2007. Following Delta's departure, AirTran Airways stepped in and utilized some of Delta's former gates, allowing them to expand their operations. However, AirTran eventually merged with Southwest Airlines in 2014, further solidifying Southwest's dominant presence at the airport.
Orlando International Airport serves as a gateway to the mid-Florida region, offering over 850 daily flights on 44 airlines. These airlines connect travellers to 135 domestic and international destinations, making it a vibrant hub for tourism and business. The airport's facilities include multiple terminals, airside concourses, and a variety of shops and restaurants, enhancing the overall travel experience.
Additionally, the airport has attracted international carriers such as Emirates, which began daily service from Dubai International Airport in 2015. This development underscored the airport's growing global significance. Other international airlines serving Orlando International Airport include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, and Icelandair, connecting Orlando to various European cities.
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Orlando Airport's terminals and gates
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the primary international airport located 6 miles southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida. It is one of the largest commercial airports in the United States in terms of land area, covering 11,605 acres. The airport is a hub for Silver Airways and a focus city for several airlines, including Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines.
MCO consists of three terminals: the North Terminal Complex (Terminal A and B), the South Terminal Complex (Terminal C), and four airside concourses. Terminal A, also known as the North Side or Side A, includes Airsides 1 and 2 with gates 1-29 and 100-129, respectively. Terminal B, or the South Side, encompasses Airsides 3 and 4, featuring gates 30-59 and 70-99. The newest addition, Terminal C, opened in September 2022 and handles both international and domestic flights with gates C230-C245 (or 230-248 according to another source).
Terminal A has a tramway system that provides access to its respective airsides and gates. Similarly, Terminal B offers tramway services to Airsides 3 and 4, as well as Terminal C. Terminal C, the South Terminal Complex, is equipped with customs and immigration facilities on the upper level to process international arrivals. It is connected to the Intermodal Terminal and shares a parking garage with Terminal A and B.
The airport features various amenities, including shops, duty-free options, currency exchange, and free Wi-Fi. There are also several lounges, such as the American Airlines – Admirals Club, Delta Air Lines – Sky Club, and United Club, offering complimentary snacks, drinks, and other amenities.
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Amenities and services at Orlando Airport
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a major public airport located 6 miles southeast of Downtown Orlando, Florida. It is one of the largest commercial airports in the United States in terms of land area. The airport serves as a hub for Silver Airways and a focus city for Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines.
Orlando International Airport offers a wide range of amenities and services to cater to the needs of its passengers. Here are some of the key amenities and services available:
Lounges and Relaxation
The airport has several lounges, including The Club MCO at Terminal A and Terminal B, which offer travellers a comfortable space to relax and freshen up before their flights. These lounges provide amenities such as showers, rest zones, snacks, drinks, and more. Additionally, there are reflection rooms and chapels available for passengers seeking a quiet moment or a place for prayer.
Dining and Shopping
Orlando Airport offers a variety of dining options, including over 20 restaurants and bars located airside. Travellers can also enjoy duty-free shopping at various stores, including official Universal Orlando and Disney stores.
Banking and Currency Exchange
The airport houses a Truist Bank branch in Terminals A and B, providing a range of banking services such as cash advances, transfers, and traveller's checks. Additionally, currency exchange counters and ATMs are available throughout the airport for added convenience.
Internet and Charging Stations
Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport premises, allowing travellers to stay connected during their time at the airport. Additionally, mobile charging stations and electric vehicle charging stations are located in the parking areas of Terminal A and Terminal B, ensuring that passengers can keep their devices charged.
Luggage Services
Orlando Airport provides luggage storage, wrapping, and transport services to assist travellers with their baggage. The airport also has a lost and found office located on Level 1 of Terminal A and Terminal C, where passengers can report and retrieve lost items.
Nursing Rooms and Special Accommodations
Nursing rooms are available at the airport, offering a private and intimate space for breastfeeding mothers. Additionally, the airport provides wheelchair services for those who need assistance, but this must be requested at least 48 hours in advance through the passenger's airline.
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Other airports serving Greater Orlando
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the primary international airport in Orlando, Florida. It is located 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of downtown Orlando and is one of the largest commercial airports in the United States in terms of land area.
The Greater Orlando area is also served by several other airports, including:
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)
Orlando Sanford International Airport is another airport serving the Greater Orlando area. It is located in Sanford, Florida, which is about 30 miles (48 km) north of Orlando. This airport is known for its convenience and friendly atmosphere, and it offers direct flights to popular destinations in North America, Europe, and South America.
Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB)
Daytona Beach International Airport is located in Daytona Beach, Florida, which is about 60 miles (96.5 km) east of Orlando. This airport is convenient for travellers attending events like the Daytona 500 and offers a shuttle service to Orlando.
Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB)
Orlando Melbourne International Airport is situated in Melbourne, Florida, approximately 70 miles (112.6 km) southeast of Orlando. It is a smaller airport serving the central Florida region.
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Tampa International Airport is a major airport located in Tampa, Florida, about 85 miles (136.8 km) southwest of Orlando. It serves as a hub for several airlines and offers a wide range of domestic and international destinations.
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport is the closest airport to St. Petersburg and Clearwater, Florida, approximately 95 miles (152.9 km) southwest of Orlando. It provides convenient access to the Tampa Bay area and offers a range of domestic and international flights.
These airports, along with Orlando International Airport, provide a comprehensive network of air travel options for those travelling to and from the Greater Orlando region. Each airport offers unique advantages and serves different areas within the Greater Orlando area.
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Frequently asked questions
Orlando International Airport.
MCO.
Orlando International Airport is one of the largest commercial airports in the US in terms of land area, covering 11,605 acres (4,696 ha) or 11,609 acres (4,698 ha), depending on the source.
Orlando International Airport serves as a hub for Silver Airways and a focus city for Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Breeze Airways. The airport was also a hub for Delta Air Lines until 2007 and AirTran Airways from 1993 to 2014.
The Greater Orlando area is also served by Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB), Tampa International Airport (TPA), and St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE).
