Ruth Haines
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. It is one of the largest commercial airports in the United States in terms of land area, covering 47 square kilometers. The airport code MCO comes from the airport's former name, McCoy Air Force Base. Orlando Sanford International Airport, on the other hand, is known for offering fast and affordable air travel with easy navigation and quick security lines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Orlando International Airport |
| Airport Code | MCO |
| Location | 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida |
| Area | 11,605 acres (4,696 ha) or 47 sq km (18.1 sq mi) |
| Number of Runways | 4 (Runway 18L/36R, Runway 18R/36L, Runway 17/35, Runway 12L/30R) |
| Number of Passengers | 57,211,628 (in 2024) |
| Ranking in Florida | Busiest airport in the state |
| Ranking in the US | Ninth busiest airport |
| Ranking in North America | Fourth tallest control tower |
| Operating Airlines | Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, JetBlue, United Airlines, and more |
| Former Names | McCoy Air Force Base, Orlando Army Air Field #2, Pinecastle Army Airfield |
| Days of Operation | All days of the week |
| Amenities | Free wireless, kid-friendly, bars, play areas, stores |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
The airport is a major international gateway for the region, with over 1,000 daily flights on more than 40 airlines serving over 170 domestic and international destinations. It serves as an operating base for several airlines, including Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines, and as a focus city for JetBlue. Southwest Airlines is currently the busiest carrier at MCO, with the largest number of passengers.
Historically, the airfield was first constructed as a U.S. Army Air Forces facility, and military operations began in 1942 as Orlando Army Air Field #2, an auxiliary airfield to what is now known as Orlando Executive Airport. The airport's code, MCO, derives from its former name, McCoy Air Force Base, a Strategic Air Command installation closed in 1975 following the end of the Vietnam War.
Orlando International Airport has several notable features, including North America's fourth-tallest control tower at 345 feet. The airport was also the first in Florida to accept E-Pass and SunPass toll transponders as a form of payment for parking, offering added convenience for drivers. Additionally, the airport provides free wireless internet access and various amenities targeting different age groups, including bars and play areas, making it a popular choice for travellers.
English Signs at Paris Airport: A Traveler's Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Busy airport with 57 million passengers in 2024
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a busy airport that handled 57.2 million passengers in 2024. It is the primary international airport located 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida. Orlando International Airport is one of the largest commercial airports in the United States in terms of land area, covering 47 square kilometres (18.1 sq mi). The airport is home to a maintenance base for United Airlines and was a hub for Delta Air Lines until 2007.
In 2024, Orlando International Airport experienced a significant increase in passenger traffic, with a total of 57,211,628 passengers. This made it the busiest airport in Florida and the ninth busiest airport in the United States. The airport serves as an important gateway for the Florida region, with over 1,000 daily flights on more than 40 airlines serving 170 domestic and international destinations.
The high passenger volume at Orlando International Airport can be attributed to its convenient location and efficient operations. The airport offers fast and affordable air travel, making it a popular choice for travellers. Additionally, the airport has invested in infrastructure developments, such as the opening of Terminal C, to accommodate the growing number of passengers.
Orlando International Airport has also established itself as a strategic hub for several airlines. It serves as an operating base for Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. Southwest Airlines is the busiest carrier at the airport, and it also has a strong presence of international carriers, such as Emirates, which began daily service to the airport from Dubai in 2015.
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which operates the airport, has implemented a strategic plan to manage the increasing passenger traffic. The positive evaluation by Moody's Investors Service reflects the airport's strong financial metrics and well-diversified air service offerings. Orlando International Airport's continuous growth and efficient management contribute to its reputation as a world-class global connector and a key gateway to Florida.
Airports' Pre-2001 Luggage Scanning: What Was the Protocol?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
One of the largest commercial airports in the US
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the largest commercial airports in the United States in terms of land area. Covering 47 square kilometres (18.1 sq mi) or 11,605 acres (4,696 ha), it is the fifth-largest airport in the country by land area.
MCO is located 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida. The airport code MCO is derived from the airport's former name, McCoy Air Force Base, a Strategic Air Command installation that was closed in 1975 following the end of the Vietnam War.
Orlando International Airport is a major international gateway for the Florida region. It serves over 170 domestic and international destinations, with more than 1,000 daily flights on over 40 airlines. In 2024, the airport handled 57,211,628 passengers, making it the ninth busiest airport in the United States. Southwest Airlines is the busiest carrier at MCO, while the airport also serves as an operating base for Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines.
The airport features North America's fourth-tallest control tower at 345 feet. The west-side runways, Runway 18L/36R and Runway 18R/36L, were designed for B-52 Stratofortress bombers and are in close proximity to NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center. Orlando International Airport was also a designated Space Shuttle emergency landing site.
Detroit Airport: Accessing the Wi-Fi Easily
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Serves as a hub for Southwest Airlines
Orlando International Airport (MCO) serves as a hub for several airlines, including Southwest Airlines, which is the busiest carrier at the airport. MCO is one of the largest commercial airports in the United States in terms of land area, covering 47 square kilometres (18.1 sq mi). It is the primary international airport located 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida.
The airport code MCO comes from the airport's former name, McCoy Air Force Base, a Strategic Air Command (SAC) installation that was closed in 1975 following the end of the Vietnam War. In addition to Southwest Airlines, MCO serves as an operating base for Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. It is also a focus city for JetBlue and was previously a hub for Delta Air Lines until 2007.
Orlando International Airport is a major international gateway for the Florida region, with over 1,000 daily flights on more than 40 airlines serving over 170 domestic and international destinations. In 2024, it handled 57,211,628 passengers, making it the busiest airport in the state of Florida and the ninth busiest in the United States. The airport has seen significant growth in passenger traffic over the years, increasing from 5 million passengers in 1978 to 47 million in 2018.
MCO has a rich history, having originally been constructed as a U.S. Army Air Forces facility during World War II. It was known as Orlando Army Air Field #2 and later renamed Pinecastle Army Airfield in 1943. The airfield was briefly placed in caretaker status after the establishment of an independent U.S. Air Force in 1947 but was reactivated during the Korean War as a SAC installation.
Free Wi-Fi: An Airport Essential or a Luxury?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Offers free wireless and is kid-friendly
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the primary 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. Orlando International Airport offers free wireless internet access to its guests.
For those travelling with children, the airport has a small aquarium in the food court with 3000 gallons of water and about 40-50 large fish and eels. Maintenance and tank cleaning happen every Monday, so travellers can witness the two-hour process while eating at the food court.
There are also several kid-friendly places near the airport where families can hang out before or after a trip. The EPIC Theatres near Orlando Airport offer sensory-friendly showings that are dedicated to families with children with autism or those who need a more tailored experience. The lighting is brighter, the volume is reduced, and there is room for guest interaction. The theatre also offers a Kids Summer Show Series, with early morning hours catering to a children's audience.
For kids who need to burn off some energy, Kidiverse is an indoor play park offering birthday parties, free infant admission (with paid sibling admission), and play structures with no time restrictions. Playground options include a toddler play area, a three-level jungle gym, an interactive games room, and the “iWall”, a gaming platform that uses the child’s body motions as a controller.
Kona Airport: Uber Availability and Accessibility
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The name of the airport in Orlando, Florida, is Orlando International Airport. The airport code is MCO, which comes from the airport's former name, McCoy Air Force Base.
Orlando International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States. In 2024, it had 57,211,628 passengers, making it the ninth busiest airport in the country. It is the fifth-largest airport in terms of land area.
Orlando International Airport is a hub for several airlines, including Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Breeze Airways. It also serves as a focus city for JetBlue.
