Orlando Airport: Which County Does It Belong To?

Orlando has two airports: Orlando Executive Airport and Orlando International Airport. Orlando Executive Airport is a public airport located in Orange County, Florida, and is used for general and corporate aviation. Orlando International Airport, on the other hand, is the primary international airport located southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida, and is one of the largest commercial airports in the United States in terms of land area. This article will focus on the counties in which these airports are located.

Orlando Executive Airport is in Orange County, Florida

Orlando Executive Airport (IATA: ORL, ICAO: KORL, FAA LID: ORL) is located in Orange County, Florida, just three miles from downtown Orlando. The airport is owned and operated by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which was established in 1975 as a state-chartered local governmental agency overseeing Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport.

Orlando Executive Airport covers 967 acres of land at an elevation of 113 feet. It features two asphalt runways: 7/25, which is 6,004 by 150 feet, and 13/31, which is 4,625 by 100 feet. The airport primarily serves general aviation and corporate aviation, with 95% of its aircraft operations falling under general aviation and 5% being air taxi services. A small percentage of military operations also take place at the airport, with Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) using it as a landing and staging site during Presidential visits to Orlando.

The history of Orlando Executive Airport dates back to its previous name, Herndon Airport, which served as an airport for early propeller-driven aircraft. In 1961, an agreement was reached between the City of Orlando and the U.S. Air Force to convert the nearby McCoy Air Force Base into a civil-military airport, as Herndon Airport's runway was not long enough for early jet airliners. As a result, airline flights shifted from Herndon Airport to the new Orlando Jetport at McCoy. In 1971, scheduled airlines serving Orlando Executive Airport included Delta Air Lines, Eastern Air Lines, National Airlines, and Southern Airways.

In 1982, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority renamed Herndon Airport to Orlando Executive Airport. The airport has played a significant role in special events, such as serving as the receiving site for Special Olympic Athletes during the largest non-military human airlift in the US. Additionally, the airport has hosted the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Convention multiple times. Orlando Executive Airport continues to be a vital aviation hub, conveniently located near the business and financial center of Central Florida.

Orlando International Airport is the primary international airport

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the primary international airport located in Orange County, Florida, about 6 miles (9.7 km) 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 (18.1 sq mi) and 11,605 acres (4,696 ha).

The airport is known for its IATA code, MCO, which originates from its former name, McCoy Air Force Base. The base was a Strategic Air Command installation that was closed in 1975 following the end of the Vietnam War. In 1961, the airport was renamed Herndon Airport, and it commenced jet airline flights to the new Orlando Jetport at McCoy Air Force Base, now known as Orlando International Airport.

Orlando International Airport is a significant international gateway for the Florida region, with over 850 daily flights on 44 airlines serving 135 domestic and international destinations. In 2021, the airport handled 19,618,838 passengers, making it the busiest airport in Florida and the seventh busiest in the United States. The airport is also expected to expand further, with a final estimated capacity of 100 million passengers annually once the South Terminal Complex is completed, adding 120 gates across terminals C and D.

The airport is overseen by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which also manages Orlando Executive Airport (ORL). GOAA is governed by a board that includes the Mayor of Orlando and the Mayor of Orange County, along with five other appointees. Orlando International Airport serves as an operating base for several airlines, including Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, the airport's busiest carrier.

Orlando International Airport is one of the largest commercial airports in the US

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is located in Orange County, Florida, and is one of the largest commercial airports in the United States in terms of land area. Covering 11,605 acres (4,696 ha) or 47 square kilometres (18.1 sq mi), it is the fifth-largest airport in the country by land area. The airport is also one of the busiest in the United States, handling a significant number of passengers each year.

The history of Orlando International Airport can be traced back to the early 1960s when it was known as McCoy Air Force Base, a Strategic Air Command installation. In 1961, the airport was converted into a civil-military airport, accommodating both military operations and commercial airline flights. Over the years, the airport has undergone expansions and renovations to accommodate the increasing air traffic and maintain its status as a major aviation hub.

Orlando International Airport serves as a critical gateway to the Florida region, offering over 850 daily flights on 44 airlines. These airlines provide services to 135 domestic and international destinations, making it a convenient option for travellers. The airport is also well-connected to the city of Orlando and its surrounding attractions, including Disney World and Universal Studios.

The airport features four runways, with lengths ranging from 9,001 feet to 12,005 feet. These runways are capable of handling a wide range of aircraft, including wide-body airliners. Additionally, the airport has a maintenance base for United Airlines and was previously a hub for Delta Air Lines until 2007. Southwest Airlines is currently the busiest carrier at MCO.

Orlando International Airport's convenient location, significant catchment area, and proximity to popular tourist destinations have contributed to its growth and success. With its high volume of air traffic and expansive land area, it stands as one of the largest and most significant commercial airports in the United States.

Orlando Executive Airport is for general and corporate aviation

Orlando Executive Airport is a public airport located in Orange County, Florida, just three miles (6 km) east of downtown Orlando. It is owned and operated by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) and primarily serves general and corporate aviation. With its proximity to the State Road 408 East-West Expressway and downtown Orlando, it is a popular and convenient option for corporate travellers.

The airport covers 967 acres (391 hectares) at an elevation of 113 feet (34 metres). It features two asphalt runways: Runway 7/25, which is 6,004 feet (1,830 metres) long and 150 feet (46 metres) wide, and Runway 13/31, which is 4,625 feet (1,410 metres) long and 100 feet (30 metres) wide. In 2020, the airport recorded 122,835 aircraft operations, averaging 337 flights per day. The majority of these flights (95%) were general aviation, with a smaller percentage being air taxis (5%) and military operations (<1%). As of March 2022, 215 aircraft were based at the airport, including single-engine, multi-engine, jet, and helicopter models.

Orlando Executive Airport is the "minor" airport of Orlando, as the primary international airport serving the city is the Orlando International Airport (MCO). MCO is one of the largest commercial airports in the United States in terms of land area, covering 11,605 acres (4,696 hectares). It is located 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of downtown Orlando and is the busiest airport in Florida and the seventh busiest in the United States. MCO serves as a hub for several major airlines, including Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.

In contrast, Orlando Executive Airport caters primarily to general and corporate aviation. It has been used for special aviation events, such as the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Convention, and played a role in the largest non-military human airlift in the US during the Special Olympics. Additionally, the airport has served as a landing site for Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) during Presidential visits to Orlando since the 1990s.

Orlando Executive Airport has a rich history, opening in 1928 as the first commercial airport in central Florida. It has undergone several name changes and transfers of ownership over the years, including a period of military control from 1940 to 1946. In 1976, the airport was transferred to the GOAA, which renamed it Orlando Executive Airport in 1982. The airport continues to be an important aviation hub for general and corporate flights in the Orlando area.

Orlando International Airport is the busiest airport in Florida

Orlando International Airport is located in Orange County, Florida, and is the busiest airport in the state. In 2021, it had 19,618,838 enplanements, making it the seventh busiest airport in the United States. The airport covers 47 square kilometres (18.1 sq mi) and is the fifth-largest airport in the country by land area. It is one of the largest commercial airports in terms of land area in the United States, covering 11,605 acres (4,696 ha).

Orlando International Airport is a major international gateway for the Florida region, with over 850 daily flights on 44 airlines servicing 135 domestic and international destinations. The airport serves as an operating base for several airlines, including Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, which is the busiest carrier at the airport. In 2023, the airport was ranked 7th busiest for passenger traffic among US airports, serving more than 57 million annual passengers across its three terminals.

The airport's rapid growth can be attributed to its efficient management by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), a state-chartered local governmental agency established in 1975. GOAA oversees the operation, management, and expansion of both Orlando International Airport and the nearby Orlando Executive Airport, ensuring the continuous improvement and development of the airports to accommodate increasing passenger traffic.

Orlando International Airport has also invested in infrastructure to enhance the passenger experience and increase its capacity. The South Terminal Complex is being expanded to accommodate more passengers, with plans for 120 gates in both terminals C and D. Additionally, the airport has an Intermodal Terminal that offers high-speed passenger rail service, providing convenient travel options for those arriving at or departing from the airport.

With its high volume of passenger traffic, efficient management, and continuous improvements, Orlando International Airport has solidified its position as the busiest airport in Florida, contributing significantly to the state's tourism and economic growth.

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