Owais Crawford
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a major airline hub located in Central Florida. MCO is the airport's official code and stands for its former name, McCoy Air Force Base. The airport was renamed in 1976, but the code has not changed. Orlando International Airport is one of the largest airports in the United States, covering more than 19 square miles. It is also one of the busiest airports in the country, serving over 110 destinations worldwide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What does MCO stand for? | McCoy Air Force Base, the airport's original name |
| Location | 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of Downtown Orlando, Florida |
| Ranking | 13th busiest airport in the US by passenger traffic |
| Number of destinations | Over 110 |
| Number of terminals | 3 (A, B, and C) |
| Number of concourses | 4 |
| Number of gates | 93 |
| Number of restaurants, cafes, and bars | 70+ |
| Number of retail stores | 90+ |
| Number of lounges | 3 (The Club at MCO, Plaza Premium Lounge MCO, Delta Sky Club) |
| Number of pet relief areas | 7 (4 indoors, 3 outdoors) |
What You'll Learn
MCO stands for McCoy Air Force Base, the airport's original name
MCO stands for McCoy Air Force Base, the original name of Orlando International Airport. The airport is a former U.S. Air Force facility, which was closed in 1975 as part of a general military drawdown following the end of the Vietnam War.
The airfield was originally 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 Orlando Army Air Base. In January 1943, it was renamed Pinecastle Army Airfield.
In the 1950s, the base began hosting the Strategic Air Command's (SAC) annual Bombing and Navigation Competition. During the 1958 competition, Colonel Michael Norman Wright McCoy, commander of the 321st Bombardment Wing, was killed in a B-47 Stratojet crash. The following year, the base was renamed McCoy Air Force Base in his honour.
In 1971, the opening of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World led to a significant increase in air travel as Orlando became a major tourist destination. Today, Orlando International Airport is a perpetually popular tourist destination, serving as a hub for several major airlines and offering flights to over 110 destinations around the world.
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Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the largest airports in the US
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the largest airports in the United States. Located 6 miles southeast of Downtown Orlando, Florida, it is the primary international airport in the area. MCO stands for 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 Airport is the largest and busiest airport in the state of Florida, handling 57,735,726 passengers in 2023. It is also one of the largest commercial airports in the US in terms of land area, covering 11,605 acres.
The airport features three terminals (Terminals A, B, and C) in two connected buildings, with a total of 93 gates. Terminal A serves gates 1-29 and 100-129, Terminal B serves gates 30-59 and 70-99, and Terminal C, also known as the South Terminal Complex, serves gates 230-245. Terminal C mainly accommodates international flights and is connected to Terminals A and B by an elevated enclosed walkway.
Orlando Airport is a major hub for travellers, serving as a base for several airlines, including Silver Airways, Avelo Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, the airport's largest carrier by passengers. It offers a wide range of facilities and services for passengers, including free Wi-Fi, food and drink options, an information desk, luggage storage, ATMs, currency exchange, and a duty-free shopping area.
The airport has a variety of ground transportation options, including taxis, ridesharing services, hotel shuttles, local buses, shuttle vans, and rental car services. It also provides long-term and short-term parking options and is easily accessible via two toll roads, SR 528 and SR 417.
With its convenient location, extensive facilities, and diverse transportation options, Orlando International Airport (MCO) stands as one of the largest and busiest airports in the United States, catering to millions of travellers each year.
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MCO is the 13th busiest airport in the US by passenger traffic
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the 13th busiest airport in the US by passenger traffic. The airport, located 6 miles southeast of Downtown Orlando, Florida, is a major airline hub, offering flights to over 110 destinations around the world.
MCO is the primary international airport in the Downtown Orlando area. The airport is a major hub for those travelling to and from Orlando, which is a popular tourist destination due to its many family-friendly theme parks and other attractions.
MCO has three terminals (A, B and C) in two connected buildings. The airport has a variety of ground transportation options for travellers, including taxis, rideshares, hotel shuttles, local buses, shuttle vans, SunRail, and rental cars.
MCO offers a range of amenities and services to ensure travellers have a comfortable experience. The airport features family-friendly lounges, restaurants, cafes, duty-free shopping, retail stores, spa services, play areas for children, family restrooms, nursing rooms, and free Wi-Fi.
The airport is also known for its dedication to sustainability, utilising renewable energy from a solar farm and recycling spent cooking oil from restaurants as biodiesel fuel for airport vehicles.
With its convenient location, modern facilities, and diverse range of services, MCO caters to the needs of travellers from around the world, contributing to its ranking as the 13th busiest airport in the US by passenger traffic.
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MCO has four airside concourses with 93 gates
Orlando International Airport (MCO) has four airside concourses with 93 gates. The airport's three terminals (A, B, and C) are housed in two connected buildings. Terminal A, which comprises the northern half of the main terminal, offers access to Airside 1 (Gates 1–29) and Airside 2 (Gates 100–129) via tramway systems. Terminal B, the southern half of the main terminal, connects to Airside 3 (Gates 30–59) and Airside 4 (Gates 70–99) in the same way. Terminal C, also known as the South Terminal Complex, contains gates 230–245 and is connected to Terminals A and B via a pre-security tramway.
Terminal A and B are located at opposite ends of the North Terminal Complex, which is a large building with four concourses accessible by elevated people movers. Terminal C, on the other hand, is part of the South Terminal Complex and mainly handles international flights. Passengers can reach Terminals A and B from Terminal C via an elevated enclosed walkway.
MCO is a major hub for travellers to and from Orlando, a popular tourist destination known for its family-friendly theme parks and attractions. The airport offers a range of amenities and services to cater to travellers, including various lounges, family-friendly facilities, dining options, and shopping venues.
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MCO has over 150 shops and restaurants
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a bustling hub of activity, offering not just seamless travel experiences but also an array of exciting amenities for travellers. Among these amenities, MCO boasts an extensive selection of over 150 shops and restaurants, ensuring that every visitor has a delightful experience.
For those who enjoy indulging in retail therapy, MCO offers a diverse range of shopping options. With more than 90 retail stores, travellers can explore a wide variety of products, including clothing, gifts, electronics, and much more. Whether you're looking for a last-minute souvenir or simply want to browse, MCO has something for everyone.
When it comes to dining, MCO offers a mouth-watering journey through various cuisines. With over 70 restaurants, cafes, and bars, travellers can savour American, Italian, Mexican, Asian, and other international flavours. From quick bites to leisurely meals, the airport caters to every appetite.
The airport also features duty-free shopping at the international terminal, where travellers can indulge in luxury goods, cosmetics, and alcohol, all while enjoying tax-free prices. This is especially convenient for those returning from vacations or business trips, offering a chance to bring home souvenirs or treats for themselves.
In addition to the abundance of shops and restaurants, MCO also provides a host of other amenities to enhance the travel experience. From lounges like the Delta Sky Club and the United Club to family-friendly spaces, nursing rooms, and even a fitness centre, the airport ensures that travellers of all ages and backgrounds are comfortable and entertained.
MCO's commitment to its travellers is further exemplified by its dedication to sustainability. The airport utilises renewable energy from a solar farm and implements a scheme to recycle spent cooking oil from restaurants as biodiesel fuel for its vehicles. This environmentally conscious approach sets MCO apart and contributes to a greener travel industry.
With its vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, and amenities, MCO goes beyond being just a transportation hub. It offers travellers a holistic experience, ensuring that their journey through Orlando is not just about reaching a destination but also about creating memorable moments along the way.
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Frequently asked questions
MCO stands for the airport's original name, McCoy Air Force Base.
The airport code has remained the same despite the airport's name change in 1976 because the three-letter designation is unique to each airport for convenience reasons.
The airport was originally a U.S. military base, active during World War II when it was known as Pinecastle Army Airfield. It was renamed in 1958 after Colonel Michael Norman Wright McCoy, who was killed during a bombing and navigation competition. After the end of the Vietnam War, the air force base was closed and the airport became a hub for passenger flights.
