Lois Larson
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the primary international airport located 6 miles southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida. In 2024, it was the busiest airport in Florida and the ninth busiest in the United States, serving over 57 million passengers. MCO has been in the news for its record-breaking passenger numbers, new reward programs, and efforts to address issues like illegal parking and long waits at TSA screenings during peak travel seasons. With its recent developments and busy travel seasons, this article will explore what is happening at MCO Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Orlando International Airport |
| Airport Code | MCO |
| Location | 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida |
| Area Covered | 47 square kilometers (18.1 sq mi) |
| Ranking in the US | Fifth-largest by land area; ninth busiest by passenger traffic |
| Ranking in Florida | Busiest airport in the state |
| Number of Passengers | 57,211,628 (in 2024) |
| Height of Control Tower | 345 feet (fourth tallest in North America) |
| Emergency Landing Site | Designated Space Shuttle emergency landing site |
| Runway Design | West-side runways designed for B-52 Stratofortress bombers |
| Hotels | On-site Hyatt Regency hotel within the main terminal structure |
| Religious Spaces | Interfaith chapel constructed behind security for Gates 1-59 (services moved in 2019) |
| Parking | Issues with illegal parking; new reward program introduced |
| Toll Payment | Accepts E-Pass and SunPass toll transponders for parking payment |
| Carriers | Southwest Airlines (largest carrier); Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, JetBlue, Allegiant Air, Emirates, and more |
| Delays | Minor delays of 15 minutes or less reported on May 14, 2025 |
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What You'll Learn
- MCO is the primary international airport serving Orlando, Florida
- It is the ninth busiest airport in the US, with 57 million passengers in 2024
- The airport features an on-site Hyatt Regency hotel within the main terminal
- MCO has North America's fourth-tallest control tower, standing at 345 feet
- The airport has a new rewards program and a Florida Smart ID app
MCO is the primary international airport serving Orlando, Florida
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the primary international airport located 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida. In 2024, it was the busiest airport in Florida and the ninth busiest airport in the United States, serving 57,211,628 passengers. MCO is a major international gateway for the Florida region, with over 1,000 daily flights on more than 40 airlines serving over 170 destinations. The airport covers 47 square kilometres (18.1 sq mi), making it the fifth-largest airport in the United States by land area. MCO has North America's fourth-tallest control tower, standing at 345 feet.
MCO has an on-site Hyatt Regency hotel within the main terminal structure, located on the east side of the Terminal A/B complex. The hotel features a large lobby area, convention space, several bars, and two restaurants, including a signature restaurant on the top level of the terminal building, offering views of the airport facility and runways. The airport also features an interfaith chapel behind the security gates, which held religious services prior to 2019.
MCO serves as an operating base for several airlines, including Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines (the airport's largest carrier), and Spirit Airlines. It is also a focus city for JetBlue. In March 2015, Emirates announced daily service to the airport from Dubai International Airport, making Orlando International the first airport in Florida served by the airline.
The airport has experienced challenges with parking, particularly during peak periods, and has introduced a new rewards program to enhance its offerings and services. MCO was also the first airport in Florida to accept E-Pass and SunPass toll transponders as payment for parking in 2005.
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It is the ninth busiest airport in the US, with 57 million passengers in 2024
Orlando International Airport, or MCO, is a major airport in the US. It is located 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida. MCO is one of the largest commercial airports in the US in terms of land area, spanning 11,605 acres (4,696 ha). The airport is a hub for several major airlines, including Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Breeze Airways. It also serves as a focus city for JetBlue.
In 2024, MCO handled 57,211,628 passengers, making it the ninth busiest airport in the US. This number of passengers also made it the busiest airport in the state of Florida. MCO serves as 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. The airport's convenient location and efficient operations have contributed to its high passenger volume.
The history of MCO dates back to the 1940s when it was constructed as a US Army Air Forces facility. It was originally known as Orlando Army Air Field #2 and later renamed Pinecastle Army Airfield in 1943. After a brief period of caretaker status following World War II, the airfield was reactivated during the Korean War as a Strategic Air Command installation. The airport gained its current name and international status in 1976, and it has since undergone significant expansions and improvements.
MCO has played a significant role in the growth of Orlando as a major tourist destination. The opening of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in 1971 led to a notable increase in air travel to the region. Additionally, the airport has attracted various airlines over the years, with carriers such as Delta Air Lines, AirTran Airways, and Saudi Arabian Airlines operating hubs at different times.
The airport continues to innovate and adapt to meet the demands of modern travel. Its high ranking as the ninth busiest airport in the US showcases its importance as a transportation hub and its contribution to the economic growth of the region.
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The airport features an on-site Hyatt Regency hotel within the main terminal
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is home to an on-site Hyatt Regency hotel, conveniently located inside Terminals A & B, above the security checkpoint for Gates 70-129. This unique airport hotel offers a range of amenities and services that set it apart from other accommodation options.
The Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport provides travellers with a convenient and stress-free option, especially for those with early morning flights or late arrivals. Guests can easily walk to their gates without having to worry about transportation or navigating the airport complex.
The hotel features newly remodelled guest rooms that offer modern luxury and comfort. Each room is well-equipped and soundproofed to ensure a peaceful stay, even with the airport's bustling atmosphere. The hotel also offers exceptional customer service, with staff known for their friendly attitude and exceptional assistance.
Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities during their stay, including a 24-hour fitness centre, a relaxing rooftop pool, and breathtaking runway views from the Hemisphere Restaurant. The hotel also welcomes pets and provides special day-use rates for travellers looking to upgrade their layover experience.
The Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport has received positive reviews from travellers, who appreciate the convenience, comfort, and efficiency of the hotel. It is ranked highly among hotels in Orlando and is recognised as one of the best airport hotels in the country.
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MCO has North America's fourth-tallest control tower, standing at 345 feet
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is located 6 miles southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida. It is the primary international airport in the area and served as a major hub for Delta Air Lines from 1987 until 2007, when the airline closed the hub. In 2024, MCO accommodated 57,211,628 passengers, making it the ninth busiest airport in the United States.
MCO is home to North America's fourth-tallest control tower, standing at 345 feet (105 meters). The tower, which opened in 2002, replaced a 206-foot tower built in the early 1980s. The new tower significantly expanded the airport's capabilities, as air traffic controllers could now see much further from their higher vantage point. The tower is also the tenth-tallest in the world, though it was ranked fifth at the time of its construction.
The tower's height is necessary for controllers to have a bird's-eye view of the airport and its surroundings. The structure consists of a large base and a cab at the top, typical of most air traffic control towers. The MCO tower's base building covers an area of 42,000 square feet, with the cab situated on top spanning 850 square feet.
The tower was designed by Radian International LLC and constructed by Hensel Phelps in collaboration with FAA designers. Construction began in February 2000 and cost $28.7 million. In April 2021, the tower underwent a $1.2 million renovation to replace the windows in the controllers' workspace.
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The airport has a new rewards program and a Florida Smart ID app
Orlando International Airport (MCO) has recently launched a new rewards program called "MCO Rewards". The program, which is free to join, offers customers and employees the chance to earn rewards such as airline miles, gift cards, and cashback when they shop, eat, or park at the airport or any of the other 100+ airports in the GlidePathCX network. To start earning points, participants simply need to link a credit or debit card to their account.
In other news, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) is developing a new mobile driver's license called Florida Smart ID. This optional tool will provide Florida residents with a convenient, digital, and secure way to display proof of identity or age on their smartphones, tablets, and other smart devices. The Florida Smart ID is scanned and verified by a companion app and offers high-tech security features to protect personal information. Florida motorists will be able to download and activate the Florida Smart ID in the future, providing a contact-free verification option for retailers and law enforcement.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport code MCO comes from the airport's former name, McCoy Air Force Base.
MCO is the busiest airport in Florida and the ninth busiest airport in the United States. In 2024, it served 57,211,628 passengers.
MCO features an on-site Hyatt Regency hotel within the main terminal structure, which includes several bars and two restaurants.
Finding a parking spot at MCO can be challenging during peak periods. The airport has a problem with illegal parking on the main roads leading up to its terminals.
Delays are common at MCO airport during busy periods, such as Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July.
