Orlando's Airport: A Guide To Mco

what is orlando florida airport called

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a major public airport located in Orlando, Florida. It is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving over 57 million passengers in 2023 and offering over 1,000 daily flights to more than 170 domestic and international destinations. The airport is a hub for several airlines and is known for its modern facilities, including an intermodal terminal with a parking garage and rail service. With its proximity to popular tourist attractions in Orlando, the airport plays a crucial role in facilitating tourism and business travel to the region.

Characteristics Values
Name Orlando International Airport
Airport Code MCO
Location 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida
Number of Passengers in 2024 57,211,628
Number of Passengers in 2023 57,735,726
Number of Passengers in 1978 5 million
Number of Passengers in 2018 47 million
Land Area 47 sq km (18.1 sq mi) or 11,609 acres (4,698 ha)
Control Tower Height 345 feet (North America's fourth tallest)
Airlines Silver Airways, Avelo Airlines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Chautauqua Airlines, Comair, AirTran Airways, Saudi Arabian Airlines
Facilities Free Wi-Fi, Food, Drink, Retail, Information Desk, Luggage Storage, ATMs, Currency Exchange, Pet Relief Area, Chapel, Duty-Free Stores, Spa, Showers
Transport Options Lynx Bus, Amtrak Train, Private Transfers, Car Rental
Former Name McCoy Air Force Base

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Orlando International Airport (MCO)

The airport covers 47 square kilometers (18.1 sq mi), making it the fifth-largest airport in the United States by land area. MCO boasts North America's fourth-tallest control tower, standing at 345 feet. Orlando International Airport was also designated as a Space Shuttle emergency landing site. The airport features three terminals (A, B, and C) with multiple boarding gates and various passenger facilities, including free Wi-Fi, food and drink options, an information desk, luggage storage, ATMs, currency exchange, and a duty-free shopping experience.

The Orlando International Airport Intermodal Terminal opened in November 2017 and is conveniently connected to the Terminal A/B complex by the Terminal Link automated people mover. The construction of this terminal cost $684 million and included a new 2,500-space parking garage. Additionally, the Orlando station for the Brightline higher-speed regional rail service to South Florida commenced operations in 2023.

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Busy airport with 57 million+ passengers in 2023 and 2024

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a major airport located 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida. In 2023, the airport handled 57,735,726 passengers, and in 2024, it served 57,211,628 passengers, making it the busiest airport in Florida and the ninth busiest in the United States. Orlando Airport is a hub for several airlines, including Silver Airways, Avelo Airlines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. It serves as 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. The airport covers 47 square kilometres (18.1 sq mi), making it the fifth-largest airport in the United States by land area.

The airport's code, MCO, originates from its former name, McCoy Air Force Base, a Strategic Air Command (SAC) installation closed in 1975 after the Vietnam War. Orlando International Airport has three terminals (A, B, and C) with various facilities for passengers, including free Wi-Fi, food and drink options, an information desk, luggage storage, ATMs, currency exchange, and a pet relief area. The airport also offers a Mobile Passport Control App for travellers entering the United States, expediting their entry process.

Orlando International Airport has seen significant developments over the years, including the opening of the Orlando International Airport Intermodal Terminal in November 2017, which provides connections to the Terminal A/B complex and parking garages. The airport is also preparing for the future of aviation, with plans to develop a vertiport for Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Additionally, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) has approved projects to transform passenger areas of Terminals A and B.

Orlando, Florida, is a popular tourist destination known for its theme parks, including Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort. The city also offers other attractions such as SeaWorld Orlando, Legoland, and Fun Spot America. With its busy airport and diverse entertainment options, Orlando attracts millions of visitors each year, solidifying its reputation as one of the most visited cities in the world.

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Serves as a hub for multiple airlines

Orlando International Airport (MCO) serves as a hub for multiple airlines. MCO is the primary international airport in Orlando, Florida, located 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of downtown Orlando. The airport code MCO comes from the airport's former name, McCoy Air Force Base, which was closed in 1975 following the end of the Vietnam War.

MCO serves as a hub for Silver Airways, Avelo Airlines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. Southwest Airlines is the airport's largest carrier by passengers carried. The airport also serves as a focus city for JetBlue. In addition, MCO is home to a maintenance base for United Airlines.

MCO is a major international gateway for the Florida region, with a significant number of daily flights on numerous airlines serving various domestic and international destinations. The airport offers over 1,000 daily flights on more than 40 airlines, connecting passengers to over 170 destinations worldwide.

The airport has three terminals (A, B, and C) and provides various facilities for passengers, including free Wi-Fi, food and drink options, an information desk, luggage storage, ATMs, currency exchange, and a duty-free shopping experience. MCO also offers a mobile passport control app to expedite the entry process for eligible passengers entering the United States.

Orlando International Airport has undergone several developments to enhance its infrastructure. The Orlando International Airport Intermodal Terminal, which opened in November 2017, features a 2,500-space parking garage and connects to the Terminal A/B complex by Terminal Link. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) has also approved plans to transform passenger areas of Terminals A and B and develop a vertiport for future Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

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Offers many facilities for passengers

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the primary international airport located 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida. In 2024, it handled 57,211,628 passengers, making it the busiest airport in the state and the ninth busiest airport in the United States.

MCO offers many facilities for passengers, including:

Transportation

The airport offers various transportation options to and from the airport, including buses, ride-shares, shuttles, taxis, and trains. The Lynx Bus service provides connections to downtown Orlando within 40 minutes, while the Brightline train service connects the airport to nearby cities such as West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura, and Miami. Additionally, passengers can rent cars directly from the airport to explore the area.

Dining and Shopping

Orlando International Airport features a variety of dining options, including restaurants, bars, and food concessions. The main terminal building has a food court in the centre, with shops located on either side. Passengers can also find duty-free stores and retail concessions throughout the airport.

Luggage Storage

Same-day or multiple-day luggage storage is available at the airport, located on the west side of Terminal B, level 1. This convenient service allows passengers to explore the area or wait for their flight without carrying their luggage.

Passenger Comfort and Convenience

MCO provides free Wi-Fi throughout the airport, as well as an information desk, ATMs, currency exchange services, and a pet relief area. The airport also has a Mobile Passport Control App to expedite the entry process for eligible passengers entering the United States. Additionally, passengers can find a spa, showers, and an interfaith chapel within the airport premises.

Accommodation

For passengers with layovers or early flights, the airport features an on-site Hyatt Regency hotel located within the Terminal A/B complex. The hotel offers a spacious lobby area, convention space, bars, and restaurants, including a signature restaurant overlooking the airport runways.

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Located 6 miles southeast of downtown Orlando

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is located 6 miles (9.7 km or 10 km) southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida. It is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving over 57 million passengers in 2023 and 2024. Orlando Airport is a hub for several major airlines, including Silver Airways, Avelo Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. The airport spans 47 square kilometres (18.1 sq mi) and is the fifth-largest airport in the US by land area. It is also one of the largest commercial airports in the US in terms of land area, covering 11,609 acres (4,698 hectares).

Orlando International Airport is easily accessible from downtown Orlando by various transportation options. The Lynx Bus service, for example, provides a 40-minute connection between the airport and the city centre. Additionally, the Amtrak Station is located close to the airport, offering another convenient travel option. For those who prefer private transportation, car rental services are available at the airport, allowing travellers to explore the area at their own pace.

The airport's location, just a short distance from downtown Orlando, makes it a convenient gateway to the city and the surrounding region. Orlando is a popular tourist destination known for its theme parks, including the internationally renowned Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort. The airport also serves as a major inbound gateway for cruise line passengers departing from Port Canaveral. With its proximity to downtown and the city's attractions, Orlando International Airport plays a crucial role in facilitating tourism and travel to and from the region.

Orlando International Airport has undergone significant development to enhance its facilities and improve the passenger experience. In November 2017, the Orlando International Airport Intermodal Terminal opened, featuring a 2,500-space parking garage and connections to the Terminal A/B complex. Additionally, the airport has introduced various amenities for traveller convenience, including free Wi-Fi, food and beverage options, an information desk, luggage storage, ATMs, and a currency exchange. The airport is also future-proofing its operations by preparing for the integration of Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) vehicles.

Located just 6 miles southeast of downtown Orlando, Orlando International Airport (MCO) serves as a vital aviation hub for the region. Its proximity to the city centre, coupled with its extensive transportation links and state-of-the-art facilities, makes it a convenient gateway for travellers visiting Orlando and the surrounding areas. With its high passenger traffic and continuous development, the airport plays a pivotal role in shaping the tourism and economic landscape of Central Florida.

Frequently asked questions

The name of the airport in Orlando, Florida is Orlando International Airport (MCO).

The airport code MCO comes from the airport's former name, McCoy Air Force Base, which was closed in 1975.

Orlando International Airport handled 57,735,726 passengers in 2023, making it the busiest airport in Florida.

Orlando International Airport offers various facilities for its passengers, including free Wi-Fi, food and drink options, an information desk, luggage storage, ATMs, currency exchange, a pet relief area, a chapel, duty-free stores, a spa, and showers.

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