Jazmin Li
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the primary international airport located 6 miles southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida. On October 8, 2024, the airport announced that it would be closing to commercial flights on Wednesday morning, October 9, 2024, due to Hurricane Milton. The storm was expected to make landfall as a major Category 5 hurricane, and the airport closure was necessary to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. The airport advised travelers to check with their airlines for the latest flight status and updates. Orlando International Airport fully reopened on Friday morning, October 11, 2024, after the hurricane had passed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Orlando International Airport (MCO) |
| Airport Code | MCO |
| Airport Location | 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida |
| Airport Size | 11,605 acres (4,696 ha) |
| Number of Daily Flights | Over 1,000 |
| Number of Airlines | Over 40 |
| Number of Destinations | Over 170 domestic and international |
| Operating Airlines | Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, JetBlue, Allegiant Air, AirTran Airways, Shawnee Airlines, Emirates, Delta, Saudi Arabian Airlines |
| Closure Reason | Hurricane Milton |
| Closure Date | Wednesday, October 9, 2024 |
| Reopening Date | Friday, October 11, 2024 |
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What You'll Learn
- Orlando International Airport (MCO) suspended commercial flights and private operations
- Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) closed for flights
- Both MCO and ORL remained open for emergency/aid and relief flights
- MCO is the primary international airport in Orlando, Florida
- MCO is the ninth busiest airport in the US
Orlando International Airport (MCO) suspended commercial flights and private operations
Orlando International Airport (MCO) has announced that it will suspend all commercial flights and private operations ahead of Hurricane Milton. The airport will cease operations from 8 am on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, until Thursday, October 10. However, the airport will remain open to accept emergency, aid, and relief flights as required.
The decision to suspend operations was made by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which manages and operates both MCO and ORL. GOAA has stressed that safety is the top priority and that MCO is not an authorized shelter during the hurricane. The airport cannot accommodate local residents seeking shelter during severe weather events. Instead, those in need of shelter are advised to refer to Orange County emergency management resources.
Passengers with upcoming flights are encouraged to check with their airlines for updates, as delays and cancellations are expected throughout Central Florida. Several airlines have issued travel advisories, typically allowing passengers to change their flights without incurring change fees. However, specific rules and limitations may vary by airline. Passengers can check their airline's mobile app or website, or refer to the airport's displays and counters if they are already on-site.
Once the hurricane has passed, a damage assessment will be conducted, and commercial operations will resume as soon as possible. Limited operations will gradually build up to a normal flight schedule. In the meantime, MCO has assured the public that vehicles left in designated parking areas will be kept secure during the suspension of operations.
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Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) closed for flights
Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) is a general aviation airport located in Orlando, Florida, just 3 miles from the business and financial center of Central Florida. The airport is operated by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA).
Due to Hurricane Milton, Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) announced that it would "cease commercial passenger operations" on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 10 PM. The decision was made in anticipation of the incoming hurricane, which was expected to bring high winds and dangerous conditions to the area.
During the closure, Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) will not be closed for emergency/aid and relief flights and will remain open as necessary for these purposes. This means that while commercial passenger flights will be suspended, the airport will still be operational for emergency and relief efforts.
The airport's official statement emphasized that commercial operations would resume as soon as possible after the hurricane, based on damage assessments. They advised passengers to continue working with their airlines regarding their flights and potential changes or cancellations.
It is important to note that Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) is not the only airport affected by Hurricane Milton. Several other airports in the region, including Melbourne Orlando International Airport and Daytona Beach International Airport, also ceased commercial operations ahead of the storm.
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Both MCO and ORL remained open for emergency/aid and relief flights
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a major international gateway for the state of Florida, with over 1,000 daily flights serving over 170 domestic and international destinations. The airport is located 6 miles southeast of downtown Orlando and is the ninth busiest airport in the United States.
In October 2024, Hurricane Milton caused the closure of several airports in Florida, including MCO and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL). MCO announced that it would ""cease commercial passenger operations"" at 8 am on Wednesday, October 9, and ORL would do the same at 10 pm on Tuesday, October 8.
Despite the cessation of commercial operations, both MCO and ORL remained open for emergency/aid and relief flights. This decision was made to ensure that necessary aid and support could still be delivered to the affected areas. The airports played a crucial role in facilitating the relief efforts, allowing emergency services and supplies to be quickly deployed to where they were needed most.
The impact of Hurricane Milton caused disruptions to travel plans, with many flights cancelled or delayed. Airlines issued travel advisories, allowing passengers to change their flights without incurring additional fees. The storm's intensity and potential danger prompted these closures and operational changes to ensure the safety of passengers, staff, and the public.
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MCO is the primary international airport in Orlando, Florida
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the primary international airport located in Orlando, Florida. It is situated 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of downtown Orlando. MCO is a bustling airport, serving over 57 million passengers in 2024, making it the ninth busiest airport in the United States. The airport is a major gateway to the Florida region, with over 1,000 daily flights on more than 40 airlines, connecting to over 170 domestic and international destinations.
MCO has a rich aviation history. The airport code 'MCO' originates from its former name, McCoy Air Force Base, which was closed in 1975 following the end of the Vietnam War. During the 1970s, Shawnee Airlines provided direct connections between MCO and Walt Disney World, using de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter commuter aircraft. Eastern Air Lines also designated Orlando as a focus city during this decade and became "the official airline of Walt Disney World."
Delta Air Lines played a significant role at MCO, establishing a hub in 1987. They constructed Airside 4, which included a ramp tower, an international arrivals facility, and a dedicated wing for regional aircraft. However, Delta later shifted its focus to regional flights, and eventually closed the Orlando hub in 2007. Following Delta's departure, AirTran relocated to Airside 4, doubling their capacity and merging with Southwest Airlines in 2014, which is now the busiest carrier at MCO.
In addition to its commercial operations, MCO has a notable role in space exploration. The airport was designated as a Space Shuttle emergency landing site. The west-side runways, 18L/36R and 18R/36L, were specifically designed for B-52 Stratofortress bombers and are strategically located near NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center. MCO has also embraced technological advancements, becoming the first airport in Florida to accept E-Pass and SunPass toll transponders for parking payments in 2005, providing a seamless experience for travellers.
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MCO is the ninth busiest airport in the US
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a major international gateway to Central Florida. In 2024, it served 57,211,628 passengers, making it the ninth busiest airport in the United States. MCO is also one of the largest commercial airports in the country in terms of land area, covering 11,605 acres. The airport serves as a base for several airlines, including Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. It is also a focus city for JetBlue, with Southwest being the largest carrier in terms of passenger numbers.
MCO's history as an airport began in 1942, when it was constructed as an Army Air Forces facility, known as Orlando Army Air Field #2. After the end of World War II, the facility was briefly used for glide tests of the Bell X-1. In 1947, with the establishment of an independent U.S. Air Force, the airfield was placed in caretaker status until the Korean War, when it became a Strategic Air Command installation. The airport's former name, McCoy Air Force Base, is the source of its code, MCO.
In 1975, the Air Force contingent departed, and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) was established to manage the airport, which gained international status in 1976. The airport has continued to expand and improve, with the construction of the Landside Terminal and two Airsides (now known as Airsides 1 and 3) beginning in 1978 and opening in 1981. MCO became a large hub airport, as designated by the FAA, in 1979, based on flight operations and passenger traffic.
The opening of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in 1971 significantly increased air travel to Orlando, transforming it into a major tourist destination. Shawnee Airlines began offering connecting flights from MCO to Walt Disney World, using de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter commuter aircraft. Today, MCO remains a crucial gateway to Central Florida, serving over 170 domestic and international destinations with more than 1,000 daily flights on over 40 airlines.
On October 8 and 9, 2024, MCO temporarily ceased commercial passenger operations due to Hurricane Milton. The airport remained open for emergency/aid and relief flights.
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Frequently asked questions
Orlando International Airport (MCO) suspended commercial flights and private operations on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 8 am ahead of Hurricane Milton.
Melbourne Orlando International Airport closed to commercial flights at 2 pm on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.
Orlando International Airport fully opened on Friday morning, October 11, 2024, at 9 am.
