If you live in Central Florida or visit often, Orlando International Airport (MCO) probably feels like a second home — a familiar first impression, a reliable send-off, or a frequent checkpoint in a life that spans state lines. But beyond the terminals, trams, and travel apps, MCO plays a far bigger role in the fabric of Orlando’s economy, infrastructure, and global presence.
Approximately 58 million passengers passed through in 2024, and that number is only expected to grow. The airport’s expansion — including the opening of Terminal C, the integration of Brightline’s high-speed rail, and the addition of new international routes — isn’t just about capacity. It’s about positioning Orlando as a serious global player.
Airports don’t just serve cities; they shape them. And MCO has helped transform Orlando from a tourism capital into a major economic hub.
Why is Orlando International Airport abbreviated as "MCO"?
The designator comes from McCoy Air Force Base. McCoy Air Force Base closed in 1975, and the site was converted into Orlando International Airport. When the base closed, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority was created (GOAA), which is led by a governor-appointed board, the mayor of Orlando and the mayor of Orange County.
Fun facts:
- Orlando International Airport has over $41 billion in economic impact.
- It operates with a budget of $941 million, none of the operating budget uses local tax dollars.
- The airport spans 11,605 acres making it the fourth largest commercial airport in the U.S.
- It has a larger footprint than JFK, MIA and LHR combined.
- It has approximately 7 million square feet of indoor facilities (and growing).
- The largest rental car market is based around MCO.
- There are 22,647 paved parking spaces with more planned in future upgrades.
- 60% of Florida's population lives within a two-hour radius.
- 222,510 tons of cargo were transported through MCO in 2024.
Check out more facts about Orlando International Airport in this fact sheet!
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