Orlando International Airport
Orlando International Airport (IATA: MCO) is the main commercial airport serving Orlando, Florida, and one of the busiest airports in the United States.
Orlando International Airport (IATA: MCO) is the main commercial airport serving Orlando, Florida, and one of the busiest airports in the United States. It is operated by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and is a major gateway for tourism to Central Florida. The airport is a major destination for Canadian travellers visiting Florida.
History
The airport occupies the site of the former McCoy Air Force Base, which closed in 1975. After the base closed, the site was converted into Orlando International Airport and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority was established to manage it.
Operations
Orlando International Airport is operated by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and has four runways. It functions as a primary large-hub commercial service airport and serves dozens of passenger airlines.
Passenger traffic
MCO is among the busiest airports in the United States, with more than 57 million passengers in 2024 and 57,675,573 passengers in 2025. It is the busiest airport in Florida.
Facilities and services
The airport has three terminals, including Terminal C, and an on-site intermodal facility with Brightline rail service. It also includes extensive retail, food, and rental-car facilities.
Role in Central Florida
Orlando International Airport is a major entry point for visitors to Central Florida's attractions and contributes substantially to the regional economy. Official and local sources describe it as a significant transportation and economic hub.
Key facts
- Orlando International Airport is the primary international airport serving Orlando and Central Florida.
- The airport code MCO comes from the former McCoy Air Force Base site.
- It handled more than 57 million passengers in 2024 and remained the busiest airport in Florida.
- The airport has three terminals, including Terminal C, which opened in 2022.
- It offers nonstop service to more than 160 destinations worldwide.
Orlando International Airport is a major destination airport for Canadian travellers visiting Florida, especially for leisure travel to Central Florida and its theme parks.
Frequently asked questions
What does MCO stand for?
Where is Orlando International Airport located?
Who operates Orlando International Airport?
How busy is Orlando International Airport?
How many terminals does the airport have?
Why is the airport important for tourists?
References
- Orlando International Airport — https://assets.ctfassets.net/qiecpoxp4bka/5crs0kyLlhBn5hIXbjGsZZ/40dc074b23f11616bc417e7dbaa1aac0/Fact-Sheet-2026.pdfSupports: Official facts on airport code origin, operator, and land area.
- Florida Department of Transportation — https://fdotwww.blob.core.windows.net/sitefinity/docs/default-source/fasp-2043---airport-profiles/mco-(4-4-2024).pdf?sfvrsn=1781ad20_1Supports: Official airport profile including location, runway count, airlines, destinations, terminals, and facilities.
- City of Orlando — https://www.orlando.gov/Parking-Transportation/Public-Transit/Orlando-International-AirportSupports: Official description of airport role, passenger volume, economic impact, and Brightline intermodal service.
- The Orlando Real — https://www.theorlandoreal.com/facts-and-stats-about-orlando-international-airport/Supports: Passenger volume estimate, acreage, and historical context on the McCoy Air Force Base site.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_International_AirportSupports: General reference for location, codes, passenger totals, and airport size.