Complete Guide to Orlando International Airport (MCO) – Airlines, Facilities & Map

The first thing that comes to mind whenever people refer to Orlando, Florida, is Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and sunny family vacations. Orlando International Airport (IATA: MCO) is the starting point of the journey of millions of travelers. MCO is the busiest airport in Florida, with only 6 miles southeast of downtown Orlando. It also received over 57 million passengers in 2024, which is the ninth in the whole country.

This comprehensive guide will cover the history of the airport, airlines, terminals, facilities, and future development plans, as well as provide helpful travel tips to passengers flying via MCO.

Key Facts on the Orlando International Airport 

• Airport Codes: IATA -MCO, ICAO -KMCO, FAA LID -MCO

• Location: Orange County, Florida (about 18 miles southeast of downtown Orlando) 

• Airport Authority: Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) 

• Airport Size: 13,302 acres 

• Elevation: 96 feet (29 m) 

• Runways:

• Runway 17L/35R – 12,005 ft long, 150 ft wide

• Runway 17R/35L – 10,000 ft long, 150 ft wide

Distance of MCO to Major Airports in Orlando

The table below shows the distance and the estimated drive time of the major airports in the area to the Orlando International Airport (MCO):

(Source - Google Maps)

Why is Orlando Airport known as MCO?

The MCO code is not accidental; it is a thing of the past of the airport. It was formerly the McCoy Air Force Base, an American Air Force base that was in operation during World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War. Once the base was shut down in 1975, the site was converted to a civilian airport. The airport did not alter the code; instead, it retained the name MCO in commemoration of its military history.

This history is what makes MCO unique, as it was once a military base and now it is one of the most significant tourist gateways in the world.

Orlando Aviation History: A Look Back.

MCO history dates back to the 1940s when the location was referred to as Pinecastle Army Airfield. In the Cold War, it was renamed McCoy Air Force Base after Colonel Michael McCoy, who had died in an air crash in 1958. The base contributed to the Cuban Missile Crisis and helped to work with B-52 bombers and U-2 spy planes.

The base was shut down, and the property was handed over to the city government of Orlando after the Vietnam War. It was renamed Orlando International Airport in 1976. As early as 1971, the advent of Walt Disney World had already created a tourism boom, which guaranteed the expansion of the airport.

The airport has over 57 million passengers each year, as compared to the mere 5 million passengers in 1978. This phenomenal increase illustrates the way Orlando emerged as one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world.

Orlando International Airport Nowadays

MCO occupies a total area of 11,605 acres (4,696 hectares) today, equivalent to one of the largest airports in the United States in land area. Its size assists it in handling thousands of flights and millions of passengers annually.

• Airlines at MCO: Over 40 airlines serve this.

• Flights per Day: More than 1,000 flights per day are departing and landing.

• Destinations: Over 170 local and international destinations are linked to Orlando.

• Top Carrier: Southwest Airlines has the highest number of passengers.

• Other Major airlines: Frontier, Breeze Airways, Spirit, JetBlue, Delta, and numerous international airlines like Emirates, Copa, and LATAM. 

To passengers flying into Central Florida, MCO is not only a point of entry but also the primary gateway to Disney, Universal, and the whole of the Orlando area.

Terminals and Layout

(Source - https://flymco.com/terminal-maps/map/)

The modern terminal design of the Orlando International Airport is one of the most remarkable aspects of this airport. There are now three major terminals at the airport:

Terminals A & B (North Terminal)

• The two terminals are located in the same building, but they serve different airlines.

• There are two airside concourses on each side linked by automated people movers known as Gate Links.

• Airside 1, 2, 3, and 4 have approximately 29 gates each.

Terminal C (South Terminal Complex )

• Opened in September 2022 and has 20 gates.

• Designed for all international airlines and all JetBlue flights.

• Intermodal Terminal is linked to Terminal A/B via the people mover system.

• The airport features high-tech design, modern security lanes, and advanced baggage handling. 

Intermodal Terminal

• Opened in 2017 as the station of the Brightline high-speed rail.

• Links Orlando to Miami in approximately 3.5 hours, with future plans to expand to Tampa.

• This layout makes the navigation relatively easy, regardless of the size of the airport.

• You will see open atriums, a food court, and prominent signage throughout the terminals.

On-Site Facilities

MCO is not only a flight point, it also provides services and amenities that make the process easier:

• Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport: It is located within the main terminal, with 445 rooms, meeting spaces, restaurants, and even a rooftop pool.

• Dining and Shopping: There are dozens of food choices, including fast food and fine dining, as well as shops to meet travel needs, fashion, and duty-free shopping.

• Parking: There are several garages (A, B, and C) that have an electronic toll collection system through SunPass or E-Pass. There are also economy lots and valet.

• Wi-Fi: Complimentary in the airport.

• Interfaith Chapel: A silent space for prayer or relaxation.

• Transportation: Rental vehicles, shuttles, car shares, taxis, and rail.

Airlines and International Travel 

Central Florida is linked to the world through Orlando International Airport. Some highlights:

• Southwest Airlines: The biggest carrier with hundreds of flights a day.

• JetBlue Airways: MCO is one of their focus cities.

• Frontier, Breeze, and Spirit: Low-cost domestic travel.

• Emirates: Flights between Orlando and Dubai, which serves as the gateway to Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

• LATAM and Copa: Offer good links to South America.

• United Airlines: Maintains a large maintenance base at MCO.

This broad combination of airlines makes Orlando a center of both vacationers going to theme parks and business travelers who have connections all over the world.

Passenger Experience

MCO is reputed to be user-friendly despite its size. The following are some of the traveler-friendly features:

• Quick Transfers: Gate Links bridge concourses at a fast rate.

• Brightline Rail: An effortless method of arriving in Miami and South Florida without driving.

• Large Terminals: Large atriums create the impression of spaciousness, unlike the narrow corridors of older airports.

• Accessibility: It is very accessible with wheelchair aid, clear signage, and family-friendly facilities.

The design of the airport is also valued by the families, as Orlando is a place for children and a visit to theme parks.

Conclusion

To sum it up, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is not just a place to pass by, but a gateway to one of the most popular vacation spots in the world. The airport provides a smooth and enjoyable experience to business and leisure travelers with great airline connectivity, state-of-the-art terminals, plenty of facilities, and easy access to the theme parks and attractions of Orlando. Whether you are here on a family vacation, international business, or just passing by, MCO is a symbol of the growth, innovation, and hospitality of Orlando.