Fly Smart From Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB): Facilities, Airline & Travel Info

When visiting the beautiful Space Coast in Florida, Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) is a nice place to begin the journey. This airport is convenient, comfortable, and Florida-friendly, being only 1.5 miles northwest of downtown Melbourne and approximately 70 miles southeast of Orlando.

It was formerly known as Melbourne International Airport but was renamed Orlando Melbourne International Airport in 2015 to emphasize its convenient access to the famous attractions of Orlando. Following a short legal battle over the naming, it was renamed Melbourne Orlando International Airport in 2021, the name used by travelers today.

Key Facts on the Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB)

• IATA/FAA LID Code: MLB / KMLB 

• Location: Melbourne, Brevard County, Florida, United States

• Ownership: The City of Melbourne owns it, and it is run by the Melbourne Airport Authority. 

• Services: Handles domestic and international commercial flights, general aviation, flight training, corporate jets, and the aerospace industry. 

• Runways: Melbourne Orlando International Airport has three asphalt runways of about 10,181 ft, 6,000 ft, and 3,001 ft

• Hours of Operation: Commercial and general aviation, corporate, and international operations 24/7

Distance of MLB 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 Melbourne International Airport (MLB): 

A Glimpse Into History

Melbourne Orlando International Airport began in 1928 as a small landing field to serve the early planes and airmail services. It was turned into Naval Air Station Melbourne during World War II, where thousands of Navy pilots were trained.

The airport was returned to the city in 1947 and continued to expand. During the 1950s and 60s, other airlines, such as Eastern Airlines and National Airlines, linked Melbourne with key cities in the U.S., such as Miami, Houston, and Los Angeles.

In the 1980s, Melbourne became a busy regional hub, with People Express and Delta Air Lines introducing new routes and jets. In the years that followed, airlines such as Spirit Airlines, US Airways, and Continental served here as well.

Growth and Modern Development

Over the past few years, the airport has been transformed into a contemporary travelling center. One of the most significant events occurred in 2019, as the popular British airline, TUI Airways, declared that it would relocate its operations in Orlando to Melbourne Orlando International Airport.

In anticipation of this, the airport was expanded to the tune of 61 million dollars to include additional international facilities and improved passenger comfort. In 2023, another terminal was expanded to a total of $72 million, with a new international arrivals terminal and an improved facility.

Today, MLB is the Florida entry point of TUI UK, which is home to the United Kingdom travelers who experience the theme parks of Orlando, Cape Canaveral, and the sunny Space Coast beaches.

Airport Services and Facilities

The Melbourne Orlando International Airport is characterized by a small and convenient terminal—everything can be easily located and is near each other. You will be greeted with short queues, fast check-in, and a peaceful atmosphere, whether you are entering or leaving.

Terminal Highlights

• Food and Drink: Have a local craft beer at The Tap Room, a bite at Butcher Block Food on the Fly, or a morning starter at Dunkin.

• Shopping: Travel essentials and duty-free items can be found at both the Core Plus Duty Free and the Coastal News and Gifts.

• Lounge: Have a drink at the Premium Lounge, which is free and includes Wi-Fi.

• Connectivity: There is free Wi-Fi access in the airport.

• Accessibility: The terminal is handicapped friendly, with accessible toilets, doors, and parking slots.

MLB has a clever design and signage, with passengers saying it is stress-free and easy to navigate, with a short walk between the gate and baggage claim.

Airlines and Destinations

Delta Air Lines and American Airlines provide frequent flights between Melbourne and key U.S. airports like Atlanta and Charlotte. 

Meanwhile, TUI Airways is introducing weekly international flights out of the United Kingdom using eight airports, making MLB a major gateway to European visitors to Florida.

Aviation and Industry Zone

The airport is not only used by travelers but also hosts a booming aerospace and technology industry. The Florida Institute of Technology Research Park is located nearby and includes global companies such as Northrop Grumman, L3 Harris, and Rockwell Collins.

Embraer also assembles its world-class Phenom and Legacy business jets in MLB, where hundreds of skilled workers work.

Getting To or From the MLB Airport

To get to Melbourne, Orlando International Airport is easy:

• By car: Open on NASA Boulevard (State Road 508)

• Lyft and Taxi: Uber, Lyft, and local taxis are common

• Car Rentals: Large car rental agencies such as Hertz and Enterprise have terminal desks

Nearby Attractions

You are lucky to have some spare time before your flight, and some of the most attractive places in Florida are nearby MLB:

• Kennedy Space Center (40 miles)—Learn about space history and rocket launches by NASA

• Cocoa Beach (25 miles)—Rest on soft sand and surf-friendly waves

• Downtown Melbourne (2 miles)—A beautiful neighborhood with restaurants, galleries, and shopping

Why Melbourne Orlando International Airport?

Travelers are best served by flying through the MLB Airport when they desire

• Smaller queues and not as congested as the Orlando airports

• Good accessibility to the East Coast and Space Coast of Florida

• Contemporary amenities and hospitable service

• An easy-to-use, relaxed terminal

Final Verdict

You may be flying in to spend a vacation on a beach, a space adventure, or a cruise out of Port Canaveral, but either way, Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) is your hassle-free access point to Central Florida.