Orlando International Airport
Florida's busiest airport and a major gateway to global tourism, ranking among the top ten U.S. airports by passenger traffic.
Overview of the Airport
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is located 6 miles southeast of downtown Orlando, serving as the primary air entry point for Central Florida’s theme parks and vacation destinations. It is the largest airport in Florida by passenger volume and land area, with over 11,600 acres and three main terminals.
28.42944, -81.30889
Growth Trend
Passenger traffic remained stable in 2024, with a 0.9% decrease from 2023 after a 15.1% surge the previous year[4][2].
Employment
25,000
Workers include airline staff, ground services, concessions, security, and municipal operations.
Global Ranking
Market Share of Major Airlines
Capacity Expansion
Expansion under the Vision 100 program will increase capacity to over 100 million passengers by 2050[2].
Technological Advancements
Deployment of biometric screening, automated baggage systems, and AI-powered passenger flow management enhances efficiency.
Sustainability Initiatives
Implementation of solar energy, electric ground vehicles, and LEED-certified terminal designs supports environmental goals.
General Stats
Comprehensive passenger capacity profiles and geographical insights.
View General Stats→Latest News & Updates
Recent developments and updates for Orlando International Airport.
Southwest launching daily flights to St. Maarten in 2026 from this Florida...
Another day, more new airline routes announced for Florida airports. This time it's Southwest, which...
JetBlue adding 6 new Spring Break routes to Florida airport in 2026
Not content with adding dozens of new routes to Florida airports in December and the beginning of...
Frontier Airlines launching nonstop flights between Pensacola and Orlando
Frontier Airlines will begin offering nonstop flights between PensacolaInternational Airport(PNS)...
Operations Logistics & Timelines
Step-by-step process transit times for passengers and cargo.
For Clients
Passenger process times from arrival to gate.
- Arrival & Baggage Drop-off10-20 mins
- TSA Security Screening20-45 mins
- Check-in (if applicable)5-15 mins
- Boarding5-10 mins
- Walking to Gate5-10 mins
For Employees
Cargo handling deadlines and operational procedures.
- General Cargo Cut-off60 mins pre-departure
- Cargo Drop-offVaries by carrier (e.g., 5:00am-6:00pm Mon-Fri)
- Security ScreeningProcessing and screening times not included in cutoff
- Weight and Measurement VerificationEnsuring shipments comply with regulations
- Documentation ReviewChecking bills of lading, packing lists, and other required documents
- Baggage HandlingLoading cargo onto aircraft
- Routing and ManifestingPreparing shipments for flight
Passengers' Tips & Tricks
- 1
Arrive Early
Allow extra time for parking, security lines, and potential delays. MCO is a busy airport, and unexpected issues can quickly impact your travel time.
- 2
Utilize Mobile Check-In
Check in through the airline's mobile app to save time at the airport. You can often bypass the check-in counter and proceed directly to security.
- 3
Know Your Terminal
MCO has multiple terminals. Confirm which terminal your flight is departing from and plan your route accordingly to minimize walking.
- 4
Pack Smart for Security
Follow TSA guidelines carefully. Remove laptops and liquids from your carry-on before going through the security scanner to expedite the process.
- 5
Explore Food Options
Take advantage of the various food options available throughout the airport to avoid long lines at the gate or during delays.
Cargo Tips & Tricks
- 1
Book in Advance
Air freight capacity at MCO can fluctuate significantly. Booking shipments well in advance, especially during peak seasons, maximizes the chances of securing space and preferred routing.
- 2
Understand Carrier Cutoff Times
Each cargo carrier operating at MCO has specific cutoff times for drop-off. American Airlines has a cutoff of 1700, United Cargo has varying times, and Southwest Airlines has restrictions based on flight times and connections. Confirming these times with the respective carrier is crucial.
- 3
Utilize Terminal Information
Cargo operations at MCO are handled through Air General. Knowing the pickup/drop-off hours (Monday-Friday 0500-1800) and the specific terminal locations (9463 Benford Road) is vital for efficient logistics.
- 4
Consider IAG Cargo Connections
MCO is a key hub for IAG Cargo, primarily served by passenger aircraft. Leveraging this network for cargo connections can optimize transportation routes and delivery times.
- 5
Adhere to Carrier Restrictions
Be aware of carrier-specific restrictions, such as Southwest Airlines' minimum connection times for shipments to Canada (180 minutes) or cutoff times for originating freight.
Tools & Resources
Essential tools, portals, and resources for clients and partners.
Data & Reports
Official statistics, research reports, and data tracking for Orlando International Airport.
CY 2024 Operations Statistics Report
Detailed operational statistics for Orlando International Airport covering January 2024 to December 2024, including domestic and international operations.
GOAA Investor Relations - Statements and Reports
Official financial statements and reports for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) which manages MCO and Executive (ORL) airports.
Passenger All-Cargo Data for U.S. Airports
Data collected by the FAA regarding passenger boarding and all-cargo operations at airports, used for category and entitlement calculations.
GOAA Annual Report 2024 - Flipbook
The official 2024 Annual Report for GOAA, highlighting MCO's performance and key statistics.
Airport Business - Traffic Statistics
Provides cumulative traffic statistics for Orlando International Airport, including calendar year, fiscal year, and year-to-date totals.
Location & Maps
Find Orlando International Airport on popular mapping services.
Interactive Map
Map Legend
Loading Google Maps...
Recommendations
Policy Alignment
Collaborate with federal and state agencies to secure infrastructure funding and advance diversity initiatives.
Infrastructure Investment
Prioritize terminal modernization, runway upgrades, and intermodal connectivity to support future growth.
Sustainability Focus
Accelerate adoption of renewable energy and green operations to meet regulatory and community expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common inquiries about operations and logistics at Orlando International Airport.
What transportation options are available from Orlando International Airport (MCO)?
Various transportation options are available, including LYNX Blue Line buses, airport shuttles, taxis, and rideshare services. These operate from the Ground Transportation level of the airport.
What is MCO's significance regarding cargo operations?
MCO is ideally located for cargo operations, being 4 hours closer to the rest of the U.S. compared to South Florida airports. It boasts a domestic route network with more flights to U.S. destinations than any other Florida airport, a thriving cargo trucking community, and can accommodate Group VI aircraft.
Does Orlando International Airport (MCO) handle international cargo?
Yes, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is equipped to accommodate cargo entering and exiting the country, facilitating international trade.
Where can I find more detailed information about MCO's FAQs?
You can find the most comprehensive list of frequently asked questions, including details on transportation and other services, at the flymco.com FAQ page: https://flymco.com/frequently-asked-questions/ or the Orlando Airport MCO FAQs page: https://orlandomco.com/faqs
For More Info
Third-party resources, government portals, ratings, and more.
