History of Orlando International Airport in Timeline

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is situated 6 miles southeast of Downtown Orlando, Florida. As of 2024, it holds the title of Florida's busiest and the United States' ninth busiest airport, handling over 57 million passengers. Its airport code, MCO, is derived from its former identity as McCoy Air Force Base, a Strategic Air Command installation which was decommissioned in 1975 following the Vietnam War. The airport's transformation reflects the shift from military use to a major commercial aviation hub.

1942: Military operations begin

In 1942, military operations commenced at the airfield, then known as Orlando Army Air Field #2, serving as an auxiliary airfield to Orlando Army Air Base.

January 1943: Name changed to Pinecastle Army Airfield

In January 1943, Orlando Army Air Field #2 was renamed Pinecastle Army Airfield.

1947: Airfield placed in caretaker status

In 1947, with the establishment of an independent U.S. Air Force, the airfield was briefly placed in caretaker status before being reactivated during the Korean War.

1958: B-47 Stratojet crash

In 1958, a B-47 Stratojet crashed during SAC's annual Bombing and Navigation Competition, resulting in the death of Colonel Michael Norman Wright McCoy, commander of the 321st Bombardment Wing.

October 1961: Agreement signed by city and USAF

Airline flights to the Orlando Jetport began shortly after an agreement was signed by the city and USAF in October 1961.

October 1962: Cuban Missile Crisis

During the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, McCoy AFB became a temporary forward operating base for fighter bombers and U-2 reconnaissance aircraft, one of which was shot down over Cuba.

1962: Joint Agreement with USAF

In 1962, an agreement was reached between the City of Orlando and the United States Air Force to use McCoy AFB under a joint arrangement due to the limitations of Herndon Airport.

1971: Scheduled airlines in 1971

In 1971, scheduled airlines operating at Orlando Jetport included Delta Air Lines, Eastern Air Lines, National Airlines and Southern Airways.

1971: Magic Kingdom opening

The 1971 opening of Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World led to a significant increase in air travel to Orlando.

1973: U-2 operating detachment closed

In 1973, following the Cuban Missile Crisis, McCoy AFB hosted a permanent U-2 operating detachment of the 100th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing until 1973.

1973: McCoy AFB identified for closure

In early 1973, McCoy AFB was identified for closure as part of a post-Vietnam reduction in force.

1974: 306th Bombardment Wing Inactivated

In 1974, McCoy's 306th Bombardment Wing was inactivated, and its B-52D Stratofortress and KC-135A Stratotanker aircraft reassigned.

1975: Closure of McCoy Air Force Base

In 1975, McCoy Air Force Base, the former name of Orlando International Airport, was closed as part of a general military drawdown following the end of the Vietnam War.

1975: Establishment of GOAA

In 1975, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) was established to operate, manage, and oversee construction at Orlando International Airport and Orlando Executive Airport.

1975: Facility Turned Over to City of Orlando

In late 1974 and early to mid 1975, most of the McCoy AFB facility was turned over to the city of Orlando.

1975: McCoy AFB Closure

When McCoy AFB closed in 1975, part of the facility stayed under military control to support Naval Training Center Orlando and several tenant commands.

1976: Name Change

In 1976, the airport gained its current name and international airport status, retaining the MCO and KMCO codes.

1978: Airline industry deregulation

Deregulation of the airline industry in 1978 contributed to increases in air service to Orlando.

1978: Foreign Trade Zone

In 1978, Orlando International Airport became a U.S. Customs Service Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ #42).

1978: 5 Million Passengers Handled

In 1978, Orlando International Airport handled 5 million passengers.

1978: Construction of Landside Terminal Begins

In 1978, construction began on the current Landside Terminal and Airsides 1 and 3.

1979: Designated Large Hub Airport

In 1979, the FAA designated Orlando International Airport as a large hub airport.

1981: Original terminal building closure

After its closure in 1981, the original terminal building was used by several tenants.

1981: Interfaith Chapel Constructed

In 1981, an interfaith chapel was constructed behind the security for Gates 1-59.

1981: Landside Terminal and Airsides Open

In 1981, the Landside Terminal and Airsides 1 and 3 opened.

1981: Terminals A and B Open (West Half)

In 1981, the west half of Terminals A and B, along with gates 1-59 (present-day Airsides 1 and 3), opened.

1982: Herndon Airport Renamed

In 1982, the old Herndon Airport was renamed as the Orlando Executive Airport.

1983: Chapel Opened

In 1983, a small chapel was opened memorializing Michael Galvin who died during the construction of the airport's expansion.

1984: International Concourse Opens

In 1984, the original International Concourse opened, housed in Airside 1.

1986: Funding Bonded for East Side Development

In 1986, funding was bonded to commence developing the east side of the airport.

1987: Delta Air Lines began operating a hub

Delta Air Lines began operating a hub at Orlando International Airport in 1987.

1989: Runway 17/35 Completed

In 1989, Runway 17/35 (now 17R/35L) was completed.

1990: Airside 4 Opens

Airside 4, which opened in 1990, was primarily designed for Delta's hub operation.

1993: AirTran Airways Operated a Hub

From 1993, Orlando-based AirTran Airways operated a hub at MCO.

1993: BRAC Commission decision

In 1993, a post-Cold War BRAC Commission decision was made, leading to the closure of NTC Orlando in 1999.

1994: Saudi Arabian Airlines Service

In 1994, Saudi Arabian Airlines began seasonal service to Orlando from Jeddah.

1999: NTC Orlando Closed

In 1999, Naval Training Center Orlando closed pursuant to a post-Cold War 1993 BRAC Commission decision.

2000: Airside 2 Opens

In 2000, Airside 2 opened at Orlando International Airport.

2002: Chautauqua Airlines Replaces Comair

In 2002, Chautauqua Airlines replaced Comair as the primary Delta Connection carrier at MCO.

2002: Armed Forces Reserve Center Constructed

In 2002, the 1st Lieutenant David R. Wilson Armed Forces Reserve Center was constructed, supporting multiple units of the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, and Marine Corps Reserve.

2003: Runway 17L/35R Opened

In 2003, Runway 17L/35R was opened, providing the airport with a total of four runways.

February 22, 2005: E-Pass and SunPass accepted

On February 22, 2005, Orlando International Airport became the first airport in Florida to accept E-Pass and SunPass toll transponders as payment for parking.

May 2006: Original terminal building demolished

In May 2006, the original terminal building, a converted hangar, was demolished.

2006: Additional Gates Added to Airside 2

In 2006, the last additional gates were added to Airside 2.

2007: AirTran Relocated Hub

After Delta closed their hub in 2007, AirTran relocated their hub to Airside 4.

2007: Delta Closed Orlando Hub

Delta closed the Orlando hub entirely in 2007.

2007: Delta Air Lines hub closure

In 2007, Delta Air Lines closed its hub at Orlando International Airport.

February 1, 2010: Allegiant Air began operations

On February 1, 2010, Allegiant Air began operations at Orlando International Airport.

2014: AirTran Merger with Southwest

In 2014, AirTran Airways merged with Southwest Airlines.

March 2015: Emirates Announced Daily Service

In March 2015, Emirates announced that they would begin daily service to the airport from Dubai International Airport starting September 1, 2015.

May 2015: South Terminal Complex Approved

In May 2015, the Board of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority unanimously approved the construction of the $1.8 billion South Terminal Complex.

September 1, 2015: Emirates began daily service

On September 1, 2015, Emirates began daily service to Orlando International Airport from Dubai International Airport.

May 2016: FlyMCO 105.1 HD2 Launched

In May 2016, the airport launched its own radio station called FlyMCO 105.1 HD2, which is a subchannel of WOMX-FM, to provide airport information, local weather updates, and music.

November 2017: Intermodal Terminal Opens

In November 2017, the Intermodal Terminal opened. It is connected to Terminal C and serves as the Orlando station for Brightline, a higher speed regional rail service to South Florida. It is also connected to the Terminal A & B complex by Terminal Link, an automated people mover.

November 2017: Orlando International Airport Intermodal Terminal Opens

In November 2017, the Orlando International Airport Intermodal Terminal opened. Partially funded by the Florida Department of Transportation, the terminal is connected to the Terminal A/B complex by Terminal Link, an automated people mover. The station, costing $684 million, included a new 2,500 space parking garage.

2017: Orlando Airport Passenger Growth

In 2017, Orlando International Airport's passenger count reached 44.6 million, making it the busiest airport in Florida, surpassing Miami International Airport.

2017: Terminal C Construction Begins

In 2017, construction began on the first phase of the South Terminal Complex, known as Terminal C.

2018: 47.7 Million Passengers Handled

By 2018, Orlando International Airport handled 47.7 million passengers.

2018: Gate 90 Updated

In the summer of 2018, Gate 90 was updated with 3 jetways to handle the Airbus A380.

2019: Chapel Services Relocated

Prior to 2019, the chapel held religious services. However, these services were moved to a nearby hotel in 2019 due to an increase in religious violence.

September 19, 2022: Terminal C Opens

On September 19, 2022, Terminal C opened with 20 gates. It is connected to the Orlando International Airport Intermodal Terminal and provides a connection to Terminals A/B via the Terminal Link people mover.

September 2023: Brightline Service Commences

In September 2023, Brightline service commenced at the Intermodal Terminal, providing higher speed regional rail service to South Florida.

2023: Brightline Service Begins

In 2023, Brightline began higher speed regional rail service to South Florida from the Orlando station in the Orlando International Airport Intermodal Terminal.

2024: Allegiant Air resumed operations

Allegiant Air resumed operating some flights at MCO in 2024.

2024: Busiest Airport in Florida

In 2024, Orlando International Airport served 57,211,628 passengers, making it the busiest airport in the state.

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