Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Gate Link Replacement - Gates 70-129

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is investing $253 million to upgrade its automated Gate Link tram system, replacing aging infrastructure with state-of-the-art technology to deliver a smoother, faster, and more reliable passenger experience.

Project Details

PROJECT COST: $253 Million

PROJECT TIMELINE: Winter 2025 – Late 2027

BACKGROUND

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Board approved funding in October 2023 to replace the automated Gate Link tram system to Gates 70-129, Airside 2 and Airside 4.

The Design/Build/Operate/Maintain contract was awarded to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Inc. The contract includes the replacement of all vehicles, running surfaces, operating systems, power distribution equipment, vehicle controls, communication systems, and platform screen doors. Mitsubishi will also maintain passenger to Airside 2 and Airside 4 during the work and will minimize the time that any one of the two Gate Link lanes to each Airside is out of service during construction. Project completion is projected for late 2027.

The Gate Link system serves as a vital passenger connection, linking the North Terminal Complex to the aircraft gate areas. The Gate Links are an essential component to MCO’s ability to facilitate the smooth flow of both arriving and departing traffic. Moreover, these systems are of utmost importance in accommodating the airport’s expanding customer base, benefitting all Central Florida stakeholders.

Key Project Benefits

Enhanced Reliability: New vehicles and upgraded traction systems ensure smoother, more consistent performance.
Increased Capacity: Expanded capability to serve growing passenger demand.
Advanced Safety Features: Modern controls and operating systems improve safety for travelers.
Sustainability: Energy-efficient technology reduces environmental impact.

What Passengers Can Expect

The Gate Link Replacement Project is a carefully coordinated, phased upgrade to the Gate Link system connecting the North Terminal Complex (Terminals A & B) and Gates 70-129, which includes Airside 2 and Airside 4. Work is scheduled to take place from December 2025 through Fall 2027.

During normal operations, most passengers will experience only a few extra minutes in their journey, even during peak holiday periods.
From time to time, especially overnight, travelers will use shuttle buses as part of their journey through the airport.
Travelers using rental car or ground transportation services are encouraged to allow an additional 30 minutes in their pickup planning.

To help ensure a seamless journey for passengers during the project, MCO will have additional guest service ambassadors, clear wayfinding signage, and continuous customer support.

Project Facts

The Gate Link system for Airside 2 (Gates 100-129) was placed into service in 2000.
The Gate Link system for Airside 4 (Gates 70-99) was placed into service in 1990, and the cars were replaced with new cars in the year 2008.
Both systems are dual-lane shuttles with an approximate length of 2,000 feet on each guideway lane.
Each new Gate Link tram will have a capacity for 240 passengers.
Each one-way trip takes 1 Minute, 30 Seconds with a :40 second dwell time at each Gate Link station.

The modernization of MCO’s people mover system demonstrates the Aviation Authority’s commitment to innovation, resiliency, and passenger satisfaction. This upgrade will not only enhance the overall airport experience but also position Orlando International Airport as a leader in airport infrastructure development.

This project follows a prior project completed in 2017 to replace the Gate Link system for gates 1-29 (Airside 1) and gates 30-59 (Airside 3). This was the first major upgrade to the system since its installation 35 years earlier.

Navigating MCO During the Gate Link Replacement Project

The following guide should be helpful to passengers using Gates 100-129 primarily between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m.

One Gate Link is operational during daytime hours unless there is an issue requiring both trams to cease operations.

Gate Link Replacement FAQ

General

What does the Gate Link Replacement Project entail?

The Gate Link Replacement Project is a carefully coordinated, phased upgrade to the Gate Link trams that passengers and employees use to travel to and from the Airsides (gates areas). This work is scheduled to take place from December 3, 2025, through Fall 2027.

This expected work schedule is:

Gate Link 4800 (Gates 100-129) December 3, 2025 – July 2026

Gate Link 4700 (Gates 100-129) July 2026 – December 2026

Gate Link 4600 (Gates 70-99) December 2026 – June 2027

Gate Link 4500 (Gates 70-99) June 2027 – October 2027

This project is intentionally planned to minimize disruptions to passengers, guests, and overall airport operations. That said, we all need to remain mindful that unexpected delays can happen, and your patience and flexibility are greatly appreciated as we work through this important improvement.

Why would you do this during a busy travel period? (summer, spring break, holidays, etc.)

Because of the scale and complexity of this work, construction must continue steadily to ensure we complete the project efficiently and avoid even greater impacts down the road.

Each phase is being strategically scheduled and coordinated to minimize disruption, even during peak travel seasons, so we can deliver a more reliable and enhanced experience for all travelers in the future.

Why can’t the bus go directly to/from the North Terminal Building (landside)?

To ensure the most efficient path between Terminals A and B and the gates areas, passengers, at times, may be guided to use specialized COBUS shuttles as part of their journey through the airport.

The COBUS is a low profile, high-capacity vehicle not designed for regular roadways. They are uniquely sourced to meet the demands of this process, including the need to frequently transport a high volume of passengers through AOA terrain.

Additionally, transferring passengers between Airsides reduces the total added travel time. Shuttling passengers by bus from an Airside to Landside would have dramatically increased travel time, adding an extra 20 to 60 minutes one-way to a passenger’s journey.

Who can we file a complaint with about this project?

Feedback is important, and we welcome the opportunity to hear from you. Guests may provide feedback about the Gate Link Replacement Project, and the airport in general, using the online Feedback Form.

Individuals may also provide input by contacting GuestRelations at 407-825-3177 or via email. All opinions help us better understand how to improve the passenger experience.

Guest Relations

How early should I arrive before my flight?

The standard recommendation for departing passengers remains the same:

Arrive at the security checkpoint at least two (2) hours before your flight.

This will allow ample time for check-in, security screening, and getting you to your gate comfortably.

I’m picking someone up at the airport. How early should I arrive to pick them up?

Those driving to the airport to pick up passengers are encouraged to use the North Cell Phone Lot or the South Cell Phone Lot.

These FREE Cell Phone Lots are located within close proximity of the Terminals, and each offers a variety of amenities, including live flight status board, restrooms, and seating areas.

Rental car companies and shuttle companies are aware of potential delays for arriving passengers.

Navigation

Where do I go?

As part of the Gate Link Replacement Project, there is frequent and prominent signage in place throughout the terminal and gates areas to clearly guide passengers.

In addition, there are strategically placed Customer Experience Ambassadors along the route to assist and guide anyone who needs help.

For the period of December 2025 – December 2026:

ARRIVING DOMESTIC (Gates 100-129)

During normal operations, passengers may use a Gate Link tram to travel from Gates 100-129 to Terminals A and B, for services such as: baggage claim, ground transportation, rental cars, and parking.

At times, Customer Experience Ambassadors may guide arriving passengers to board a COBUS vehicle to travel to Gates 70-99 where they will then board a Gate Link tram for travel to Terminals A and B. COBUS vehicles are available 24/7, and will be used as optional means of transportation during normal operations, but will serve as the only means of transportation during Gate Link maintenance hours and times when Gate Link service to Gates 100-129 is not available.

DEPARTING DOMESTIC (Gates 100-129)

During normal operations, passengers will clear TSA security and then board a Gate Link tram providing direct service to Gates 100-129.

At times, Customer Experience Ambassadors may guide departing passengers to clear TSA security and then board a Gate Link tram to Gates 70-99, where ambassadors will then guide passengers to board a COBUS shuttle to reach Gates 100-129. COBUS vehicles are available 24/7 and will be used as optional means of transportation during normal operations, but will serve as the only means of transportation during Gate Link maintenance hours and times when Gate Link service to Gates 100-129 is not available.

CONNECTING INTERNATIONAL (Gates 70-99) / DOMESTIC (Gates 100-129)

For passengers arriving at MCO on an international flight at Gates 70-99, but needing to connect to a domestic flight at Gates 100-129:

Upon arrival, passengers will first clear Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processing before picking up checked baggage. Once exiting the CBP inspection area, connecting passengers will immediately recheck their checked luggage. Customer Experience Ambassadors will then guide passengers to a nearby TSA checkpoint for re-screening. Once clearing TSA, ambassadors will then guide re-screened connecting passengers to a COBUS shuttle for transportation to Gates 100-129.

How long until the next bus?

How long until the next bus? During normal operations, passengers should expect only a 1-minute to 2-minute wait for a COBUS, if any wait at all. Two (2) buses are in operation 24/7, with additional buses available to meet demand.

The total travel time between Gates 100-129 and Gates 70-99 is less than 5 minutes.

Should I take the bus or wait for the Gate Link (tram)?

The COBUS shuttle is highly efficient and convenient. The total travel time is about the same (less than 5 minutes), so either option will get you to where you need to go efficiently.

Why can’t I wait for the Gate Link?

We are upgrading the Gate Link tram system to improve reliability and the overall passenger experience. The phased project involves upgrading one Gate Link line at a time. There are two Gate Link lines to each gates area.

During this time, the existing Gate Link tram service may become temporarily unavailable, but we do have COBUS shuttles, high-capacity shuttles running frequently between gates areas with little to no wait.

There should be only a 1-minute to 2-minute wait between buses, if any wait at all.

Our goal is to ensure everyone still gets to where they need to go smoothly and comfortably while these important improvements are underway.

Can I walk across to the Airside/Landside?

For security and safety reasons, especially with the ongoing construction, walking between the Terminals A and B building and the gates area is not permitted during normal operations. There may be times when construction activity is paused and the walkway is opened to provide an additional transfer option between the gates area and Terminals A and B. This availability may be based on safety, weather, volume of passengers, construction activity, and other factors.

The pedestrian walkway is approximately 1,700 feet, and depending on one’s pace, can take approximately 5-7 minutes to walk.

Accessibility

What if we have a wheelchair or special needs?

During the Gate Link Replacement Project, we’re using ADA-accessible COBUS vehicles to transport passengers to and from gate areas.

These buses are fully equipped to accommodate wheelchairs, and our team is trained to assist as needed.

We make every effort to keep parties together during boarding. If the bus reaches capacity, we’ll be happy to hold your group for the next available bus to ensure you can travel together comfortably.

Passengers should see only a 1-minute to 2-minute wait between buses, if any wait at all.

The total travel time between the gates areas is less than 5 minutes.

Please don’t hesitate to ask any of our team members for help. We’re committed to ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience for all travelers.

Connections

I’m arriving to Gates 70-99 on an international flight, but need to connect to a domestic flight in the Gates 100-129 area. How do I get there?

For passengers arriving at MCO on an international flight at Gates 70-99 but needing to connect to a domestic flight at Gates 100-129:

What if I miss my flight connection?

We understand how stressful it can be to worry about missing a flight connection, and we’re doing everything we can to minimize disruptions. Please keep in mind that some delays may occur.

If you’re concerned about making your connection, we recommend reaching out to your airline directly. They will be best equipped to assist with real-time flight information, rebooking options, and gate details. Our airport staff, including Customer Experience Ambassadors, are happy to help direct you to your airline’s customer service desk.

I’m supposed to catch my ground transportation (rental car, Uber, shuttle, etc.) at (specific time). Will they hold it for me? What if I miss it?

We recommend contacting your rental car or transportation company directly to inform them of your estimated arrival time. Most providers are understanding and may be able to accommodate delays or adjust pick-up times.

When planning your trip, we encourage guests to consider giving an additional 30-minute window on their estimated pickup time.

How will I know where to find my bags?

Domestic Arrivals If you’re arriving on a domestic flight, you can collect your checked bags from the assigned baggage claim on Level 2 of either Terminal A or Terminal B.

To find your baggage claim area, you can check:

Your airline’s mobile app
The overhead monitors in the gate areas or terminal
Ask a customer service representative from your airline or any member of the MCO Customer Experience Ambassador team.

International Arrivals If you’re arriving on an international flight, here is what you can expect:

Deplane the aircraft and proceed to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) screen area for clearance into the United States
After clearing CBP, pick up checked baggage from the international arrivals baggage claim area
After clearing the Customs area, you will be guided to redrop your baggage so it can be transferred to the Landside baggage claim

Large baggage is not permitted on passenger shuttles (COBUS) to ensure there is enough space for everyone on board. This process allows us to efficiently move all passengers from the arrivals area to the terminals. This transfer journey will include transportation to Airside 2, where passengers will take a Gate Link tram to the terminal building where your baggage will be waiting for you at the assigned baggage claim.

To find your baggage claim area, you can check:

Your airline’s mobile app
The overhead monitors in the gate areas or terminal
Ask a customer service representative from your airline or any member of the MCO Customer Experience Ambassador team.

If you are arriving on an international flight and MCO is a connection airport, your baggage will continue to your final destination after you redrop your bag after clearing Customs.