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Orlando International Moves Up In 2025 National Rankings for Busiest Airport
MCO remains No. 1 airport in Florida; becomes 7th in nation and 25th in the world
ORLANDO, Fla. – Airports Council International North America (ACI-NA) issued its annual airport rankings for 2025, and Orlando International Airport (MCO) increased its national ranking as the busiest airport for passengers, from 9th place in 2024 to 7th in 2025.
https://airportscouncil.org/press_release/airports-council-releases-2025-north-american-airport-traffic-rankings/Based on the rankings, MCO remains the busiest airport in Florida and is the 25th busiest in the world.
In total, MCO recorded a slight increase of passengers in 2025 at 57,675,573 compared to 57,211,628 in 2024. MCO’s growing footprint was, in part, due to international travel. Three new transatlantic nonstop destinations were opened from Orlando - Munich, Madrid, and Paris.
“These numbers are reflective of Central Florida’s continued growth and global appeal,” said Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which manages MCO. “They also show why it is important to embrace a strategic vision that focuses on enhancing customer service while addressing critical infrastructure needs.”
The GOAA Board approved a refined strategic vision for MCO and the Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) in October 2025. The plan, called “Elevating MCO & ORL: The Vision Forward,” will shape the future of The Orlando Experience®.
Some of the airport’s future plans include:
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Implementing a new Baggage Handling System for Terminals A and B by 2030
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Adding 8,000 public parking spaces by expanding Garages A and C, along with rental car improvements, by 2030.
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Upgrading and adding restrooms in Terminals A and B while renovating Levels 2 and 3
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Selecting the concept and systems that will help move passengers and improve mobility in Terminal C’s post-security area within fiscal year 2026
The airport’s standing as the busiest airport in Florida demonstrates strong demand for the region and reinforces Orlando’s position as a premier destination for visitors, connections, and business investment. MCO works with several regional partners, such as Visit Orlando and Experience Kissimmee, to ensure the region’s tourism community remains strong and supports future air service growth.
About Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is proud to operate Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), two of Florida’s premier air travel gateways. MCO is a world-class global connector, serving nearly 58 million annual passengers across its three terminals, A, B and C. Connected to an Intermodal Terminal Facility that offers high-speed passenger rail service, Terminal C is an inventive structure that elevates the customer experience with 100% automated screening lanes at TSA checkpoints. ORL is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.
For more information, please contact the Office of Public Affairs at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority at 407-825-2055 or email us at MCOPIO@goaa.org for further assistance.
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GOAA Board Approves eVTOL Vertistop Development
FDOT Support Brings Florida Closer to Advanced Air Mobility Future. Surface Lot Atlantis at Orlando International Airport with the proposed vertistop.
ORLANDO, Fla. – In support of the State of Florida’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) initiatives and future aerial highway network, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Board gave airport staff approval to develop a vertistop that will host electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft demonstrations. The action is subject to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval and support from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
The vertistop, a small takeoff and landing pad, will be located at Orlando International Airport’s (MCO) Surface Lot Atlantis near the Train Station. Once developed, the vertistop will support aircraft demonstrations in collaboration with federal and state partners, including the FAA, FDOT, the local air traffic control, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA). The planned development will also provide validation of approach and departure procedures evaluated in high-fidelity airspace simulation assessments.
In March 2026, FDOT was one of eight proposals selected under the FAA’s eVTOL and AAM Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), a three-year initiative to accelerate the safe integration of AAM aircraft into the National Airspace System. The GOAA Board’s action further supports commercializing AAM in Florida.
“It’s exciting to see yet another example of our industry working to establish Florida’s Aerial Highway Network,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “This vertistop will play a key role in the initial phase of Advanced Air Mobility along the I-4 corridor.”
“Today’s action reflects our commitment to preparing Orlando International Airport, and, in turn, airports across our great state, for the future of aviation while keeping safety, collaboration, and the customer experience at the center of every step,” said Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer of GOAA, which manages Orlando International and Orlando Executive Airports. “We are grateful to our partners at the FAA, FDOT, local air traffic control, NASA, NATCA, and the many public- and private-sector stakeholders helping to advance this work.”
The vertistop will be designed in accordance with FAA guidance, including FAA Engineering Brief 105A, as a landing and takeoff site with minimal infrastructure. MCO’s AAM planning efforts aim to avoid disrupting local aviation traffic by developing procedures that can operate independently from the legacy airport operation. MCO’s large landmass and parallel runway separation create the opportunity to explore eVTOL integration near its passenger terminals. All eVTOL aircraft operating near MCO are expected to utilize advanced surveillance and tracking technologies that enhance situational awareness for both pilots and air traffic controllers, further supporting safe and efficient airspace integration.
The development of a vertistop at Surface Lot Atlantis is an important step to validate the location for future eVTOL commercial operations on-airport and is part of GOAA’s vision to develop an on-airport AAM vertiport by 2030.
About Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is proud to operate Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), two of Florida’s premier air travel gateways. MCO is a world-class global connector, serving nearly 58 million annual passengers across its three terminals, A, B and C. Connected to an Intermodal Terminal Facility that offers high-speed passenger rail service, Terminal C is an inventive structure that elevates the customer experience with 100% automated screening lanes at TSA checkpoints. ORL is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.
For more information, please contact the Office of Public Affairs at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority at 407-825-2055 or email us at MCOPIO@goaa.org for further assistance.
Orlando International Airport Opens New Wing at Terminal C as Virgin Atlantic Moves Operations
GOAA CEO Lance Lyttle, holding ribbon-cutting scissors, is joined by Virgin Atlantic Vice President of Airports Justin McDonald, right, and GOAA Board Chair Stephanie Kopelousos during the opening of Terminal C’s new wing expansion. Virgin Atlantic crew members, GOAA contractors, and staff were on hand to celebrate.
ORLANDO, Fla. - Orlando International Airport (MCO) marked a major milestone in its ongoing effort to elevate the passenger experience with the opening of a new wing supporting gate expansion in Terminal C and the relocation of Virgin Atlantic operations to the terminal.
Airport leadership and Virgin Atlantic employees marked the occasion with a ribbon-cutting event on Tuesday. For B-roll of the new wing and highlights from the opening, please download it here.
“This new wing is an important step in our vision to deliver the very best experience for every guest who travels through Orlando International Airport,” said Lance Lyttle, CEO of GOAA, which manages Orlando International and Orlando Executive airports. “By expanding Terminal C and welcoming Virgin Atlantic to its new home, we are adding capacity, improving flexibility, and creating a more balanced flow of passengers across all terminals.”
Mr. Lyttle thanked the project team, including HNTB, Jacobs, and Hensel Phelps, for their work on the project as well as the Federal Aviation Administration and the Florida Department of Transportation for helping to fund the $462-million expansion.
The new Terminal C gates are designed as Multiple Aircraft Ramp System (MARS) gates, similar to the existing gates at Terminal C, allowing them to accommodate up to eight narrow-body aircraft positions or four wide-body aircraft. The gates also feature Common Use equipment that will enable flexible operations by a variety of airlines for both domestic and international service.
The expansion gates, numbered 250 through 254, are part of Terminal C’s Phase 1 project and were originally included in the terminal’s early development plan before being deferred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Virgin Atlantic’s move from Terminal A to Terminal C aligns with the opening of the expanded wing area and gives the airline a home in MCO’s newest terminal. The relocation supports more efficient international arrivals and departures while helping distribute passenger activity more evenly across the airport campus.
The expansion increases Terminal C’s capacity, helping the airport to accommodate 10 to 12 million passengers annually while slightly reducing passenger traffic in Terminals A and B. With nearly 58 million passengers traveling through MCO in 2025, the additional capacity is expected to support a smoother, more predictable passenger flow at checkpoints, concessions, baggage claim, and other high-traffic areas.
The added capacity comes as the Aviation Authority prepares for major renovations in Terminals A and B. Planned improvements include updated and expanded restrooms across all four airsides, as well as refreshed interiors at Airsides 1 and 3 with new finishes, lighting, and other enhancements.
Terminal C, adjacent to a Train Station, opened in 2022 and has become a centerpiece of MCO’s long-term growth strategy. It is the only airport terminal in the U.S. connected to an intercity passenger rail service.
Passengers flying Virgin Atlantic should confirm terminal information before arriving at the airport and allow adequate time for check-in, security screening and ground transportation. Travelers with rental car, rideshare, shuttle or other transportation reservations are encouraged to verify pickup and drop-off details with their providers.
About Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is proud to operate Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), two of Florida’s premier air travel gateways. MCO is a world-class global connector, serving nearly 58 million annual passengers across its three terminals, A, B and C. Connected to an Intermodal Terminal Facility that offers high-speed passenger rail service, Terminal C is an inventive structure that elevates the customer experience with 100% automated screening lanes at TSA checkpoints. ORL is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.
For more information, please contact the Office of Public Affairs at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority at 407-825-2055 or email us at MCOPIO@goaa.org for further assistance.
Industry News
Southwest Lands in St. Thomas
Southwest Airlines’ inaugural flight from Orlando to St. Thomas landed Thursday at Cyril E. King International Airport
Volaris launches Querétaro service
The new service to Orlando International Airport (MCO) will begin operations on June 1, with two weekly flights on Mondays and Fridays.
Orlando Airport Expands Facial IDs for International Flyers
The new system has cut wait times for international travelers returning home by 43%, customs officials say. It is available to U.S. citizens at no extra charge.
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Orlando International Airport One Jeff Fuqua Blvd Orlando, Florida
