ORLANDO, Fla. – New investments in innovation, infrastructure, and the guest experience are taking flight at Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL). The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Board approved Fiscal Year 2027 budgets designed to elevate both airports and position them for continued growth.

The approved FY 2027 budget for MCO totals $968,495,000. The Board also approved an FY 2027 budget of $10,934,622 for ORL.

It is important to note the budget does not include any local tax dollars.

As the busiest airport in Florida, and one of the busiest in the United States, MCO continues to experience strong travel demand. ORL serves as the region’s premiere general aviation facility and primary reliever airport for MCO.

“Every investment we make should elevate the experience for our guests while ensuring our airports remain operationally strong and ready for what comes next,” said Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which manages MCO and ORL. “We are focused on exploring innovative ideas, embracing new technology, and creating spaces that make each journey easier and more enjoyable. These budgets allow us to keep improving the airport experience, from arrival to takeoff."

Investing in MCO’s Future

In addition to the annual budgets, the Board approved an update to MCO’s multi-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The program identifies major projects that will expand capacity, modernize facilities, preserve existing assets, and enhance safety, security, and operational efficiency.

The updated CIP represents a net increase of $934.6 million in planned capital investments at MCO, including:

• Adding at least 7 new gates to Airside 2 (Gates 100-129).
• Expanding parking and car rental facilities.
• Constructing new baggage handling facilities to improve baggage screening and processing.
• Renovating and adding new restrooms, seating areas, retail shops, and restaurants at Terminals A and B.
• Installing state-of-the-art technology to improve the journey through MCO.
• Reconstructing critical airfield pavement infrastructure.

Supporting Orlando Executive Airport

The Board approved an updated $94.6 million Capital Improvement Program for ORL, representing a net increase of $10.4 million.

The program focuses primarily on airfield improvements that may qualify for federal and state funding. These projects support ORL’s important role as MCO’s primary reliever airport. The ORL program also includes commercial property improvements.

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.

ORLANDO, Fla. - The last unofficial holiday of summer 2026 may see a small decline in the number of passengers at Orlando International Airport (MCO), but Orlando is still predicted to be one of the most popular Labor Day destinations.

Monday, September 7th is expected to be the busiest day of the travel period with 155,776 arriving and departing passengers. According to AAA, Orlando will be one of the most popular Labor Day destinations for air travel this holiday, along with Seattle, Boston, Denver, and New York City.

This year the Labor Day travel period runs from Thursday, September 3rd through Tuesday, September 8th. During that time, a total of 841,577 passengers are planning to arrive and depart from MCO.

Orlando International Airport is also planning for your travel well beyond the Labor Day holiday with the following improvement projects and programs.

Gate Link System – The Gate Link tram system is being upgraded to Gates 70-129. This two-year project is replacing the old trams with new, smoother, quicker trams. The first set of new cars are expected to begin passenger service next month.

Parking Guidance System (PGS) - Parking Garage C will activate the PGS system later this fall, allowing drivers to see how many spaces are available and where the space are located before entering the parking garage. The technology will expand to Garages A and B early next year.

New Concessions - A master Concessions Plan is taking shape with more than a half-dozen new offerings and dozens more to come. Check out the new Starbucks and 4Rivers concessions at Gates 1-29; City Vista and City Beautiful Marketplace at Gates 100-129; Cibo News at Gates 30-59; and City of Light Marketplace next to the Food Court at Terminal B.

Family Zones - Three Family Zones have opened recently to give traveling families more places to play, explore, and mentally recharge. They are located at Terminal A, Level 1: A soft-play area across from Hertz Rental Car; Terminal B, Level 3: An interactive game area next to the Food Court; Terminal C: A special reading nook, post-security, near Gate 240.

If you are planning to travel during this period, please take note of the three P’s.