ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando International Airport (MCO) today is debuting a new button program, “Memories Created in Orlando,” which invites travelers to capture unforgettable moments during their journey through our airport. With each button, travelers have a chance to celebrate special occasions, share their love for MCO, and take home a unique keepsake that highlights their experience in Orlando. Whether it’s a first trip, a birthday celebration, or simply the joy of traveling, this program offers a memorable way to mark the occasion and carry a piece of MCO wherever they go.

The first round of buttons is a limited-edition collection, available only until MCO’s rebranding is unveiled with a fresh new logo. Following the rebranding reveal on November 13, a new line of commemorative buttons will be introduced.

These special-edition buttons are available at the following Information Booths, from 4:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., daily:

Information Booths Where You Can Find Our MCO Buttons

The “Memories Created in Orlando” button program aligns with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority’s Mission to offer exceptional experiences, collaboration, and creativity as we seamlessly connect Florida and the world.

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 more than 57 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. — Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Air France are thrilled to announce the launch of a new nonstop route connecting Central Florida to Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), starting May 21, 2025.*

This service marks Air France’s return to MCO, further elevating Orlando’s position as a premier global gateway and offering a seamless travel experience for Central Floridians and international visitors alike. Operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the Airbus A350-900, Air France’s new flagship aircraft, will provide a sophisticated travel experience across three cabins: Business, Premium, and Economy.

“Our partnership with Air France reinforces MCO’s dedication to expanding global connectivity and creating value for our community,” said Kevin J. Thibault, CEO, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which operates Orlando International. “We are excited to welcome Air France back to Orlando, furthering our city’s appeal as an international destination and connecting our region with one of Europe’s most iconic cities.”

“This new route highlights our commitment to strengthening connections between North America and France,” said Boaz Hulsman, Vice President of Commercial, North America at Air France-KLM. “We look forward to providing passengers from Florida a seamless, direct journey to Paris, or beyond, where they can enjoy the French elegance and award-winning service that Air France is known for.”

This connection between the City of Light and The City Beautiful grants access to Air France’s extensive global network, reaching over 170 destinations, and provides seamless travel options through SkyTeam Alliance partners such as Delta Air Lines, and Aeromexico.

The return of this route is historic, marking Air France’s reestablishment at Orlando International Airport following its service which stopped in 2012. The support of our partners, Visit Orlando, Experience Kissimmee, and Orlando Economic Partnership, was pivotal in bringing back this service.

Orlando will now become Air France’s 18th U.S. destination – joining a network that includes cities from New York to Seattle. For full details on the flight schedule, days of operation, and fare information, please visit airfrance.com.

Subject to government approval

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) has solidified a long-term operational relationship with one of its oldest airline partners. The GOAA board approved a landmark lease agreement on Wednesday with United Airlines for a new Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) complex at Orlando International Airport (MCO), creating a valuable opportunity for future aeronautical development.

The vision for the new $300+ million MRO campus includes construction of a new maintenance hangar and warehouse, renovations to one of United’s two existing hangars, and demolition of the other one. The scope of the lease includes a post-construction term of 30 years with an additional 10-year option period. This development follows the Innovation pillar in the Aviation Authority’s Strategic Plan, which calls for GOAA to champion a culture that supports multi-industry innovation initiatives.

“It is important for one of the nation’s busiest airports and most established legacy carriers to forge a lasting collaboration,” said Kevin J. Thibault, GOAA Chief Executive Officer. “United’s new state-of-the-art campus will be a game-changer. This significant capital investment will create jobs, stimulate economic growth and solidify MCO's position as a hub for aviation excellence."

“This new state-of-the art facility will bring our team closer together and create new synergies,” said Maria Deacon, United’s Senior Vice President of Technical Operations. “Expanding our footprint in Orlando is also part of our larger strategy to make the most of our planned work to improve reliability and being more proactive and predictive about each airframe we work in Heavy Maintenance.”

Under the new agreement, United will build a 354,400 square-foot hangar capable of accommodating up to six narrow-body aircraft at once, with the flexibility to accommodate one wide-body aircraft and three narrow-body aircraft simultaneously. In addition to the hangar, United will also construct a warehouse, shops, offices, work areas and parking facilities for staff. Current hangar facilities support nearly 1,000 local aircraft maintenance employees. United will continue to operate its existing facilities during the construction period. The airline will vacate its current warehouse once the relocation to the new MRO campus is complete, followed by the demolition of a hangar originally constructed in 1954.

By consolidating the United operation and vacating current facilities, development-ready land will be created with direct ramp and airside access. This type of real estate is a limited resource and is anticipated to spur future aeronautical development at MCO.

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 more than 57 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

A vision for a more integrated and seamless travel experience at Orlando International Airport (MCO) continued to take shape today. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) board were notified of two procurement packages that will keep construction of a future Consolidated Rental Car (ConRAC) facility moving forward.

GOAA will be issuing Requests for Statements of Qualifications (RSQ) for Design/Build (D/B) services and Program Management and Oversight (PMO) services in support of ConRAC facilities and the Access Improvement Program at MCO.

The proposed ConRAC facility represents GOAA’s commitment to following the Strategic Plan’s Connection Pillar, where efficient connectivity will be achieved through services, innovation and technology. By centralizing all rental car operations, Orlando International Airport will further its objective to become the world’s hub for the integration of transportation by opening up approximately 4,500 public parking spaces and freeing up airport roadways for passenger traffic.

Both RSQs will be released in the coming months with award dates set for later in 2025. The Aviation Authority will establish specific participation goals for the Small Business component of each RSQ.

ORL GROWTH

Today’s GOAA board meeting was held at Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), where Board members and staff were also able to participate in ceremonies to recognize important expansion efforts at the airport. A ribbon-cutting was held at Atlantic Aviation to christen a pair of brand-new hangars. The $15 million investment has created more than 50,000 square feet of much-needed hangar space for both corporate and private aircraft.

In addition, a groundbreaking ceremony was also held at Sheltair for construction of two more hangars. The increased focus on creating higher-end storage options for both jets and piston-powered aircraft highlights the growth of General Aviation in Central Florida, along with the need for ORL to maintain its reputation as one of the nation’s most user-friendly airports.

NOISE ABATEMENT APPOINTMENT

The Board also appointed a new member to the Aviation Noise Abatement Committee. The upcoming retirement of GOAA Chief of Operations Tom Draper created a vacancy that will now be filled by Marquez Griffin, the Senior VP of Operations. He will serve a four-year term with the ten-member committee that addresses the community’s airport noise concerns.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando International Airport (MCO) resumed full commercial passenger operations today, following extensive cleanup from the debris left by Hurricane Milton.

“Our crews did an amazing job of assessing damage as quickly as possible, and then clearing roadways and preparing equipment to receive passengers,” said Kevin J. Thibault, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which manages and operates both Orlando International and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL). “Coordinating with our partners, from the airlines to TSA, was also key in having passengers return. While there may be a few delays during the recovery, we believe normal operations are imminent.”

MCO began accepting limited domestic arrivals on Thursday evening. ORL resumed operations  on Thursday.

Passengers are being urged to call their airline for updates as many airlines will be adjusting schedules based on activity.

GOAA Airline Operations estimates that nearly 75,000 passengers will be processed today. Crews did a thorough inspection of the airfield, airsides, gates and other facilities, prioritizing safety along the way.

The Emergency Operations Center is activated at a Level 3 and various teams will continue to work with leadership and partners to make any necessary adjustments to operations. To stay up to date, please follow us on our social media channels.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando International Airport will begin receiving domestic arrivals this evening in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. No domestic departures will take place tonight. The airport will begin processing departures and international flights, as normal, tomorrow morning, Friday, October 11.

Airport officials are urging the public to avoid coming to the airport tonight for departing flights. Family and friends can pick up arriving passengers, if needed.

Airlines are continuing to adjust their schedules, so passengers are asked to verify their flight status directly with their airline before coming to the airport.

The airport sustained minor damage from Hurricane Milton’s shaking winds and constant rain, including a few leaks and downed trees; however, the airport campus is structurally sound. Crews will continue to prepare equipment and clear roadways to ensure the safety of the traveling public. To stay up to date, please follow us on our social media channels.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Several crews were dispatched this morning to assess damage at Orlando International Airport in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, which hit the Central Florida area overnight with powerful wind gusts and rain.

Both Orlando International (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) remain closed to commercial and private passenger operations. Greater Orlando Aviation Authority leadership will make a determination on when both airports can reopen, based on feedback from crews surveying the buildings and grounds.

A NOTAM (Notice to Air Mission) filed with the Federal Aviation Administration before Hurricane Milton’s arrival shows that the airport will open at 6 p.m.; however, that does not include a period for damage assessment. The airport and partners also need time to bring in adequate staff and to prepare working areas to better serve customers. The public should not rely on the NOTAM for a guaranteed opening announcement.

Passengers should not come to the airport. All curbs will be blocked until the airport officially opens. Passengers are asked to please check with their airlines about their flight plans. MCO will continue working with airline partners and federal agencies to ensure resumption of flights as soon as possible.

ORLANDO, Fla. – As of 8 a.m. today, Orlando International Airport (MCO) ceased commercial operations in preparation of Hurricane Milton.

Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) ceased operations as of 10 p.m. Tuesday, October 8. While operations have ceased, the airports are not closed and will remain open to accept emergency aid and relief flights as necessary. Both airports will reopen as soon as possible based on damage assessment.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which manages and operates both MCO and ORL, continues to stress safety. The following is MCO’s status:

• A total of 806 passenger flights have been impacted today due to ceasing commercial operations.
• The last passenger flight to leave was at 8:02 a.m. with Detroit as the destination. The last cargo flight was at 9:05 a.m.
• Hurricane preparations continue throughout the facility, including securing the Gate Link and Terminal Link trams to and from the airsides, Terminal C and the Train Station.
• All non-essential airport personnel who are not on the ride-out crew have been sent home.
• The Emergency Operations Center is at a Level 1, the highest activation.
• Communications with city, county and state emergency management officials and the National Weather Service in Melbourne are ongoing.

GOAA wants to remind the public that MCO is not an authorized shelter. The airport cannot accommodate local residents during severe weather events. We will continue to monitor the storm and provide additional updates as needed.

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) will cease commercial passenger operations at 8 a.m. Wednesday, October 9, at Orlando International Airport (MCO), and 10 p.m. Tuesday, October 8, at Orlando Executive airport (ORL). Crews are increasing their activity with storm preparations as Hurricane Milton barrels toward Central Florida.

While these airports will cease commercial operations, they are not closed to emergency/aid and relief flights and will remain open as necessary. Commercial operations will resume as soon as possible based on damage assessment.

Hurricane preparations throughout the facility, including sandbagging doors and tying down all boarding bridges, are being finalized. Communications with city, county, state and federal emergency management officials and the National Weather Service in Melbourne are ongoing.

GOAA wants to alert the public that MCO is not an authorized shelter. The airport cannot accommodate local residents during severe weather events. We continue to ask passengers to check with their airlines about their flight plans.

The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is at Level 2, with Level 1 activation at 7 a.m. Wednesday. Staff will continue to monitor Hurricane Milton and make changes as necessary.

Common FAQs about Ceasing Commercial Passenger Operations: What does it mean to cease commercial passenger operations? "Ceasing commercial passenger operations" is an airline industry term to say that passenger airline activities will pause, but the airport is not closed. MCO will remain open only to accommodate emergency, aid, and relief flights as necessary.

Why did you decide to cease commercial operations? This decision was made to prioritize the safety and security of the traveling public. The airport, in collaboration with federal and airline partners, agreed to cease commercial operations to prevent aircraft from operating under unsafe weather conditions for landings and takeoffs.

When do you plan to resume normal operations? Normal operations will resume as soon as possible. Once a damage assessment has been conducted of all airport facilities and immediate safety issues addressed, the airlines will be allowed to resume limited operations, gradually building to a normal flight schedule.

I'm unable to reach my airline. What should I do? If you're having trouble reaching your airline, we recommend checking their official website or social media for real-time updates. You can also try alternate contact methods such as text or chat if available.

What will happen to my car if I leave it in the garage or other airport parking designated area while traveling? Your vehicle can remain parked in any of our designated parking areas until your return. In the event of suspended operations, vehicles will be kept secure. Standard parking fees will still apply when retrieving your car.

Is the Airport built to withstand a hurricane? Orlando International Airport (MCO) is constructed to handle severe weather typical of the Central Florida region, including hurricanes. We regularly assess and update our infrastructure to meet high safety standards for severe conditions.

What is the process for stranded passengers when the airport ceases operations? If flights are canceled and passengers are unable to leave as planned, our team will provide guidance on nearby hotels, transportation, and available shelter options. MCO is not designated as a shelter, so we encourage passengers to have backup lodging plans.

Am I allowed to remain at the airport? MCO is not equipped to serve as a long-term shelter for passengers during extreme weather events. For safety, we advise travelers to relocate to secure shelter locations outside of the airport. For information on emergency shelter sites and evacuation details, please visit the Orange County emergency management resources.

Will any employees remain on-site during the storm? Yes, certain essential personnel, known as “ride-out crews,” remain on-site during severe weather to protect airport facilities, manage emergency response efforts, and support operational recovery once conditions improve. These team members possess specialized expertise in areas such as airport operations, maintenance, and safety. While they don’t receive unique storm-specific training, they regularly participate in emergency preparedness exercises and are highly skilled in their critical roles.

How does the airport prepare for hurricanes? MCO has an established emergency plan that is reviewed and practiced multiple times each year to ensure all personnel are well-prepared for any potential weather-related incidents. Preparedness is a top priority for us to ensure passenger and staff safety.

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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 more than 57 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.