Orlando Airport, also known as Orlando International Airport (MCO), is one of the busiest airports in the United States. There are several reasons why this airport experiences a high volume of traffic and remains consistently busy throughout the year.
1. Tourism: Orlando is a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. The city is home to world-renowned theme parks such as Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. These attractions, coupled with beautiful weather and a variety of other tourist activities, make Orlando a top choice for travelers. Consequently, the airport sees a significant influx of tourists, both domestic and international, who arrive and depart through MCO.
2. Convention Center: Orlando is also a popular destination for business conventions and conferences. The Orange County Convention Center, one of the largest convention centers in the country, draws in a substantial number of attendees from around the world. Many of these visitors fly in through Orlando Airport, contributing to the overall busyness of the airport.
3. Cruise Port Access: Orlando serves as a gateway to several cruise ports, including Port Canaveral, which is just an hour’s drive away from the airport. Cruise enthusiasts often choose to fly into Orlando and then travel to the nearby ports to embark on their cruise vacations. As a result, Orlando Airport experiences heavy traffic from passengers connecting to cruises.
4. Proximity to Central Florida: Orlando Airport serves not only the city itself but also the broader Central Florida region. The area is home to numerous attractions such as the Kennedy Space Center, Daytona Beach, and the Everglades, which draw visitors from all over the world. The convenience of Orlando Airport makes it a popular choice for travelers visiting these nearby destinations.
5. Airline Hub: Orlando serves as a hub for several major airlines, including Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Spirit Airlines. These airlines offer numerous flights and connections through Orlando, attracting a large number of passengers to the airport. The presence of airline hubs increases the frequency of flights and contributes to the overall busyness of the airport.
6. Population Growth: Orlando has experienced significant population growth in recent years. The city and its surrounding areas have become increasingly popular for people to live, work, and retire. With a growing population, the demand for air travel has also increased, leading to more flights and busier airport operations.
To accommodate the growing traffic and meet the needs of passengers, Orlando Airport is currently working on expanding its facilities. A new terminal is under construction, which will provide additional gates and amenities to better handle the high volume of flights and passengers.
Orlando Airport is busy due to its popularity as a tourist destination, the presence of major conventions, its proximity to cruise ports, the attraction of Central Florida, the presence of airline hubs, and the overall population growth in the area. These factors contribute to the airport’s constant flow of travelers and the need for ongoing expansion and improvement.