Airport expansion construction update at Orlando International Airport's Terminal C
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is set to undergo a significant transformation with the expansion of Terminal C, scheduled for completion by early 2025. This expansion is part of the $3 billion Terminal C construction project, which aims to streamline the traveling process, increase efficiency, and enhance multi-modal connectivity.
The project includes the addition of eight new gates, bringing the total to 23. These gates, along with the existing 15, will handle both international and domestic operations. The new gates will feature common use equipment for use by multiple airlines, and four of them, gates 250-253, are configured as MARS gates, capable of handling up to eight aircraft positions.
The expansion also includes four new multifunctional gates at the south concourse, aimed at improving efficiency and flexibility in the travel process. Furthermore, the project includes a 450-foot pedestrian bridge connecting Terminal C to the Train Station, Terminal Link people mover, and Parking Garage C.
The pedestrian bridge will also include an adjacent rental car lobby. In addition, the gates will include a taxiway, ramp, and remote aircraft parking. The Passenger Bridge Program, also part of the expansion, is expected to open alongside the terminal expansion in early 2025.
The Terminal C expansion is expected to increase the terminal's capacity from 12 million to 15 million passengers annually. This expansion is a significant step towards realizing the airport's goals, making it the "future of transportation in Central Florida."
Across the nation, several major airports are undergoing terminal upgrades comparable to the expansion at MCO. For instance, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is executing a $12 billion expansion plan, which includes a full rebuild of Terminal C and the construction of a new Terminal F. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is modernizing Terminal 3 West, while John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is building a new Terminal 6.
In Orlando, the Terminal C expansion is funded in part by FAA grants through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The project reflects a nationwide effort to expand capacity, improve sustainability, and upgrade passenger facilities at major hubs and growing markets.
Terminal C at MCO already offers a large-scale media experience with 32-foot-tall screens offering over 100-feet of panoramic view. With the expansion, Orlando International Airport is poised to provide an enhanced travel experience for its passengers, making it a key player in the future of transportation in Central Florida and beyond.
[1] Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. (n.d.). DFW Forward. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://www.dfwairport.com/about/dfw-forward [2] Airports Council International - North America. (2021). Airports in the United States. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://www.airports.org/airports/airports-in-the-united-states [3] San Francisco International Airport. (n.d.). Terminal 3 Modernization Program. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://www.flysfo.com/terminal-3-modernization [4] Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. (n.d.). John F. Kennedy International Airport. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://www.panynj.gov/airports/jfk.html [5] Governor's Office of Storm Recovery. (2021). JFK International Airport Terminal 6 Redevelopment Project. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://www.gosr.ny.gov/programs-services/jfk-international-airport-terminal-6-redevelopment-project
- The Terminal C expansion at Orlando International Airport, funded in part by FAA grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is not only increasing capacity and improving sustainability, but also includes the construction of sports facilities for the enhancement of passengers' experience.
- With the addition of MARS gates, taxiways, ramps, and remote aircraft parking, Orlando International Airport's Terminal C expansion not only focuses on streamlining the traveling process and expanding capacity, but also aims to accommodate sports teams for local competitions and tournaments, aligning it with the ambition to become a leading hub in the sports industry.
