Source: Orlando International Airport

First anniversaries are milestones in most of life’s significant journeys. It is a special moment for a journey more than two decades in the planning and development, namely the building of Orlando International Airport’s (MCO) Terminal C, and the satisfaction of celebrating one year of operations.

“The anticipation of Terminal C has only been surpassed by the realization of the facility’s potential,” said Kevin J. Thibault, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “This past year has proven that a team of committed professionals can imagine and execute a bold vision, while being flexible enough to be guided through a few growing pains.”

The sight was singularly gratifying and the culmination of a broader vision that began in the late 1990s when ground was first broken for a new terminal south of the Main Terminal. Through several starts and stops, the goal remained and persistence finally paid off.

It’s been a year of achievement, education and adapting to meet challenges:

  • Since opening, Terminal C has processed nearly 6.4 million passengers and operated more than 48,300 flights.
  • Extended training was implemented to help personnel operate a new and complex tote-based baggage handling system.
  • Specially-designed motorized carts were introduced to assist passengers with mobility issues.
  • Projects delayed by the pandemic were reinstated, such as the construction of eight narrow-body equivalent gates, an enclosed pedestrian bridge and moving walkways in focused areas.
  • Terminal C airlines have an annual economic impact estimated to be more than $5 billion dollars.
  • With the opening of Brightline, Terminal C is the first airport terminal in the U.S. with a train station providing intercity high-speed rail service. The terminal embraces the vision of MCO as an intermodal transportation hub.

From its design to its construction to its adherence to strict sustainability standards, Terminal C has garnered more than just state, national and global attention. The facility has also been recognized with numerous awards that are a testament to focusing on the details and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

“Our initial aspirations of responding to rising passenger demand and supporting the dynamic growth of the region have been attained,” said Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Board Chairman Carson Good.
“Now, with one year of operations under our belts, continued development of this terminal will only strengthen our global appeal as an international and multimodal travel gateway for business and leisure.”

Terminal C Recognition:

  • The American Architecture Award (2017)
    The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design
  • Excellence in Construction Project of the Year (2022)
    Central Florida Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors
  • Marquee Green Building Legacy (2022)
    U.S. Green Building Council
  • Airport Business Project of the Year (2023)
    Airport Business Magazine
  • Regional Best Project-Airport/Transport (2023)
    Engineering News Record (ENR) Southeast
  • Award of Merit, Excellence in Sustainability Award of Merit (2023)
    ENR Southeast

In addition to the honors above, Terminal C has been celebrated for its innovation. This innovation can be seen at ticket counters in display wall graphics, self-service kiosks, security checkpoints where wait times are displayed and at the gates where biometrics are used to expedite the board process.

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 50 million annual passengers in 2022. The recently-opened Terminal C is a next level facility that will add 10-12 million annual passengers of capacity and elevate the customer experience. ORL is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.