Impact of Orlando International Airport’s New Terminal on Travelers Revealed by CEO

Airport Renovation Overview

There’s something of an airport renaissance happening in the United States. From coast to coast, airports are debuting new and improved terminals.

Introduction to Terminal C

On Monday, Sept. 19, Orlando International Airport (MCO) will unveil a state-of-the-art structure: the $2.8 billion Terminal C, or south terminal.

This 1.8 million-square-foot terminal will incorporate 15 gates, enhancing the airport’s capacity by an estimated 12 million passengers annually. Notably, the airport emerged as the world’s seventh busiest in 2021, accommodating 40.4 million passengers, a significant rise from previous years.

Technological Innovations

The new terminal not only expands capacity but also revolutionizes the airport experience for travelers. This is a high-tech, low-touch terminal, indicated by Kevin Thibault, CEO of Orlando International Airport, who stated, “Technology drives functionality at Terminal C.”

Prominent technologies include biometric facial recognition at each gate and immersive multimedia installations throughout the terminal. Bluetooth navigational beacons will provide real-time guidance for travelers, while 1,471 wireless chargers will be available across waiting areas.

Moreover, the implementation of radio frequency identification (RFID) for baggage tracking ensures a smoother travel experience, maintaining real-time visibility of checked luggage and expediting the journey from check-in to gate and baggage claim.

Layout and Design Changes

Designed by Fentress Architects alongside engineering firm HNTB, Terminal C introduces a layout divergent from standard airport configurations, where arrivals and departures are generally separated by floors. Instead, passengers will enjoy abundant natural light from skylights as they proceed to baggage claim and ground transportation.

Thibault notes that particularly for international travelers, the unique arrival experience significantly enhances the sense of having arrived in Florida, complemented by retail options showcasing local attractions such as Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando.

Transportation Connectivity

Terminal C will play a vital role in connecting the greater Orlando region with South Florida, hosting a future stop for the high-speed Brightline train, which is set to open in 2023. This train service promises to link Orlando with cities like West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami, with plans for an extension to Tampa, thereby enhancing regional connectivity.

Airline Operations

At the launch of Terminal C, 11 airlines will operate from this new hub, including Aer Lingus, Azul, Breeze Airways, British Airways, Caribbean, Emirates, GOL, Icelandair, JetBlue, Lufthansa, and Norse Airlines. Additionally, the terminal will feature a single lounge: the Plaza Premium Lounge.

International operations at the new Terminal C will commence on Sept. 19, with domestic operations following close behind on Sept. 26.