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.