“Orlando International Airport (MCO) was directly impacted, along with every other airport in the country, by the nationwide Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) notice to stop all flights in the United States due to an FAA computer issue. As service slowly resumes, MCO advises travelers to contact their airlines directly for information about their specific flights. During the FAA outage, approximately 52 flights have been delayed for departure at Orlando International.” – Greater Orlando Aviation Authority

“Normal air traffic operations are resuming gradually across the U.S. The ground stop has been lifted. We continue to look into the cause of the initial problem.” – Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Operational Impact at MCO as of 10:30 a.m. today:

• Approximately 100 flights have departed MCO today
• Approximately 52 flights have been delayed at MCO
• MCO is expecting a total of 465 departures today

Passengers are always encouraged to contact their airlines for specific flight information prior to arrival at Orlando International Airport.

EVENT GARNERS SUPPORT, APPLAUSE FOR NEW TERMINAL C OPENING

ORLANDO, FL. – The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority marked the opening of Terminal C, an innovative new terminal geared toward high-tech conveniences for passengers, with a celebration today that echoed the project’s vision to reality story.

GOAA Chief Executive Officer Kevin Thibault welcomed local community leaders and airport partners to the event, which acknowledged the work of former board chairs and airport executives who first envisioned what would later become Terminal C.

“Operations at Terminal C began on September 20, 2022, almost 40 years from the opening of the main terminal in 1981,” Thibault said. “We celebrate Terminal C’s opening at a time when our passenger volume is returning to pre-pandemic levels. Terminal C will help to offset heavy volume in our Main Terminal and help to sustain our growth. It is the foundation for an intermodal hub that will welcome planes, trains and automobiles.”

Among the speakers at the event were Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, and former Orange County Mayor and GOAA Board Chair Linda Chapin. GOAA Chairman Carson Good moderated.

Jared W. Perdue, P.E., Florida Department of Transportation Secretary, spoke about the change that Terminal C will make on transportation choices across the state.

“Terminal C is a smart, forward-thinking investment for the Orlando International Airport to benefit the millions of Floridians and tourists who travel in and out of the state each year,” Perdue said. “The integrated rail-air-ground transportation hub is an example of the innovative advancements we’re making in Florida’s communities and transportation infrastructure to expand mobility, reinforce a robust supply chain, and enhance economic growth.”

Terminal C is home to 11 airline carriers, including domestic anchor JetBlue. Dave Clark, head of Planning and Revenue for JetBlue, was a featured speaker. The afternoon event drew congratulations and support from state leaders and the international aviation community. It also featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony with uniformed attendants representing eight different airline carriers that are based at Terminal C: Aer Lingus, Azul, British Airways, Caribbean Airlines, Emirates, JetBlue, Lufthansa and Sunwing Airlines.

Airline partners have lauded the opening of the terminal, which brings global connectivity. Here’s what they’re saying:

Aer Lingus, Bill Byrne, Executive Vice President, US: “Aer Lingus has been a long-standing partner flying year-round nonstop flights to Orlando International Airport from Dublin, and more recently nonstop from Manchester, UK, since the launch of Aer Lingus UK in 2021. We are excited about the upgraded facilities of Terminal C at Orlando International Airport, providing our passengers with an elevated customer experience.’’

British Airways, Ian Blackman, VP East USA, Latin America, and the Caribbean: “At British Airways, we are delighted that our customers can now enjoy the brand new, state-of-the-art Terminal C at Orlando International Airport. Whether they’re a family on their Sunshine State vacation or business and leisure travelers going to London, our customers can look forward to the smoothest possible journey, thanks to our quintessentially British onboard experience coupled with the cutting-edge innovation and spectacular design of this wonderful new terminal.”

Caribbean Airlines, Nirmala Ramai, Chief Operations Officer: “Caribbean Airlines is pleased to be a part of the Orlando International Airport expansion. Terminal C is a world-class facility with an array of amenities employing cutting-edge technology and automation to enhance the customer experience. We look forward to welcoming our passengers to enjoy the comfort and convenience of Terminal C.”

Emirates, Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Divisional Vice President, USA and Canada: Emirates congratulates Orlando International Airport on the opening of its new state-of-the-art concourse. Terminal C is a great addition to the airport and has enabled an enhanced experience for passengers traveling into or out of Orlando or connecting to other destinations.

We have been operating to Orlando since 2015, and we’re extremely delighted to have moved our operations to Terminal C. The move has allowed our customers to enjoy the conveniences afforded by the latest technologies, modern facility and new amenities. The innovations enable Emirates passengers to breeze through the airport and complete all arrival and departure formalities in less time, while also enjoying seamless connectivity to ground transportation.

We are delighted with the new level of convenience that our customers now experience in Orlando International Airport.”

**GOL Linhas Aereas, Celso Ferrer, CEO: “**Being part of this new chapter of Orlando International Airport is a source of great pride for GOL. The city is a symbol of the resumption of our international routes and, since May of this year, we have given thousands of travelers the opportunity to take the longest flight with a Boeing 737 MAX in the world, departing from Brasília (BSB). More than that, offering our customers a better experience on arrival and departure to Orlando, with a world-class passenger terminal, like this one, is something that will make this destination even more attractive.”

Icelandair, Bogi Nils Bogason, Chief Executive Officer: “We are proud to call the newly upgraded Terminal C our home at Orlando International Airport. The new terminal gives our passengers a fresh, convenient welcome when traveling to and from Orlando and we are glad to welcome Orlando aboard.”

JetBlue, Joanna Geraghty, President and Chief Operating Officer: “We are excited to lead the way as the flagship carrier at Orlando International Airport’s new Terminal C. The terminal’s offerings are great, and the bright, airy architecture makes it stand out. This move not only shows our commitment to Orlando and the greater area, but it also will provide a new and elevated experience for our customers as we continue our growth in the region.”

**Lufthansa, Silke Wobken, Senior Director Sales, USA East: “**We’re certainly excited to move our operations to the new terminal at MCO. Orlando has always been an important market for Lufthansa Group, as it attracts both our leisure and business travelers. Furthermore, this year marks the 15th anniversary of Lufthansa service to Orlando. Being situated in the new terminal is a superb way to celebrate our important milestone.”

Terminal C received its first flight on September 20 and to date has welcomed nearly 1 million passengers. The facility is a critical element of airport development and Central Florida’s economic growth. It will enable the airport to accommodate an additional 10 to 12 million annual passengers, which will increase overall airport capacity to nearly 60 million passengers a year.

About GOAA: The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority provides operational oversight of the Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL). Orlando International Airport is the busiest airport in Florida serving 40 million passengers annually. Orlando Executive Airport is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides general aviation needs to the Central Florida region.

A clear vision for the future has long been a hallmark of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) and it’s stewardship of Orlando International Airport (MCO). Today, the airport and community celebrated the most recent manifestation of that vision, the historic opening of Terminal C. The dedication ceremony, which included state and local officials, airport partners and community leaders, was the culmination of a decades-long journey of planning, conceptualizing, and more importantly perseverance, to reach completion. This new reality in connecting next-level air travel with multi-modal transportation access will raise the bar for world-class customer convenience.

“Responding to passenger demand and supporting the dynamic growth in Central Florida have always been key elements to our phased development philosophy,” said Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Chairman Carson Good. “This terminal reflects the growth of our global appeal as an international travel gateway for business and leisure.”

“Today’s travelers to and from Central Florida demand efficient connections to other modes of transportation, so it is essential that we stay at the forefront of innovation, customer care and improved connectivity,” says Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Chief Executive Officer Kevin Thibault. “Our challenge will always be to provide state-of-the-art services and facilities at an affordable cost.”

While the Terminal C story may have reached its climax in 2022, it’s really been a chronicle of development dating back to the 1990s. Not long after the new Orlando International Airport opened in 1981, GOAA already began looking farther into the future. With foresight that the region had the potential to become one of the world’s hottest destinations, continued development to support expected passenger traffic growth was envisioned.

TIMELINE OF TERMINAL C DEVELOPMENT April 1998

• South Terminal concepts presented to GOAA Board

September 1998

• Groundbreaking ceremony

April 2000

• Site preparation underway with three million cubic yards of fill dirt moved

February 2000

• FAA approves Airspace plan

September 11, 2001

• In response to unprecedented impacts to aviation industry, GOAA Board slows the pace of several capital programs including many parts of the South Terminal program

May 2015

• GOAA Board authorizes request to proceed with design of phase one of the South Terminal.

August 2015

• Authority selects Fentress Architects to design the first phase of Terminal C

March 2016

• GOAA Board approves construction of Terminal C

March 2017

• Construction begins

September 2022

• Terminal C receives first arriving flight

Construction of Terminal C is in line with the Aviation Authority’s history of planned, phased and fiscally-responsible development based on demand and the airport’s Master Plan. In keeping with that spirit of foresight, the GOAA Board approved a $4.2 billion Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) that included renovation and expansion projects that began in 2015. In its full context, the development of the South Terminal Complex included the South Airport Automated People Mover Complex (Terminal Link), Intermodal Terminal Facility (now known as the Train Station) and enhancements to the North Terminal Complex.

Terminal C is the unifying feature of the South Terminal Complex, which will become one of the nation’s first multi-modal transport hubs with direct access to Brightline higher-speed, intercity rail; planned expansion of SunRail commuter rail; a proposed light rail system; multiple ground transportation options; and an Automated People Mover connection between the South and North campuses.

Terminal C is a critical element of airport development and the region’s economic growth. By enabling MCO to accommodate an additional 10-12 million annual passengers, the new facility will increase overall airport capacity to nearly 60 million passengers a year.

TERMINAL C FEATURES INCLUDE Flexible Gates

Domestic and International flight operations can be accommodated at every gate. Seven MARS (Multiple Aircraft Ramp System) gates offer the adaptability to provide single or dual boarding bridge access for one jumbo aircraft or single boarding bridge access for two narrow body aircraft.

Individual Carrier Baggage Handling System

Dedicated totes with Radio Frequency Identification chips are paired with individual bags to provide real-time tracking information along the entire route. In addition to streamlining the delivery process, the tote system reduces bottlenecks and nearly eliminates jams. It also offers ease of future expansion and lower life-cycle cost. In addition the system incorporates a robotic early storage facility with an 1,800-bag capacity.

Unique customer arrival experience

Arrivals and bag claim are located on the top level so passengers will experience the beauty of Central Florida immediately after deplaning. Skylights that run the entire length of the concourse, along with floor-to-ceiling windows, bring the region’s natural wonders into view for all arriving guests to enjoy. Departures, ticketing and security are located on the second level and ground transportation on the first level.

Dynamic concessions

With an eclectic mix of national and local brands, Terminal C features 24 food & beverage outlets, 11 retail stores and one lounge for a total of more than 80,000 square feet of concession space. To maximize customer options once they make their way to the gate area, 93% of the concessions are located post-security.

Experiential Media Environment (EME)

Large-scale immersive and interactive multimedia features are architecturally integrated and feature original content displayed in ultrahigh resolution. The cinematic storytelling celebrates distinctly Central Florida experiences, such as a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, cattle herding on the Deseret Ranch and swimming with manatees in Crystal River. The displays are featured in the gate area hub and airside North Concourse, with the third feature in the public entrance area planned for the future

Artistic Touches

Specialty terrazzo floor mural; multi-story art glass feature walls; original artwork in multiple media, including glass & canvas, are strategically placed throughout the terminal to enhance the travel journey from curb to gate.

Sustainability Initiatives

Terminal C has been designed as one of the first LEED®v4 airport campuses in the world; “Forever Trees” are constructed from preserved materials from actual palm and cypress trees; limited ingress & egress points enhance internal climate control efforts; floating solar array tests the viability of solar power generation.

Terminal C design evokes a campus vision by focusing on a unifying theme. The design includes a concept called “The Boulevard,” which creates a gateway to Orlando and captures the essence of Central Florida. The facility is designed to be intuitive so the passenger is drawn from one element to the next by creating an exciting and memorable travel experience. As one of the busiest airports in the world, Orlando International is the premier global gateway to the most-visited destination in the nation. Terminal C enables MCO to continue serving the needs of the diverse Central Florida community and meeting the demands of projected passenger growth.

From design to completion, Terminal C has been a story of collective energy directed toward transforming the customer experience. Orlando International Airport has always taken great pride in being recognized as an industry leader and a passenger favorite. Terminal C reinforces both those reputations. By devoting the appropriate resources to development, MCO will optimize its ability to set the standard for travel excellence by delivering The Orlando Experience®.

ORLANDO, FL. – According to AAA, Orlando is the number one destination in the country this Thanksgiving holiday travel period and traffic at Orlando International Airport (MCO) reflects that ranking. Passenger traffic is at a record high, parking garages and surface parking lots are almost at total capacity and rental car companies are trying a new approach to meet a growing demand for service at Terminal C.

Halfway through the 12-day Thanksgiving travel period and Orlando International is facing a very rare challenge, almost all parking at the airport is full. It is suggested that passengers seek alternative transportation to the airport. Being dropped off via ride shares, family and friends and taxis are your best options at this point.

Latest MCO Travel Information:* Due to a high volume of traffic, parking is nearing full capacity at the airport. It is suggested travelers seek alternative means of being dropped off at the airport to avoid parking. * Travelers are advised to monitor the airport’s social media sites and webpage for the latest on parking availability at MCO. * To meet growing demand for rental cars at Terminal C, rental car companies have installed counters on level 6, next to the bag claims area. Simply claim your luggage, walk a very short distance for rental car processing and then it is just a few steps to the shuttle bus for transport to pick up your vehicle in terminals A and B. * All rental car companies are now accepting rental car returns at Terminal C for those catching flights from Terminal C. * MCO continues to exceed travel volume expectations for the holiday. Provide yourself at least three hours of time in the terminal to catch all domestic and international flights.

Reminder Information:

The busiest travel day of the Thanksgiving period is still to come. This Saturday, the 26th , MCO is expecting more than 165,100 passengers. Sunday the 27th, will be the third busiest with more than 158,500 and Monday the 28th will be the 4th busiest with approximately 151,000 travelers at MCO.

ORLANDO, FL.— The 12-day Thanksgiving holiday travel period is underway and Orlando International Airport (MCO) is already exceeding expectations. Passenger traffic was predicted to be 10 percent higher than last year and on par with 2019 pre-pandemic numbers. As of four days into the travel period, MCO is on record pace with approximately 14.5 percent more passengers than in 2021, making Orlando International one of the busiest airports in the country this holiday season.

	Traffic Stats 4 Days into Travel Period   2021— 546,600   2022— 625,400   Increase of 78,800 passengers or approximately 14.5%

Pre-travel period estimates for busiest travel days:
Saturday, November 26th	165,100	7. Tuesday, November 22nd	147,900
Saturday, November 19th	161,400	8. Friday, November 18th	147,200
Sunday, November 27th	158,500	9. Monday, November 21st	143,300
Monday, November 28th	150,900	10. Friday, November 25th	138,100
Wednesday, November 23rd	150,600	11. Tuesday, November 29th	134,000
Sunday, November 20th	150,300	12. Thursday, November 24th	110,500

Please continue to:

• Pack your patience.
• Arrive inside the terminal at MCO at least 3 hours prior to your flight.
• Check the MCO website at orlandoairports.net, the App or social media pages for the latest parking information.

ORLANDO, FL. – Orlando International Airport (MCO) will resume limited commercial operations and passenger activity after 8:00 p.m. tonight and will return to normal operations with arrivals and departures starting tomorrow morning.

Damage assessment teams have inspected all airport facilities inside and out and have determined that MCO is safe and ready to welcome back guests in the wake of Hurricane Nicole. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) works with many partners at the local, state and federal levels to ensure safety during this reopening process.

“It is a complex process to cease and resume operations at an airport,” says Kevin Thibault, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “Our facilities are ready but many of our stakeholders and their staffs are not. The storm was forecasted to last much longer than it did, so recalling employees for concessions, rental cars and support positions has been challenging.”

As a result, MCO will operate on a limited capacity with no departures tonight.

The Latest Information:

• Passengers are advised to contact their individual airlines and rental car companies for specific questions about flights, schedules and rental car return policies before coming to the airport.
• Damage from Hurricane Nicole was minimal to airport facilities and infrastructure.
• Since Orlando International Airport is NOT a shelter, a total of 68 passengers were transported from MCO to authorized shelter facilities before the storm hit Central Florida.
• Returning to normal operations is hampered by recalling employees in every aspect of your travel journey, from rental cars to concessions to baggage handlers and support staff.
• In total, 1484 flights were cancelled at MCO during the two day weather event.

This will be the FINAL scheduled Bulletin for Hurricane Nicole from Orlando International Airport.