The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is launching a sweeping $6 billion modernization plan aimed at completely reshaping how travelers move through Orlando International Airport. The initiative was announced in detail Thursday morning by GOAA’s new CEO, Lance Lyttle, during the airport authority’s annual Take Off event.More than 57 million passengers traveled through MCO last year, and officials say that number is only expected to grow as Orlando remains one of the nation’s most popular travel destinations. To keep pace, GOAA leaders say their top priority is updating outdated features and delivering a “five-star” experience in every terminal.Major upgrades coming to all terminalsAs part of the Visioning Plan, the airport authority is preparing to invest in:8,000 new parking spacesModernized baggage-handling systems in terminals A and BFacial recognition technology at screening checkpointsAutonomous wheelchairs to improve accessibilityMobile food and retail ordering options throughout terminalsNew lounges and upgraded passenger amenitiesElectric air taxis expected as early as 2035“Our focus as a team is simple: Put the customer experience at the center of everything we do,” Lyttle said. “From curb to gate, we want every traveler to feel welcome, cared for and impressed by the ease of their journey.”Expansion of flight optionsAirport officials say they also hope to expand the number of nonstop destinations served from MCO within the next year. One of the biggest milestones is coming in February 2026, when ZIPAIR launches the first-ever nonstop flight from Florida to Tokyo.For travelers heading to Japan, that flight is expected to take roughly 17 hours one way.What’s not in the planWhile major upgrades are on the horizon, plans for future terminals, such as a potential Terminal D, are not expected to move forward for at least the next decade.

ORLANDO, Fla. —

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is launching a sweeping $6 billion modernization plan aimed at completely reshaping how travelers move through Orlando International Airport.

The initiative was announced in detail Thursday morning by GOAA’s new CEO, Lance Lyttle, during the airport authority’s annual Take Off event.

More than 57 million passengers traveled through MCO last year, and officials say that number is only expected to grow as Orlando remains one of the nation’s most popular travel destinations. To keep pace, GOAA leaders say their top priority is updating outdated features and delivering a “five-star” experience in every terminal.

Major upgrades coming to all terminals

As part of the Visioning Plan, the airport authority is preparing to invest in:

8,000 new parking spacesModernized baggage-handling systems in terminals A and BFacial recognition technology at screening checkpointsAutonomous wheelchairs to improve accessibilityMobile food and retail ordering options throughout terminalsNew lounges and upgraded passenger amenitiesElectric air taxis expected as early as 2035

“Our focus as a team is simple: Put the customer experience at the center of everything we do,” Lyttle said. “From curb to gate, we want every traveler to feel welcome, cared for and impressed by the ease of their journey.”

Expansion of flight options

Airport officials say they also hope to expand the number of nonstop destinations served from MCO within the next year. One of the biggest milestones is coming in February 2026, when ZIPAIR launches the first-ever nonstop flight from Florida to Tokyo.
For travelers heading to Japan, that flight is expected to take roughly 17 hours one way.

What’s not in the plan

While major upgrades are on the horizon, plans for future terminals, such as a potential Terminal D, are not expected to move forward for at least the next decade.