ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando International Airport is upgrading its gate link, which takes passengers from the security checkpoint to the gates.

What You Need To Know

Orlando International Airport is upgrading its gate link, which takes passengers from the security checkpoint to the gates
The project is expected to start on Dec. 3 and will take about two years to complete

The new trams will enhance reliability, provide a smoother ride and improve safety and sustainability, airport officials say 

At least one gate link on each side will continue to run during construction

There will also be shuttle buses available 24 hours a day to get travelers back and forth 

Construction on the $253 million project is expected to start on Dec. 3 and will take until fall 2027 to complete, airport officials said.

The two-year timetable was projected because there are plans in place to minimize the disruption to passengers, airport officials said.

“These have reached their useful life,” said Marquez Griffin, the senior vice president of operations with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.

“With any infrastructure, modernization is key,” Griffin added.

The new trams will enhance reliability, provide a smoother ride and improve safety and sustainability, airport officials said.

“Hopefully, they can redo it quickly so we cannot have to wait very long, and it is a big inconvenience for everybody,” said Kate Rothgeb, who was traveling to Orlando from Colorado.

The goal is to replace four tracks, two on each airside, one at a time over the two-year period. That means at least one gate link on each side will continue to run during construction.

There will also be shuttle buses available 24 hours a day to get travelers to the airside. Those needing help can look for informational signs, ask staff if they need help, take the ramp outside and get on the bus. Travelers should be prepared to take those steps, especially if traveling overnight.

“At least they are planning for it,” Rothgeb said. “At least they are prepared.”

Airport officials said travelers using rental cars or ground transportation should allow an extra 30 minutes to get to pickup.

“I feel like it is worth it. The inconvenience will be short-lived,” said Chrisi James, who was also traveling from Colorado.

The gates for Southwest Airlines, 100 to 129, will be the first to be affected, and that will take about one year. Then the work will start for gates 70-99, which include airlines like Delta, United and American.