Orlando International Airport (MCO) has celebrated the opening of a brand-new wing supporting gate expansion in Terminal C, as well as the relocation of Virgin Atlantic operations to the terminal.
The occasion was marked by both airport leadership and Virgin Atlantic employees with a ribbon-cutting event on Tuesday 30 June.
In Terminal C; the new gates have been designed as Multiple Aircraft Ramp System (MARS) gates, which, whilst similar to previously utilised infrastructure, allow the airport to accommodate up to eight narrow-body aircraft positions or four wide-body aircraft.
These gates also feature Common Use equipment that is geared towards flexible operations by a variety of airlines for both domestic and international service.
Lance Lyttle, CEO of GOAA, which manages Orlando International and Orlando Executive airports, said:This new wing is an important step in our vision to deliver the very best experience for every guest who travels through Orlando International Airport.
By expanding Terminal C and welcoming Virgin Atlantic to its new home, we are adding capacity, improving flexibility, and creating a more balanced flow of passengers across all terminals.
The expansion gates, numbered 250 through 254, are part of Terminal C’s Phase 1 project, and were originally included in the terminal’s early development plan before being deferred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Virgin Atlantic’s move from Terminal A to Terminal C aligns with the opening of the expanded wing area, and allows the airline to establish a new home in MCO’s newest terminal whilst supporting more efficient international arrivals and departures.
The overall expansion of Terminal C’s capacity will help the airport to accommodate 10 to 12 million passengers annually, whilst slightly reducing passenger traffic in Terminals A and B. With almost 58 million passengers travelling through MCO in 2025, the additional space is expected to support a smoother, more predictable passenger flow at checkpoints, concessions, baggage claim, and other high-traffic areas.
MCO is now preparing for major renovations in both Terminals A and B, with works set to include updated and expanded restrooms across all four airsides, as well as refreshed interiors at Airsides 1 and 3 with new finishes, lighting, and other enhancements.
