One of America’s busiest airports begins $6 billion state-of-the-art renovation with new vertical take off facility

ONE of the country’s busiest airports has started work on its $6 billion renovation project.

The expansion and enhancement plan includes rolling out a new vertical takeoff facility, facial recognition and other technological improvements, and putting customers first.

Orlando International Airport’s 10-year “Visioning Plan” which officially began on Wednesday, will see travelers impacted over the coming years but all for the greater good.

The project aims to see the airport more readily meet demand as it breaks passenger records year on year by focusing on customer experience, community, infrastructure, and people.

“This vision focuses and unites everything we do around one core purpose: delivering an exceptional experience for everyone who passes through our airports,” said the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) CEO Mr. Lyttle.

“We’re creating spaces that are more welcoming, efficient, and enjoyable, from the parking areas to the gate, so that every step of the journey feels seamless.”

The renovation will take place in five-year and 10-year phases, with completion scheduled for 2035.

For example, by 2030, The GOAA hopes to have developed at least one cargo processing facility and an FAA-approved on-airport AAM vertiport serving various commercial operators.

A vertiport allows for vertical take off and landing from electrical aircraft such as drones and air taxis.

“The development of vertiports will play a pivotal role in the advanced air mobility (AAM) transformation,” said Steer, an infrastructure and critical services global consultancy firm.

“These facilities aim to enhance the efficiency, accessibility, and safety of urban air transport, making it a viable alternative to traditional ground-based transportation.”

Meanwhile, it will also add an extra 8,000 parking spaces to the airport, install a new baggage handling system, and finish Airside 2 gate expansions by 2030.

The completion of Terminal C Phase 2 construction is scheduled for 2035.

Other elements of the renovation plan include the roll out of facial recognition technology rather than boarding passes, smart restrooms, improved lounges, including VR experiences, and enhanced wayfinding and flight information displays.

All of these changes should greatly improve the experience of all travelers, especially those visiting Walt Disney World.

However, as work begins on the refurbishment of the airport’s Gate Link vehicles, including to the tracks and electrical equipment, travelers have already been warned about disruption.

Passengers set to travel through terminals A or B can expect delays between the TSA checkpoint and their gate, the airport has said.

Gates 70 to 129 are affected with only one tram operating between them and the two terminals from December 7.

These gates are used by major airlines including Avelo, Southwest, Delta, Frontier, and Spirit.

The repairs and upgrades will last until fall 2027 with passengers having to wait longer for a tram or even use shuttle buses during overnight hours when no trams are running.

“While this project requires some temporary adjustments, the long-term benefits will enhance safety and ensure our Gate Link system serves passengers reliably for decades to come,” Lyttle said.

“Please allow additional time when arriving or departing MCO from these gates, and follow the directional signage, and information from our airport ambassadors,” the airport tells passengers.

It comes after another US airport has opened its brand new $1.7 billion departures terminal in time for the holidays.