Expansion adds capacity, improves passenger flow, and will support renovations in Terminals A and B
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando International Airport (MCO) marked a major milestone in its ongoing effort to elevate the passenger experience with the opening of a new wing supporting gate expansion in Terminal C and the relocation of Virgin Atlantic operations to the terminal.
Airport leadership and Virgin Atlantic employees marked the occasion with a ribbon-cutting event on Tuesday. For B-roll of the new wing and highlights from the opening, please download it here.
“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,” said Lance Lyttle, CEO of GOAA, which manages Orlando International and Orlando Executive airports. “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.”
Mr. Lyttle thanked the project team, including HNTB, Jacobs, and Hensel Phelps, for their work on the project as well as the Federal Aviation Administration and the Florida Department of Transportation for helping to fund the $462-million expansion.
The new Terminal C gates are designed as Multiple Aircraft Ramp System (MARS) gates, similar to the existing gates at Terminal C, allowing them to accommodate up to eight narrow-body aircraft positions or four wide-body aircraft. The gates also feature Common Use equipment that will enable flexible operations by a variety of airlines for both domestic and international service.
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 gives the airline a home in MCO’s newest terminal. The relocation supports more efficient international arrivals and departures while helping distribute passenger activity more evenly across the airport campus.
The expansion increases Terminal C’s capacity, helping the airport to accommodate 10 to 12 million passengers annually while slightly reducing passenger traffic in Terminals A and B. With nearly 58 million passengers traveling through MCO in 2025, the additional capacity is expected to support a smoother, more predictable passenger flow at checkpoints, concessions, baggage claim, and other high-traffic areas.
The added capacity comes as the Aviation Authority prepares for major renovations in Terminals A and B. Planned improvements 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.
Terminal C, adjacent to a Train Station, opened in 2022 and has become a centerpiece of MCO’s long-term growth strategy. It is the only airport terminal in the U.S. connected to an intercity passenger rail service.
Passengers flying Virgin Atlantic should confirm terminal information before arriving at the airport and allow adequate time for check-in, security screening and ground transportation. Travelers with rental car, rideshare, shuttle or other transportation reservations are encouraged to verify pickup and drop-off details with their providers.
