The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority has approved a plan to expand Orlando International Airport so that it can accommodate 45 million passengers a year.

The $1.1 billion expansion plan approved Wednesday will allow the airport to grow beyond its original design capacity of 25 million travelers annually. “As a major economic engine for the region, Orlando International Airport is poised to meet the
growth demands of our global community,” says Frank Kruppenbacher, Chairman of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “Over $5 billion has been earmarked for investment into local industries, which creates jobs, and we must anticipate the demand these investments will create.”

Just under a quarter of the new money will be geared toward work on the terminals where travelers check in and wait for their flights, as well as improving baggage facilities.

Airport officials estimate the expansion will create about 4,000 new jobs directly and indirectly.

Construction is expected to begin next year and end in 2017.

Major elements of the $1.1 billion project include:

Maintaining Current Facilities

  • Terminal Ticket Lobby/Baggage $113M
  • Baggage Improvements $148M
  • Other Terminal Projects $60M
  • Airsides 1 & 3 APM $90M
  • Airfield Projects $76M
  • Ground Transportation/Other $33M

Support Sustainable Growths

  • South Airport APM Complex $470M
  • Airside 4 International Improvements $114M

Future Considerations

  • South Terminal TBD