Orlando International Airport ended 2025 on a high note, earning a wide range of national and international awards while expanding its role as a global aviation gateway. From customer experience honors to historic new international routes, the year marked another step forward for one of the country’s busiest airports.
Operated by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Orlando International Airport continued its upward momentum by welcoming hundreds of thousands more international travelers and securing recognition across marketing, customer service, emergency management, and financial leadership.
New International Routes Strengthen Orlando’s Global Reach
In 2025, Orlando expanded nonstop service to several major international destinations:
- Tokyo: ZIPAIR launched ticket sales in December for nonstop charter service beginning February 2026, marking the first time a Florida airport has offered passenger service to the Asia-Pacific region
- Munich: Discover Airlines began nonstop service on March 5, 2025
- Madrid: Iberia introduced the airport’s first-ever year-round service
- Paris: Air France relaunched nonstop flights
International passenger volume continued to rise, with an estimated 600,000 more international travelers than in 2024. This marked the fifth consecutive year of international growth at MCO.
Major Awards and Customer Experience Recognition
Orlando International Airport and Orlando Executive Airport earned multiple high-profile honors in 2025:
- Best Website: FlyMCO.com won Best Website for a large airport at the Airports Council International North America Marketing, Communications, and Customer Experience Conference
- Customer Experience Finalist: Recognized by ACI North America for advancements in accessibility and customer experience programs
- Highest Regard for Customer Service: Awarded by Airport Experience News for GOAA’s commitment to hospitality and service
- USA Today Best Rankings: Ranked Top 5 for Best Large Airport, Best Airport Dining, and Best Airport Shopping
Industry Accreditations and Financial Excellence
MCO also received several prestigious industry accreditations:
- Emergency Management Accreditation: Maintained accreditation through the Emergency Management Accreditation Program, remaining the only airport system in the world to meet the highest standard
- Airport Customer Experience Accreditation: Awarded by Airports Council International for excellence in customer understanding, strategy, and measurement
- GFOA Triple Crown: Earned all three major Government Finance Officers Association awards in a single fiscal year for financial reporting, budgeting, and transparency
Leadership and Employee Honors
Several GOAA leaders and team members received individual recognition in 2025:
- Vicki Jaramillo, Chief Commercial Officer, named a Game Changer by the Orlando Business Journal for expanding global air service, including the Tokyo route
- Tracy Conner Harris, Vice President of Concessions, named Property Manager of the Year by Airport Experience News for leading MCO’s concessions transformation
- Kevin Thompson, Assistant Vice President of Planning, received the Florida Airports Council Aviation Leadership Award for advancing Advanced Air Mobility initiatives
- Multiple team members earned Certified Member designations from the American Association of Airport Executives and professional procurement and leadership honors
Looking Ahead: A Bold Vision for the Next Decade
In 2025, the GOAA Board approved an ambitious long-term vision under CEO Lance Lyttle, centered on four pillars: customer experience, community, infrastructure, and people.
Key goals include:
- Achieving a 5-star Skytrax airport rating
- Developing a new cargo processing facility and an FAA-approved Advanced Air Mobility vertiport by 2030
- Expanding public parking by 8,000 spaces
- Completing a new baggage handling system for Terminals A and B
- Launching a fully operational Business Incubator to increase small business participation by 40 percent
A Strong Finish to 2025 and Momentum into 2026
With record-setting recognitions, expanded international connectivity, and a forward-looking infrastructure plan, Orlando International Airport closed 2025 positioned as a leader in innovation, service, and global access. As travel demand continues to grow, the airport enters 2026 with clear momentum and a roadmap designed to support Central Florida’s role on the world stage.
Janine is a theme park and pop culture nerd from an early age. Since 1994, she’s been traversing the theme park world and has enjoyed all things from Halloween events to new ride releases and beyond. When she’s not at a theme park, she’s probably at a concert or doing something fun with her kiddo.