OIA awarded nearly $70M in federal funding for two Terminal C expansion projects

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando International Airport announced that it has been awarded $69 million in federal funds for two Terminal C expansion projects.

On Monday, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) notified The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) that the funds have been released.

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The FAA is releasing nearly $1 billion to airports across the country for projects aimed at improving the passenger experience, accessibility, and more. The funding, which comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), will be awarded in grants of differing amounts to about 100 different airports across the United States.

The pair of Terminal C projects were previously suspended during the pandemic due to budget considerations, according to a news release.

“We are grateful to the administration, USDOT and the FAA for making this investment in the Central Florida region,” said Carson Good, GOAA Chairman. “We also thank Mayor Buddy Dyer and Mayor Jerry Demings, Congressman Darren Soto, Kevin Thibault and the rest of the Authority management staff for supporting the effort to secure these grants.”

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Here is how the fund will be allotted:

• $49 million is earmarked for the Terminal C Phase 1 Expansion project, which includes the construction of four additional Multiple Aircraft Ramp System (MARS) gates capable of serving either four wide-body or eight narrow-body aircraft.
• $20 million will be earmarked to fund a portion of the 450-foot, enclosed Pedestrian Connector Bridge, which will provide direct access between the Train Station and Terminal C.

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According to a news release from GOAA, these grants will enable airports to make it faster and easier for passengers to check bags, get through security and find their gate, all while creating jobs and supporting local economies.

“As Orlando International continues to handle record-setting passenger totals, it is vital that airport improvement efforts keep pace with our traffic,” said Kevin Thibault, GOAA Chief Executive Officer. “Terminal C is the future of transportation in Central Florida and its multimodal connectivity will increase our capacity to accommodate projected future demand.”

The recently opened Terminal C is a next-level facility that will add 10-12 million annual passengers and elevate the customer experience.

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