Orlando ‘airport of the future’ construction underway with VR ride, facial recognition
Orlando airport travelers can expect major changes at MCO and ORL, including a robotic-arm ride and no more boarding passes for flights, as the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority rolls out its 10-year plan.
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) is moving forward with both immediate upgrades and long-term plans that will reshape Orlando International Airport (MCO) over the next decade.
In addition to a sweeping “airport of the future” vision approved in October 2025, the airport has now begun major infrastructure work, including a multi-year project to replace its aging automated people mover (APM) system connecting passengers to gates.
Together, these efforts reflect a broader strategy to modernize one of the nation’s busiest airports while preparing for continued growth in tourism and travel demand.
What’s included in Orlando International Airport’s long-term vision:
- facial recognition and biometric scanning (“boarding passes are a thing of the past,” GOAA says)
- a new hotel
- 8,000 more parking spaces by 2030
- VR & AR rides (visuals depict a ride with a robotic arm similar to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal Islands of Adventure and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment at Universal Epic Universe)
- a new Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) vertiport by 2030
- completion of Airside 2 gate expansions by 2030
- more space for passenger conveyance in Terminal C by 2030
- completion of Terminal C Phase 2 by 2035
- new landscaping upon arrival
- “new, autonomous wheelchair technology” for guests needing mobility assistance
- mobile food ordering
- Terminals A, B, and C being renamed to Terminals 1, 2, and 3
The plans are part of a $5.9 billion Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for MCO and a $84.2 million CIP for ORL.
Here’s a look at the current site plan of MCO and a rendering of what it could look like in the future:
Some of the concepts in the Orlando airport goals will be less visible to travelers, but aim to improve the airport experience all the same. These include:
- completion of new baggage handling system for Terminals A and B by 2030
- a new cargo processing facility by 2030
- 40% more small businesses working with MCO by 2030
Major tram replacement project underway through 2027
Orlando International Airport has begun a major infrastructure upgrade that will directly impact how travelers move between the main terminal and gates.
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority approved a $253 million project to replace the airport’s aging Automated People Mover (APM) system, also known as the gate link trams. The system serves multiple airside terminals, including gates 70 through 129, which are used by several major domestic airlines.
Construction is expected to continue through fall 2027 and will be completed in phases, starting with Airside 2.
During the project, existing trains, control systems, and related infrastructure will be fully replaced with updated technology designed to improve reliability and capacity for future passenger growth.
What travelers should expect during construction
Airport officials say the multi-year project will temporarily affect how quickly passengers can reach their gates.
With only one tram operating at a time in affected areas, wait times are expected to increase, particularly during peak travel periods. Shuttle buses will be used as a backup option during certain phases of construction, including overnight hours.
Travelers departing from impacted gates may need to allow additional time to move between the main terminal and airside concourses. Airport officials recommend arriving earlier than usual to avoid delays.
Impacts on vacationers and locals
For many travelers, Orlando International Airport is the first and last stop of a theme park vacation.
Changes to gate access and transportation times inside the airport can impact everything from catching flights to making scheduled transportation to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort.
As construction continues through 2027, visitors may want to build extra time into both arrival and departure plans, especially during busy travel seasons like spring break and summer.
The struggle will be worth it
Despite the disruptions, Orlando International Airport says the upgrades are necessary to modernize critical infrastructure and support long-term passenger demand.
“This vision focuses and unites everything we do around one core purpose: delivering an exceptional experience for everyone who passes through our airports,” said Lance Lyttle, CEO of GOAA, a position he assumed earlier this year. “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 board is proud to support a forward-looking vision that balances growth, innovation, and service to our community,” said Stephanie Kopelousos, chair of the GOAA board. “This plan ensures that as Central Florida continues to evolve, Orlando International Airport and Orlando Executive Airport remain world-class gateways that reflect the spirit, ambition, and hospitality for which our region is known.”
Stay tuned to Attractions Magazine for daily coverage of theme park news, trip reports, and exclusive interviews from Disney, Universal, and independent attractions around the world.
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What we all want to know, though, is will they keep the carpet design from Terminals A&B which was shamelessly missing from C?