First Quarter of 2022 Sees Dramatic Increase in Passenger Traffic at Orlando International Airport
ORLANDO, FL. – During the first three months of 2022, Orlando International Airport (MCO) welcomed 11.6 million passengers, which is a 65 percent increase over the first quarter of last year. The largest rebound in traffic came from international visitors which saw a 421 percent increase for the first part of the year.
“The renewal of international travel confidence is certainly welcomed news,” says Kevin Thibault, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “International visitors stay longer, share their resources with the community, and are many times a bellwether for the overall economic health of our region.”
The jump in international travel can be attributed to numerous factors including the reopening of some international borders, the return of 18 air carriers including Azul, Icelandair and Lufthansa and new service to destinations including the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Belize, Panama, Scotland and Canada to name a few. Orlando International has almost regained all of its service destinations with a total of 148 as compared to 150 destinations prior to COVID.
First Quarter 2022 Statistical Data:
- Domestic passenger traffic climbed 55.3 percent during the first quarter of 2022 with a total of 10,680,945 travelers during the period.
- International traffic surged 420.68 percent for the first three months of 2022 compared to 2021. In total, MCO processed 989,181 international arrivals and departures from January through March.
- Combined, overall passenger volume increased 65.12 percent for the first quarter with a total of 11,670,126 passengers at MCO.
March 2022 Statistical Data:
- In March, domestic passenger traffic was up 35.5 percent with a total of 4,143,063 travelers at MCO.
- International passenger volume jumped 482.53 percent with the arrival and departure of 411,627 passengers.
- Overall, traffic was up 45.6 percent with a total of 4,554,690 passengers for the month. Making March, 2022 the 3rd busiest month ever at MCO. Only March and December 2019 have been busier.