2/3/2009 - Orlando International Airport Remains Busiest Passenger Airport in Florida in 2008

ORLANDO, FL. – Strong international traffic, up nearly 17 percent, allowed Orlando International Airport (MCO) to maintain the title of busiest passenger airport in Florida. The 2008 calendar year was the second busiest year in MCO history for international traffic with nearly 2.7 million 2,686,913 international travelers.

Across the country and around the world, air travel was negatively impacted by the global economic slowdown and Orlando International was no exception. Overall MCO traffic was down 2.25 percent for 2008, bringing the total number of travelers to 35,660,742 compared to 36,478,885 in the previous year.

“In light of the current economic conditions, we remain encouraged by the fact that our passenger total declined only 2.25 percent for the 2008 calendar year. This further illustrates the strength of Central Florida as a draw for tourism and business,” says Steve Gardner, Executive Director for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.

2008 Statistical Facts:

• International traffic increased 16.95 percent
• 2008 was the second highest year on record for international travel at MCO second only to 1993
• Domestic traffic declined 3.5 percent
• Orlando International remains the busiest passenger airport in Florida
• The overall decline represents an average of 8.1 fewer days of travel for the year at MCO
• Total aircraft operations decreased 7 percent
  

December 2008 Statistical Facts:

• International traffic increased 5.26 percent
• Domestic traffic declined 7.5 percent
• Overall traffic decreased 6.5 percent
• 2.8 million travelers moved through MCO in December

Orlando International recently added international service to Bogota, Colombia; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Mexico City; Nassau, Bahamas and San Jose, Costa Rica bringing to 19 the total number of non-stop international destinations serviced by MCO.

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For more information contact Carolyn Fennell at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority at 407-825-2055.

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