Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) in Melbourne, Florida, US, is undergoing a renovation to expand its terminal.
The expanded terminal will serve as the coastal gateway to Central Florida for TUI, a holiday operator based in the UK. It will welcome 150,000 new international passengers from TUI during the first year of operation. The terminal will also serve passengers of Delta Air Lines, Elite Airways, American Airlines and Allegiant Air.
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The project is being developed with an estimated investment of $72m, with funding arranged through airport-generated funds and grants. The topping-out ceremony of MLB’s terminal renovation and expansion project was conducted in October 2021. The terminal expansion is expected to be completed by March 2022.
MLB terminal renovation and expansion project details
The terminal is being expanded to address the increasing international passenger traffic at the airport. It will also enhance the travel experience for the passengers.
The existing terminal will be added with approximately 86,000ft² (7,989.66m²) area as part of the renovation and expansion project. The new facilities will include an expanded departure area with additional gates, a new four-lane security checkpoint and an extended international baggage claim area.
The multi-storey terminal expansion will add three new gates to accommodate domestic and international flights. The airport atrium and ticketing areas will also be upgraded.
Furthermore, a new welcome centre, new restroom facilities, restaurants and retail shops will be added.
The airport is also seeking proposals for wall-based art to be installed as part of the renovation. The locally-inspired art will be installed on an exterior wall of the new welcome centre and an interior wall between the new departure lounge and the new security checkpoint.
Contractors involved
A team comprising architecture, engineering and construction company Haskell, design and engineering firm RS&H and general contractor Kinley was awarded the design and development contract for the project in May 2020.
Other developments at the airport
The construction of a Hyatt Place hotel on the premises of MLB began with a ground-breaking ceremony in October 2021. To be located on the airport property at Air Terminal Parkway and NASA Boulevard, the five-storey, 143-room hotel is expected to be opened in 2022.
The four-star hotel, which is being built in proximity to the terminal by real estate investment firm ADËLON Capital, will feature a coffee bar, a rooftop bar, outdoor terraces, a fitness studio, an outdoor swimming pool, a business centre and a large, multi-space conference centre. A covered walkway will be built to connect the hotel with the terminal.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme was launched at the airport to provide a more inclusive travel experience in August 2021. The programme aims to help passengers with non-visible disabilities such as autism, Parkinson’s, dementia, as well as speech, mobility, and visual or hearing impairments to fast-track their travel process through the airport. It includes various wearable products with a sunflower icon at multiple areas in the terminal to identify passengers with hidden disabilities and ensure a smooth experience at the airport.
An advanced computed tomography (CT) scanner became operational at the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) security checkpoint at MLB in November 2020.
Melbourne Orlando International Airport background
The airport, which is in Brevard County, Florida, started commercial service in 1952. It is located approximately 2.41km northwest of downtown Melbourne, Florida.
MLB has three runways and a 40,000ft² (3,716.12m²) customs facility.
Spanning 200,000ft² (18,580.6m²), the existing terminal features six domestic gates and an international gate.
