What To Know
- In this blog post, we will delve into a comprehensive comparison of the size and capacity of MCO and ATL to determine which one reigns supreme.
- Terminal A and B are connected by an airside walkway, while Terminal C and D are connected by a landside train.
- The ease of navigation depends on the size and complexity of the airport, and both ATL and MCO have clear signage and ample wayfinding.
The question of whether Orlando Airport (MCO) is bigger than Atlanta Airport (ATL) has been a subject of debate among travelers and aviation enthusiasts alike. Both airports are major hubs in the United States, serving millions of passengers annually. In this blog post, we will delve into a comprehensive comparison of the size and capacity of MCO and ATL to determine which one reigns supreme.
Terminal Space
Orlando Airport boasts four terminals: Terminal A, Terminal B, Terminal C, and Terminal D. Terminal A and B are connected by an airside walkway, while Terminal C and D are connected by a landside train. The total terminal space at MCO spans approximately 4.2 million square feet.
Atlanta Airport, on the other hand, has six concourses: Concourse A, B, C, D, E, and F. All concourses are connected by the Plane Train, an automated people mover system. The total terminal space at ATL covers a staggering 18.6 million square feet.
Runway Capacity
MCO has two parallel runways: Runway 18L/36R and Runway 18R/36L. Each runway is 12,000 feet long and 150 feet wide. This allows MCO to accommodate a wide range of aircraft, including large commercial airliners.
ATL boasts five runways: Runway 8L/26R, Runway 8R/26L, Runway 9L/27R, Runway 9R/27L, and Runway 10/28. Runway 8L/26R is the longest runway at ATL, measuring 13,400 feet in length and 150 feet in width. This runway is capable of handling the largest aircraft in the world, including the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 747.
Passenger Traffic
In terms of passenger traffic, ATL far surpasses MCO. In 2022, ATL handled over 107 million passengers, making it the busiest airport in the world. MCO, on the other hand, handled approximately 49 million passengers in the same year. This significant difference in passenger traffic is largely attributed to ATL’s role as a major hub for Delta Air Lines.
Cargo Capacity
Both MCO and ATL handle significant amounts of cargo. MCO has a dedicated cargo terminal that spans 325,000 square feet. ATL has three cargo terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. Combined, these terminals provide over 1 million square feet of cargo space.
The Bottom Line: The Verdict
Based on the comprehensive comparison of terminal space, runway capacity, passenger traffic, and cargo capacity, it is clear that Atlanta Airport (ATL) is significantly larger than Orlando Airport (MCO). ATL’s vast terminal space, multiple runways, and high passenger traffic make it one of the largest and busiest airports in the world. While MCO is a major airport in its own right, it simply cannot match the size and capacity of ATL.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which airport has more terminals?
A: ATL has six concourses, while MCO has four terminals.
Q: Which airport has longer runways?
A: ATL has a longer runway (13,400 feet) than MCO (12,000 feet).
Q: Which airport handles more passengers?
A: ATL handled over 107 million passengers in 2022, while MCO handled approximately 49 million passengers.
Q: Which airport has more cargo space?
A: ATL has over 1 million square feet of cargo space, while MCO has 325,000 square feet.
Q: Which airport is more convenient?
A: The convenience of an airport depends on individual factors such as location and airline preferences.
Q: Which airport is more modern?
A: Both ATL and MCO have undergone significant renovations in recent years, but ATL has a larger and more modern terminal complex overall.
Q: Which airport has better amenities?
A: Both ATL and MCO offer a wide range of amenities, including restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.
Q: Which airport is easier to navigate?
A: The ease of navigation depends on the size and complexity of the airport, and both ATL and MCO have clear signage and ample wayfinding.
Q: Which airport is more accessible?
A: Both ATL and MCO are easily accessible by car, public transportation, and ride-sharing services.
Q: Which airport is more affordable to park at?
A: Parking rates vary depending on the airport and parking location, but ATL generally has higher parking fees than MCO.
