Three Florida airports are at swords-points over which can use the name “Orlando” for the airport, and which are just trying to catch a free ride on a famous name.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the main area airport, and is just 10 miles from downtown Orlando (although in a sprawling region of theme parks, malls and yes, downtown, that’s a questionable concept).
MCO is challenging Orlando-Melbourne (MLB), located on the Atlantic coast near Cape Canaveral and 70 miles from downtown Orlando and Orlando Sanford (SFB), which is about 25 miles in the other direction from downtown. MCO claims that the other two are confusing passengers and trying to take business.
European discounters such as Ryanair pioneered the use of secondary airports “near” the one you expect, labeling Beauvais, France as Paris, for example. In Orlando’s case, Allegiant’s tickets to Orlando take you to Sanford.
Representatives of the MCO and MLB have been meeting recently to discuss the issue, but there’s no progress reported.
Photo: Orlando International Airport
