After its opening in September 2022, the $3bn Terminal C at Orlando International Airport is currently undergoing expansion. The terminal was originally designed to accommodate up to 12 million passengers annually through its 15 gates. The expansion might see the number rise to 15 million.
Terminal C at the Orlando International Airport is not shy of exclusive features. This includes the use of facial recognition technology in TSA screening lanes, and a large-scale media that was termed first-of-its-kind in the world. The large-scale media features 32-foot-tall screens offering over 100-feet of panoramic view on real-time events from around the globe. This and many more have been in use at the busy airport since the last quarter of 2022.
Also read about the Opening of Terminal C of Orlando International Airport
Why the need for expansion?
According to the airport officials, a pedestrian bridge and eight new narrow-body equivalent gates are under construction. The two expansion programs were initially part of the the first phase of construction of the terminal, but unfortunately got stalled due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The deferred programs were still in sight after government funding allowed the Aviation Authority to come up with a better Capital Improvement Plan for the two projects. This was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) that was signed into law in 2021.
The Pedestrian Bridge Program
Upon completion, it is set to provide direct access to the expanse of Terminal C, the Train Station, and the Terminal Link people mover that connects to the (awaited) North Terminal and the Parking Garage C.
The 450 feet long, elevated and enclosed pedestrian bridge will provide 4 moving walkways, elevators, escalators and stairs. These mobility features are said to comply with the American with Disabilities Act.
The moving walkways will operate between TSA’s checkpoint and the Palm Court in the airport. The walkways will be retro-fitted and raised to about 15 inches from the floor. It will be in the passenger bridge, and serve the normally one-way pedestrian corridor to the Palm Court that has retail, and food and beverage (F&B) stores.
The bridge has an estimate of up to 322 tons of steel, and more than 2,000 cubic yards of concrete in use to for its feasible completion. A rental car lobby area will also be constructed adjacent to the passenger bridge.
The gates
The eight gates have been termed as, “narrow-body equivalent”. Together with the other 15 gates in use at Terminal C of the international airport, they will handle aircraft, and both international and domestic operations. This alludes to their multi-functionality.
Inclusive of this are the four new boarding piers at the southern concourse that are aimed at improving efficiency and flexibility in the travel process.
The gates will have common use equipment for use by other airlines. They will also feature a taxiway, ramp, and remote aircraft packing.
Completion dates for the Terminal C projects
Completion dates for the Passenger Bridge Program have been set to early 2025, with the opening dates also within the same time-frame.
The gate project will also be ready by the time the passenger bridge is complete.
Construction cost for the Terminal C projects
The specific cost for both projects has not been exclusively mentioned. But as aforementioned, they were part of the $3bn Terminal C construction project.
Terminal C, termed as the “future of transportation in Central Florida”, serves millions of air travelers annually.
This kind of development is done with several things in mind. These are: streamlining of the traveling process, increasing efficiency of air travel, increasing the airport’s handling capacity, and enhancing options for multi-modal connectivity in the entire airport campus.
The two projects featured in the expansion of Orlando’s International Airport will undoubtedly help realize these goals.
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