Orlando International Airport named Overall Winner at the Routes Americas 2026 Awards

MCO has been named Overall Winner and Airport with Over 20 Million Passengers at the Routes Americas 2026 Awards in Rio de Janeiro - Awards voted for by airlines.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) captured the top honor at the Routes Americas 2026 Awards, becoming the Overall Winner for the first time in the airport’s history. MCO was also honored once again as the top airport in the Over 20 Million Passengers category. These recognitions for air service development are especially meaningful because the Routes Awards are determined by airline votes, reflecting the confidence and respect MCO has earned from its industry partners.

MCO leaders were on hand as the honors were announced during the regional Routes Americas event in Rio de Janeiro. The awards highlight MCO’s continued commitment to air service development, collaborative partnerships, and strategic growth that benefit both travelers and airlines that service Central Florida.

“It is an honor, and a reflection of our commitment to global air service development, to receive this esteemed award at Routes Americas,” said Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which manages and operates Orlando International Airport (MCO). “By collaborating with our tourism partners and other key stakeholders, we are able to launch new routes, strengthen economies and connect people, cultures, and possibilities.”

The annual regional Routes Americas conference serves as a vital opportunity for airline decision-makers to meet with airport leaders to plan future air service for the region.

MCO’s achievements come on the heels of a year marked by record-setting growth. The airport welcomed 57.7 million passengers in 2025, surpassing 2019 levels by 14%. Last year, MCO added 45 new and expanded routes, including international service to Hamilton (Canada), Lima (Peru), Paris (France), Munich (Germany), and Madrid (Spain).

With a network that reaches more than 170 nonstop destinations around the world, MCO is making significant strides already in 2026. On February 23, MCO became the first airport in the state to host a passenger charter service between Florida and the Asia Pacific region, with ZIPAIR’s inaugural service to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT). Leadership from both MCO and ZIPAIR anticipate the initial charter offering will lay a foundation for additional opportunities between these two destinations.

Later this year, TAP Air Portugal is planning to introduce new nonstop service between Orlando and Lisbon in October, pending government approval.

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