Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) has a long and fascinating history on the Space Coast, dating back to its beginnings in 1928 when a Pitcairn Aircraft landed on a cow pasture strip north of Kissimmee Highway. Originally designated as a fueling stop for airmail service, the airport has evolved into a major economic driver and high-tech hub over the past 100 years.
In recent years, MLB has received recognition for its exceptional services, including being crowned the #1 Most Scenic Airport in North America by PrivateFly. com. It serves as the Coastal Gateway to Central Florida and has experienced significant growth in air service, leading to a major terminal project that will enhance the travel experience for all airport customers.
MLB is globally recognized as a center for aerospace, as it is home to major companies like Northrop Grumman, L3Harris, Embraer, and Collins Aerospace. The airport recently completed a $72 million Terminal Renovation and Expansion Project, adding 86,000 square feet of new facilities such as a new security checkpoint, expanded departure area with new gates, restaurants, and retail options. These upgrades will accommodate the airport’s expected influx of 150,000 new international travelers in its first year of operation.
Governed by a seven-member board appointed by the Melbourne City Council and the private sector, MLB operates solely on its budget and does not receive any local tax dollars. It is a public airport that has played a crucial role in the development of the Space Coast, serving as a municipal airport until 1967 when the city established the Melbourne Airport Authority.
Originally known as Melbourne Municipal Airport, it was renamed Cape Kennedy Regional Airport in 1967 and then changed to Melbourne Regional Airport in 1973 to better reflect its role. Over the years, the airport has seen significant growth in commercial air service, with airlines like Eastern Airlines, National Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and People Express Airlines offering flights to various destinations.
In 2010, MLB began offering international service with flights to Toronto’s island airport through Porter Airlines. In 2017, Elite Airways started operating at the airport with flights to Washington Dulles International Airport. The airport’s first scheduled international service was announced in September 2015 by Porter Airlines to Toronto’s island airport, but the service was discontinued in 2019.
In recent years, the airport has seen a surge in growth, leading to a $20 million upgrade in 2017 to accommodate the increasing number of passengers. In November 2019, British tour operator and airline TUI Airways announced that they would switch their operations from Sanford to Melbourne, bringing 17 weekly flights to and from eight British airports.
To prepare for the arrival of TUI Airways, the airport announced a $61 million renovation and expansion project in July 2021.