Change is in the air at Melbourne Orlando
International Airport, the gateway to the
Space Coast.
Voted No. 1 Most Scenic Airport in North
America and No. 4 in the world by PrivateFly.
com from 2017 to 2019, the airport — and
its passengers — have benefited from more
than $100 million in recent infrastructure
improvements including a new air traffic
control tower and upgraded runways.
The perks of flying into MLB go beyond
the beautiful scenery and the state-ofthe
art facilities. Uncongested roadways
with direct access to Interstate 95 make
airport departures and arrivals a breeze.
And Central Florida’s major theme parks
are never far away.
Air service connects the Space Coast to the
world. Beginning in November, Las Vegasbased
Allegiant began nonstop services
from MLB to Pittsburgh, Nashville and
Concord, North Carolina. Allegiant joins
Delta and American Airlines, which provide
nonstop services to hubs in Atlanta and
Charlotte, North Carolina, respectively,
and Elite Airways, with service to New
York, Maine and New Jersey.
In 2022, the world’s leading holiday
company and the United Kingdom’s top
holiday provider, TUI, will launch its MLB
hub for all United Kingdom travelers
to Central Florida. Two to three daily
transatlantic flights are expected.
Landing at MLB will keep existing TUI
customers close to Orlando’s world-famous
theme parks and bring them even closer
to Space Coast’s beaches, cruises and
attractions.
In preparation of TUI’s arrival, a $72 million
terminal renovation and expansion project
will add 86,000 square feet of new buildings
and upgrade existing ones to ensure an
enjoyable and seamless flying experience
for all customers. The major expansion
will include the latest security technology
for a quick and easy departure, innovative
and entertaining passenger amenities, a
much larger baggage claim area and a new
International Arrivals Welcome Center with
multilingual ambassadors and immediate
access to ground transportation. Both
domestic and international passengers
will be able to relax in the new airy and
spacious gate area designed with a casual
coastal atmosphere.
New lounge options will be joined by food,
beverage and retail that emphasize local
brews, eats and souvenirs.
Also new for 2022 is the 143-room Hyatt
Place, a sophisticated five-story, four-star
hotel featuring inspired guestrooms and
premium suites with energizing design
and insightful in-room technology. Visitors
and residents alike can watch the planes
from the rooftop bar and multiple outdoor
terraces. Amenities also include a coffee
bar, fitness studio and a large high-tech
multi-space conference center.
With its proximity to the terminal, the hotel
is strategically positioned to eventually
add a covered walkway linking passengers
between the hotel and terminal and to
offer customers an opportunity to park
their general aviation or corporate aircraft
near the hotel and enter directly into the
hotel lobby.
The travel journey of passengers with
nonvisible disabilities such as autism,
speech impediments and chronic pain
is easier at MLB, one of the first smaller
airports in the nation to implement the
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program,
which creates a more inclusive environment
by providing these passengers with a
sunflower lanyard or similar product
that discreetly alerts airport staff to the
possibility that the individual may need
additional support.
With a stunning setting, uncongested
and upscale atmosphere and thoughtful
human touches such as the Sunflower
Program, Melbourne Orlando International
Airport may well be the best choice for
both travelers eager to visit the many
attractions of Central Florida and as well
as for Space Coast residents who want to
venture far afield.
discover the space coast airport
Taking
OFF
JASON HOOK
40 : DISCOVER THE SPACECOAST 2022