ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

The Biden administration is now requiring anyone flying into the U.S. from abroad to have a negative COVID-19 test no more than 24 hours before their flight.

ORLANDO, Fla. — New requirements go into effect Monday that will impact travelers coming to Central Florida from around the world. International travelers who visit Orlando International Airport, or any airport in the country, must now show a negative COVID-19 test 24-hours before coming to the United States. The impact of the new travel requirement from President Joe Biden will soon be seen across Central Florida. READ: Omicron concerns drive Central Florida residents to get COVID-19 vaccine boosters“When COVID goes up, tourist taxes go down, and when COVID goes down tourist taxes go up,” said Phil Diamond, Orange County comptroller. Ron DeSantis said he plans to keep Florida open to travelers.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Flags, tears and hugs were a common sight at Orlando International Airport Wednesday, as officials welcomed the first flights from Brazil since the COVID-19 pandemic began. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<South America’s largest country was Orlando’s third largest international market pre-pandemic, behind Canada and the United Kingdom. A case was identified in the United States on Wednesday. READ: Florida lawmakers, Miya Marcano’s family rally in favor of increasing renter safetySo far, tourism officials said no one has changed their plans. “We’ll watch and wait like everybody else.”A severe variant could send countries backwards as they combat hospital crunches.

The Orlando International Airport welcomed its first two Brazilian flights to Orlando on Wednesday since the beginning of the pandemic.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Frontier Airlines announced new nonstop flights to Puerto Rico from Orlando this week. The low-cost airline will start flying nonstop from OIA to Rafael Hernández International Airport (BQN) in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. With the addition of Aguadilla, Frontier will offer more than 80 nonstop destinations from Orlando. READ: Orlando International Airport prepares to welcome travelers from Brazil“Central Florida is home to the largest Puerto Rican population outside of the island and the addition of new service to Aguadilla, Puerto Rico from Orlando International will only further strengthen the personal and business ties between our two communities,” Phil Brown, chief executive officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, said in a statement. READ: OIA reports sharp increase in Thanksgiving Holiday departures compared to last yearClick here for more information.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando International Airport is ready to welcome travelers from Brazil after they were restricted from entering the United States due to the pandemic. The first flight from Brazil in 19 months will land at the airport on Wednesday. More international travelers come to Florida from Brazil than from any other country besides Canada. READ: 7 people evicted from Orlando complex while waiting for rental assistanceChannel 9 will be there when the flight lands. We will share the messages from the first visitors on Thursday on Eyewitness News This Morning.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The number of passengers flying out of Orlando International Airport for Thanksgiving was comparable to pre-pandemic levels, according to data released by the airport Tuesday. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<Over the 10 days from the Friday before Thanksgiving through the following Sunday, airport officials recorded more than 670,000 departures, about 30,000 fewer than predicted. pic.twitter.com/8Hrzn74pOE — Orlando International Airport (@MCO) November 24, 2021Nearly 50,000 passengers flew out of Orlando on Thanksgiving Day this year, a 115-percent increase from 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic limited traveling. Compared to pre-pandemic totals from 2019, departures were still down, but only slightly. Thanksgiving day departures were only down by about two-percent from what was actually recorded in 2019, which was itself a record-breaking day at OIA.

Thanksgiving travel season comes to an end for 2021.

As travelers are returning home after enjoying time with family, we ran into Vickie Jordan from St. Louis, Missouri at Orlando International Airport.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Tens of thousands of people are packing into Orlando International Airport Sunday as their holiday vacations come to an end. Sunday is supposed to be the second-biggest traveling day in this 12-day Thanksgiving holiday stretch, according to airport officials. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<Airport officials said numbers are now reaching pre-pandemic levels, and at least 150,000 people will be making their way through the terminals on Sunday. Read: Man shot and killed on I-4 after pulling gun on officers, police sayNot only were lines inside the terminals causing delays, the influx of people affected parking at airport lots. Airport officials suggest you arrive at least two hours ahead of your scheduled departure.

Holiday travel is ramping up at Orlando International Airport, with many passengers saying they are taking the necessary precautions to prevent any further spread of COVID-19 after news of a new variant being detected in South Africa.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando International Airport is starting to wind down after the busiest expected day of the Thanksgiving holiday travel season on Saturday. Airport officials said by the end of the night, more than 170,000 travelers will have passed through the terminals. READ: Reports: Italy, Germany report cases of omicron COVID-19 variantAnd one familiar problem has continued to last all week at the airport: a lack of parking. Traffic back-ups are a continuing concern where people are going to drop off rental cars and park. The airport has been giving updates over the past few days that traffic is backed up and at times, the parking garages have been full.

ORLANDO, Fla. — More than 100,000 people are expected to pass through Orlando International Airport Thursday as they crisscross the country for Thanksgiving. Despite this, lines have barely had a wait time and travelers couldn’t be happier. On Thursday, OIA expects just under 102,000 passengers. READ: ‘Back to pre-pandemic’: OIA seeing hours-long wait to park amid busy holiday travelTravelers are asked to arrive at least two hours early this year, even if you’re flying domestic. If flying international or to Puerto Rico, travelers are asked to bring a negative COVID-19 test with them.

Thanksgiving travelers across the U.S. are flying in record numbers.

ORLANDO, Fla. — If you’re flying out of Orlando International Airport this weekend, officials say as always you should get there early, but not necessarily to catch your flight. READ: Thanksgiving travel at OIA this year could surpass pre-pandemic levels, officials saySome travelers are running into hours while trying to get inside the airport. Traffic is backed up for miles and passengers said they waited hours just to park. “We’re back to pre-pandemic; you need to be here two hours early,” said Tom Draper, chief of operations for OIA. “Parking is just as busy.”READ: International travel returns to OIA, boost to tourism expectedThe airport is stressing they don’t expect things to slow down over the holiday weekend.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Last-minute travelers are looking to get out of town to make it to their Thanksgiving destination on time, and things have been busy at Orlando International Airport. There have been a handful of cancellations and delays but not many. READ: International travel returns to OIA, boost to tourism expectedThe expected of travelers is 2.5% less than in 2019, which was a record-breaking Thanksgiving at Orlando International Airport. Airports officials said it’s possible, with the crowds they’re seeing, we could actually surpass the projections. READ: OIA could see record number of passengers this Thanksgiving travel seasonAirport officials said airline staffing issues have contributed to the delays and cancellations in recent months won’t be a problem over the holiday weekend.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson talked about a new, more automated system, in collaboration with the FAA, to get planes in the air quicker, while also reducing maintenance costs and passenger wait times.

There were long lines at Orlando International Airport early Wednesday as thousands were traveling ahead of Thanksgiving.

ORLANDO, Fla. — AAA said Wednesday will be the busiest travel day at airports and roads across Florida. If you are one of the 2.5 million Floridians trying to drive for Thanksgiving, you can expect to pay more at the pump to fill up your gas tank. This is the highest Thanksgiving gas prices have been in eight years. READ: 9 things to do around Central Florida to get in the holiday spiritTraffic leading to Orlando International Airport was heavy on Wednesday morning. According to AAA, Orlando is the top destination for Thanksgiving travel.

MCO said nearly 135,000 passengers will pass through just on Tuesday, more than in 2019, which was a record-setting year.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Thanksgiving travel season is well underway at Orlando International Airport. OIA officials said they are expecting a record number of passengers to pass through the airport this week, surpassing pre-pandemic figures. Sunday is projected to be the fifth-busiest day of the Thanksgiving travel season. Some passengers told Channel 9 that vaccines have a lot to do with why they’re getting on planes again. Read: Tis’ the season for safe holiday travel, tips before you hit the roadThis number is more than triple what TSA saw in 2020.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Travelers at Orlando International Airport are seeing a rise in activity for the holidays, but so far things have been moving forward. READ: Passenger accused of running from Atlanta airport after gun discharged facing 3 charges, police sayA scare Saturday with an accidental gun discharge at the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport only delayed three flights in Orlando, officials said. Saturday is predicted to be the third busiest travel day of the holiday season and airport leaders are expecting a busy weekend. WATCH: Tears and hugs as Thanksgiving travel season takes flightLines were seen throughout the airport on Saturday, but nothing too terrible. READ: Florida woman arrested after Canadian border agents seize 56 illegal weaponsOfficials said Sunday is expected to be the fifth busiest travel day at Orlando International Airport.

ORLANDO, Fla. — No lines wrapped around the terminal Friday evening, but the Thanksgiving travel season was surely underway at Orlando International Airport. The next day, Saturday, was estimated to be the third-busiest, while the Saturday after Thanksgiving is expected to be the busiest at 154,400 passengers. READ: Thousands of people expected to pass through OIA to kick off Thanksgiving travel seasonDisney Orlando travel A man walks past the Disney Tree of Life digital mural at the Orlando International Airport. “We haven’t seen our daughter for two and a half years, and we were supposed to be here for last Thanksgiving. READ: International travel returns to OIA, boost to tourism expectedThen, a shout rang out.

The official start of the holiday travel period kicked off Friday at the Orlando International Airport.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A former National Football League player was arrested at Orlando International Airport after an alleged domestic violence incident. Police said Zachary Stacy was taken into custody after an incident with the mother of his child. The Oakland Police Department said it contacted the Orlando Police Department, which took Stacy into custody once his flight arrived at Orlando International Airport. READ: Former NFL player Zac Stacy arrested in Central Florida on assault chargeOn Saturday afternoon, police said they responded to a call about a domestic disturbance. When they arrived, officers said they determined a domestic violence battery had occurred and that the Stacy had left the scene.

Warning: the videos above contains footage of domestic violence. Zac Stacy was arrested at the Orlando International Airport last night. The former NFL player is...

ORLANDO, Fla. — Tens of thousands of people are expected to pass through Orlando International Airport Friday to mark the start of the Thanksgiving travel season. Last Thanksgiving, the COVID-19 vaccine wasn’t available. “I think that this holiday Thanksgiving is a big family holiday. READ: International travel returns to OIA, boost to tourism expectedThe Saturday after Thanksgiving is expected to be the busiest travel day, with 154,000 passengers. If you are picking people up at the airport, airport officials ask you not to park on the side of the road and to use the cellphone lots.

Former NFL running back Zac Stacy made his first court appearance Friday morning following his arrest at the Orlando International Airport.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The people who assist elderly and disabled passengers in wheelchairs for two major airlines at Orlando International Airport walked off the job Thursday over what they call “abysmal” working conditions. One worker said they feel “overworked, understaffed and definitely underappreciated.”It’s a one-day strike, so it will not continue into Friday, but it is something to keep in mind if you’re flying Thursday evening. READ: Orlando International Airport wheelchair attendants to strike over better wages, benefitsThe agents are employed by Baggage Airlines Guest Services, known as BAGS, which is a contractor for several airlines. Workers said they’re paid less than $8 an hour, plus tips. A spokesperson for BAGS said they are working to address any staffing issues for the holiday season, but would not comment further on employee wages.

Nearly 2 million screened at airports ahead of Memorial Day, TSA says Travelers line up to go through a TSA checkpoint at Orlando International Airport before the Memorial Day weekend Friday, May 28, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. (John Raoux/AP Photo)ORLANDO, Fla. — People who push wheelchairs for Frontier and American Airlines are walking off the job on Thursday. Wheelchair attendants said the short staffing issue is leading to missed flights for elderly and disabled passengers. It could impact passengers who need a wheelchair to get onto or off their flight. The wheelchair attendants are protesting for better wages and benefits. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Orlando International Airport wheelchair agents said they will strike on Thursday to protest for better wages and benefits.

ORLANDO, Fla. — As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, Orlando International Airport is preparing to see numbers near pre-pandemic levels. Airport leaders said estimates place the total number of travelers at only 2.5% less than the record crowds of 2019. Estimates show only around 21,000 less passengers are expected during this year’s Thanksgiving travel season than in 2019. “Based on conservative estimates, we expect that passenger activity for this Thanksgiving travel season will be approximately that of 2019,” says Phil Brown, chief executive officer of the greater Orlando Aviation Authority. An estimated 1.63 million passengers are expected to travel through Orlando International Airport.

OIA, accompanied by travel dining company HMSHost, is hosting the hiring fair to fill these part-time and full-time jobs between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 10 through Friday, Nov. 12.

The Virgin Atlantic flight that touched down just before 2:30pm Monday was the first in 19 months.

While domestic travel at OIA has already picked up and remains strong, airport officials hope today is the start of international travel gaining some traction. READ: Coronavirus: US opens doors to fully vaccinated international travelersFor tourism here in Central Florida, the reopening of international travel is a welcome sign for things to come. Read: Airlines expect surge in international passengers now that travel ban has been droppedHere are the rules international travelers must follow. International travelers will need to show proof of vaccination and a recent negative COVID-19 test. Children ages 2 to 8 only need to show a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of departure.

ORLANDO, Fla. — A big boost from tourism is expected at Orlando International Airport. Four international flights are set to land at the airport on Monday, which few would have predicted would stay in place for 20 months. READ: Coronavirus: US opens doors to fully vaccinated international travelersThe U.S. has now dropped the pandemic travel ban. International travelers will need to show proof of vaccination and a recent negative COVID-19 test. READ: Orange County has reached COVID-19 herd immunity, health officials sayIt’s an important step forward for economic recovery.

Beginning Monday, the U.S. will allow international travel from countries that were previously banned because of COVID, such as South Africa, Brazil, China, and most of Europe.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Frontier Airlines has upped its game for nonstop flights at Orlando International Airport. The low-fare airline recently announced 16 new routes from MCO. Read: Canadian ‘low-cost’ airline rolls into Central FloridaThis week we are excited to launch 13 new nonstop routes from @MCO, including 5 new international destinations. * https://t.co/db3seuWyUg pic.twitter.com/VJmHTTIcHY — Frontier Airlines (@FlyFrontier) November 3, 2021Three additional international nonstop flights will begin in December. Here’s a complete list of the new routes Frontier add at Orlando International Airport (MCO) before year’s end:Starting Nov. 1:Fort Myers, Fla. (RSW)Harlingen, Texas (HRL)Pensacola, Fla. (PNS)Sioux Falls, S.D.

ORLANDO, Fla. — A shooting reported near the Orlando International Airport led to the arrest of three people on Interstate 4 early Tuesday, Orlando police said. At about 3:19 a.m., police responded to a reported shooting near the intersection of South Goldenrod Road and Hazeltine National Drive. Officers said there was damage to a person’s car but they were not injured. READ: Car, human remains found in 1998 missing persons case of Arkansas mom and infantThree people were arrested. The two right lanes of I-4 were closed as officers investigated.

By Monday afternoon, Orlando International Airport was only dealing with 18 American Airlines cancellations.

Frontier Airlines and Orlando International Airport launch 14 new direct routes in November.

Passengers at Orlando International Airport had to deal with flight cancelations from American Airlines over the weekend, something that is happening nationwide.

The Orlando International Airport is warning travelers to check their flight status Thursday as storms move through Central Florida. The Orlando International Airport is warning travelers to check their flight status Thursday as storms move through Central Florida. ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando International Airport is warning travelers to check their flight status Thursday as storms move through Central Florida. The National Weather Service also issued a Tornado watch for much of Central FloridaRead: LIVE RADAR: Tornado watch issued for most of Central FloridaDue to weather/thunderstorms, airline operations may be impacted with flight delays/cancellations and baggage delivery delays. ⛈️ Please check with your airline directly for any updates in regards to their ops.

ORLANDO, Fla. — A new study shows connecting a high-speed railway from Orlando International Airport to the Orange County Convention Center might not cost as much as originally projected. The rail train arrived in Orange County today, delivering 1600ft rails along SR 528. The I-Drive chamber is promoting a different route that runs along State Road 528 with a stop at the Convention Center before going on to Disney. Brightline projected the convention center stop would inflate the price from $1 billion to $2 billion. Brightline Orlando to Tampa routes mapIn fact, the study found the State Road 528 route would cost $1.25 billion and the State Road 417 route would cost about $22 million more.

Reservation Lane People flying out of Orlando International Airport are now able to make a reservation to go through security checkpoints to help get them through the process quicker. (Orlando International Airport)ORLANDO, Fla. — People flying out of Orlando International Airport are now able to make a reservation to go through security checkpoints to help get them through the process quicker. The Reservation Lane powered by Clear is a pilot program giving travelers the option to plan ahead by reserving their spot in the security line before their flight for free. The Reservation Lane is available in both of the airport’s security checkpoints. Available at both security checkpoints at our airport.

To help speed up airport traveling experiences, Clear has launched an airport reservation lane at Orlando International Airport, the company announced.

MIRAMAR, Fla. — Spirit Airlines said Thursday that it will launch nonstop service between Orlando International Airport and Mercedita International Airport, in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Daily flights to Orlando will begin Feb. 16, 2022. The airliner has been flying to San Juan, Puerto Rico, since 2001 and Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, since 2007. Read: Newly released documents shed light on Miya Marcano disappearanceSpirit said it has about 70 flights daily going in and out of Orlando’s airport. Read: Divers find SUV of missing mom, 2 children on river bottom after nearly 20 years©2021 Cox Media Group

Here's the latest on the Southwest Airlines saga.

A News 6 investigation reveals the parking garages at the Orlando International Airport may not be as secure as you think.

What is normal anymore?

After a weekend filled with more than 1,000 cancelled flights, Southwest Airlines encountered less turbulence at the start of this week.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Travelers who were affected by dozens of Southwest Airlines cancellations are back at Orlando International Airport on Monday. There were similar scenes around the country after the airline canceled nearly 1,800 flights over the weekend. More than 1,000 flights were canceled across the country on Sunday. READ: Southwest Airlines cancels over 1,000 flights nationwideFlight tracking data on Sunday showed 37 canceled and 87 delayed flights in Orlando, and most of them were flown by Southwest. On Monday morning there were only five canceled flights at Orlando International Airport.

Southwest Airlines canceled hundreds of flights over the weekend, blaming the woes on air traffic control issues and weather.

ORLANDO, Fla. — It’s been a frustrating weekend for some travelers at airports around the U.S.More than 1,000 Southwest Airlines flights have been cancelled across the country, and dozens of flights have been delayed, including flights at Orlando International Airport. READ: Southwest Airlines cancels over 1,000 flights nationwideChannel 9 spoke with some of the frustrated travelers Sunday at the Orlando International Airport. Flight tracking data on Sunday showed 37 cancelled and 87 delayed flights in Orlando, and most of them were flown by Southwest. Southwest said they are trying to get back on track, but it isn’t happening with the snap of a finger or the push of a button. READ: Southwest Airlines to give bonus pay to COVID-19 vaccinated employeesAnd the issues are leaving some people at the airport frustrated.

Brightline hopes to launch higher-speed passenger train service along an $8 billion, 320-mile rail network stretching from Miami to Orlando to Tampa Bay.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando International Airport officials say their passenger traffic seems to be rebounding from where it was last year during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to newly-released data, more than 3.5 million passengers passed through the airport in the month of August, a 210 percent increase from the same time last year. The decision to relax international travel restrictions from the United Kingdom and Europe is welcomed news! We're ready to roll out the red carpet for you...the MCO way.🇬🇧✈️🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/fVZP5diWBB — Orlando International Airport (@MCO) September 21, 2021Domestic traffic alone jumped by nearly 200 percent in August this year compared to last, while international traffic saw an even more dramatic spike at over 1,300 percent. For the entire year to-date, Orlando International has recorded more than 25.5 million total passengers, an increase of more than 70 percent from last year.

Summer travel makes a rebound at the Orlando International Airport.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando International Airport’s busiest airline is requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The company said employees will need to show proof of being vaccinated by Dec. 8 to continue working for the airline. READ: United Airlines say 97% of US employees have been vaccinated“Southwest Airlines must join our industry peers in complying with the federal government’s COVID-19 vaccination directive,” said Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines chairman and CEO. “I encourage all Southwest Employees to meet the federal directive, as quickly as possible, since we value every individual and want to ensure job security for all.”Southwest is the latest airline to mandate the COVID-19 vaccination for employees. READ: Video shows unruly passenger growling, shouting at flight attendantsJet Blue, American Airlines, United Airlines and Alaskan Air have all announced similar vaccination requirements.

The busiest airline serving the Orlando International Airport will mandate employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — For the first time, we’re getting a close look at the high-speed trains that will connect Orlando International Airport to South Florida. Fresh off the assembly line, the trains will soon be moving from Sacramento, California to Florida for Brightline’s high-speed rail. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<Rail service between Miami and West Palm Beach was the first part of the project. Work is more than 60% done on Phase Two that will connect to the new train station at Orlando International Airport. READ: Neighbors share concerns over future Brightline trains going along 417Brightline also has its eyes on the next leg, to Walt Disney World and then to Tampa.

The sparkle and shine of Disney’s 50th anniversary celebration is making its way to Orlando International Airport.

Travelers are attempting to bring loaded guns with them on airplanes. In recent weeks, Transportation Security Administration agents at Orlando International Airport have found six guns from passengers trying to pass through security. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<With more people traveling these days, TSA agents are finding more and more passengers trying to bring loaded guns with them on planes. Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Tampa are all on the top ten list from across the country for passengers trying to violate this federal law. Here at Orlando International, issues range from people refusing to wear a face mask to vaping on board.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Transportation Security Administration says they’re finding a record number of guns at Florida’s airport security checkpoints, and many are loaded. According to the TSA, their officers have seen a “surge” in passengers bringing guns to airport checkpoints. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<READ: Unruly JetBlue passenger arrested after trying to storm cockpit, attacking flight attendants: FBIThree guns were stopped by TSA officers at Orlando International Airport Friday. A Record Number of Passengers Are Bringing Guns to @TSA⁩ Checkpoints Across Florida and Most Are Loaded | Transportation Security Administration notes uptick ⁦@FLLFlyer⁩ ⁦@MCO⁩ ⁦@iflymia⁩ and ⁦@FlyTPA⁩ https://t.co/xAXP6ugInk — TSA_Gulf (@TSA_Gulf) September 24, 2021“This is a disturbing trend and one that threatens the safety of other passengers and our officers,” TSA spokesperson Sari Koshetz said. The TSA advises passengers to leave their guns at home or be sure to declare it to their airline at check-in.

According to Visit Orlando, seats on international flights to Orlando International Airport are projected to double by December. This means a boost in tourism dollars for Central Florida before the end of the year.

Some might call it a hunch or an instinct, the supernatural moment that stops you in your tracks.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Crews at Orlando International Airport are preparing for more than 45,000 people to fly out Tuesday as it wraps up the official Labor Day holiday travel period. READ: Businesses report strong summer season – but room to growOrlando International Airport officials said more than 300,000 passengers would have flown out of the airport over the holiday, which is more than they saw in 2020 and in 2019. Visit Florida said the state had its second-best spring season ever, behind 2019. READ: Fight to help those unemployed by pandemic continues after federal assistance expiresA representative from the agency said visitation is now just 2% behind pre-pandemic levels. READ: Now hiring: Seminole County schools seeking 30 more bus driversVisit Florida said the tourism industry won’t fully recover until 2024 because of the decline in international flights.

Orlando International Airport is expecting to break records for people traveling across the country this holiday weekend. The Centers for Disease Control Prevention is asking travelers not to hop on a plane if they haven’t been vaccinated against COVID-19. Orlando International Airport saw pre-pandemic crowd levels on Saturday. Gonzalez-Portillo said he and his family were taken off guard when they saw the crowds at OIA on Saturday morning. The Orlando International Airport expects about 303,000 people to pass through from Thursday to Tuesday.

The Orlando International Airport has had more passengers travel in the first seven months of the year than all of 2020.

ORLANDO, Fla. — More than 300,000 passengers are predicted to fly out of Orlando International Airport over the holiday weekend. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging people unvaccinated against COVID-19 not to travel. READ: OIA: Passenger traffic for holiday travel projected to top 2019 levelsOrlando International Airport officials said travel projections are looking really good. “I think that folks are still traveling and I think that everybody is being safe and cautious.”READ: CDC asks unvaccinated Americans to not travel for Labor Day due to rising COVID-19 casesThe number of passengers through OIA could beat what the airport saw in 2019 by 7%. READ: WHO alerts to another COVID-19 variant: MuOn Friday morning, things were going smoothly at the airport and most people experienced low wait times.

Traffic at Florida’s busiest airport this holiday weekend is forecast to exceed pre-pandemic crowds.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Newly released figures show passenger traffic at Orlando International Airport has continued to climb. Airport officials said they saw a 250% increase in passenger traffic in July, compared to the same time in 2020. READ: WHO alerts to another COVID-19 variant: MuOfficials believe if the trend continues, the Labor Day weekend could be even bigger than 2019. Orlando International has been one of the top airports for passenger traffic since travel restrictions were lifted earlier this year. Draper said the drop-off in travel from COVID-19 concerns is nothing like they saw in 2020, and heading into the Labor Day weekend, projections are good.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The struggle for businesses trying to find employees is being felt at Orlando International Airport. Some of the businesses, especially restaurants, are having a hard time attracting enough employees. Some of the restaurants at OIA have remained closed since the pandemic started, and airport travel took a major hit. Photos: Orlando International Airport throughout the yearsIt’s an issue airport board chairman asked about last week. For now, the airport is trying to ensure some choices are available in each area while understanding the staffing issues.

Passengers wait in line at the Spirit Airlines check-in counter at Orlando International Airport on the sixth day the airline has cancelled hundreds of flights. Spirit Airlines said Monday that its recent massive flight disruptions due to staffing shortages, bad weather and technical problems cost it about $50 million in revenue. "To enhance network stability in light of continuing airport staffing shortages, the Company has elected to make tactical schedule reductions throughout the remainder of the third quarter," Spirit said. It also warned that customers are canceling more bookings, which it attributed to rising numbers of Covid-19 infections. "This behavior, together with the Company's tactical cancellations, is expected to drive an additional $80 to $100 million of negative revenue impact during the third quarter," it said.

Orlando International Airport is hanging up the help wanted sign for dozens of roles.

Spirit executives asked flight attendants to volunteer at airport kiosks amid mass cancellations, according to emails obtained by Insider.

Spirit Airlines has cancelled more than 2,000 flights since late July after staffing shortages, storms and other issues disrupted its operation.

ORLANDO, Fla. — At Orlando International Airport, all Spirit Airlines flights have been canceled for a fifth straight day. According to FlightAware, Spirit canceled 381 flights so far on Thursday- or nearly half of all its flights- including more than 80 in and out of Orlando. pic.twitter.com/E176h8KHjN — Spirit Airlines (@SpiritAirlines) August 2, 2021Spirit customer Joseloy Ramos and her family of five planned to fly home to Pennsylvania Wednesday, but that flight was canceled. “Every time that we come, they’re changing flights and canceling and we’re here for hours, so we really don’t know why,” Ramos said. She says they’re running out of money, have no place to stay, and have only received a food voucher from Spirit.

Spirit Airlines canceled 79 flights at the Orlando International Airport and hundreds of flights nationwide again stranding thousands of passengers on Tuesday for the third day in a row.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Travelers at Orlando International Airport were frustrated after Spirit Airlines canceled several flights overnight. At least 11 departing flights and several incoming flights were canceled. READ: Actor Jay Pickett of ‘General Hospital,’ ‘Days of our Lives’ fame dies shooting westernOne traveler told Channel 9 said they had been waiting at the airport since 4 p.m. Sunday. “They didn’t give updates on delays.”Check-in agents told travelers that there were not enough pilots for all of the flights. READ: Central Florida may see surge of homelessness after evictions moratorium endsChannel 9 reached out to Spirit for more information.

Spirit Airlines passengers are enduring long waits due to canceled flights.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Travelers will have 17 new flight routes to choose from Orlando International Airport starting this fall. Low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines announced 17 new nonstop routes, including eight international routes. READ: Simone Biles pulls out of women’s gymnastics team final, US takes silverThe destinations include: Antigua & Barbuda; Belize City, Belize; Cozumel, Mexico; Liberia, Costa Rica; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Nassau, The Bahamas; San Salvador, El Salvador; and Turks & Caicos. The airline now offers 80 nonstop destinations from Orlando and employs nearly 1,000 MCO-based team members. READ: Coronavirus: CDC to recommend masks be worn in schools regardless of vaccination status, reports sayTo celebrate the new service, Frontier is offering introductory fares starting at $25.

The sparkle and shine of Disney’s 50th anniversary celebration is making its way to Orlando International Airport.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The COVID-19 vaccination site at Orlando International Airport has closed. READ: COVID-19 cases continue to rise as vaccination rates declineThe announcement comes as coronavirus cases have started to rise again both locally and nation-wide. Vaccination Site Update 💉The vaccination site has ceased operations at our airport. For other vaccination sites in Orlando, please visit: https://t.co/ayR4cDQ8OR pic.twitter.com/8fiMGZ27Yo — Orlando International Airport (@MCO) July 20, 2021Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has called on residents to resume wearing masks in crowded, indoor places as cases continue to climb. For a list of other COVID-19 vaccination sites still operating in Orlando, click here.

COVID-19 vaccines will no longer be administered at the Orlando International Airport, according to a social media post from officials.

ORLANDO, Fla. — A high speed rail will soon connect South Florida to the Orlando International Airport. However, Brightline Trains are facing pushback on its proposal to expand to Tampa using the right of way along State Road 417 with a stop at Disney in between. “It seems almost unconscionable to consider such a route when there’s an alternate, primarily industrial corridor down the 528,” said Hunter’s Creek resident Ruthanne Connor-King. Brightline has said that it will listen to other proposals, but believes that route will cost an additional $1 billion. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your smart TV.

Summer travel continues to pick up and the number of people traveling by air hit a new pandemic-era record Friday.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — With demand for travel on the upswing, here in Central Florida, it means adding more flights and more destinations for at least one airline. On Thursday, Spirit Airlines announced plans to add around 20-additional flights a day out of Orlando International Airport, including resuming service to half a dozen international destinations. READ: Crowds return to OIA for busy holiday travel weekendThe airline now has more flights here than it did before the pandemic hit. “It’s not every airport we serve that is going to be 45% bigger than it was pre-pandemic,” said Field Sutton with Spirit Airlines. “Spirit really is set up for handling leisure travel,” Sutton said.

A mother traveling with her kids was caught on video having a meltdown at Orlando International Airport.

Rental cars, especially in Central Florida, are in short supply and in many cases outrageously expensive.

The CDC, TSA, Homeland Security, and the president are named as some of the defendants.

There were definitely larger crowds this weekend at area beaches and so many people having a good time. Families from near and far are excited to get out again now that more people are vaccinated.

Orlando Melbourne International Airport is changing its name after settling a legal fight with Orlando International Airport.

Thursday, thousands of families wearing Mickey shirts and Universal Resort masks arrived at Orlando International, officially kicking off travel for what's expected to be a big Memorial Day weekend.

The Central Florida Expressway authority is opening the second of two flyover ramps planned for the 528/436 interchange.

Orlando International Airport officials said they expect air travel to be near pre-pandemic levels this Memorial Day weekend.

Orange County leaders are optimistic that the county will reach one of the milestones it set in order to reach phase 3 of the masking and social distancing guidelines.

The Orlando International Airport is set to play host to a job fair on Tuesday for 50 vendors operating out of MCO.

The high at the Orlando International Airport maxed out at 80 degrees on Thursday.

Traveling can be stressful but Orlando International Airport is bringing back its Paw Pilot dogs to ease those travel woes after a year-long hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Officials at Orlando International Airport said they've had a busy spring break and they are expecting even more passengers this summer.