Melbourne Airport Authority approves purchase for major expansion

MELBOURNE, Fla. — Melbourne Orlando International Airport is gearing up for major growth.

The Airport Authority Board recently approved the purchase of a 176-acre parcel intended for future development — a move that now awaits final approval from Melbourne City Council.

Melissa Naughton, the airport’s Assistant Director of Business Development & Marketing, emphasized the airport’s economic impact.

Melbourne Orlando International Airport Melbourne Orlando International Airport is gearing up for major growth. (WFTV staff)

“We’re a $3.1 billion annually economic generator for the area. We have 20,000 people on our campus every day and so we want to keep that going,” Naughton told WFTV.

She added that the airport doesn’t want to have to turn business away.

“Our inventory was dwindling, so this was very important for us to acquire this property. In fact, it’s been part of our plan since we did our original master plan many, many years ago.”