Melbourne Orlando International Airport has announced plans for an $11 million infrastructure project that will create 500 jobs in Brevard County. The project, which will focus on expanding terminal capacity and improving road access, is expected to begin in early 2024. Airport officials said the work will prioritize hiring local workers for construction and engineering roles.
The project comes as the airport handles record passenger traffic, with over 6.2 million travelers passing through in 2023. Airport Director John Smith said the upgrades are needed to accommodate growth. 'We’re seeing more flights and more visitors than ever before,' Smith said. 'This project will help us keep pace with demand.'
The infrastructure work includes extending the north terminal by 50,000 square feet and repaving 12 miles of access roads. Contractors involved in the project must commit to hiring at least 25% of workers from Brevard County, according to the airport’s bid requirements. Local labor advocates welcomed the emphasis on workforce development.
The airport’s economic impact is estimated at $3.4 billion annually, according to a 2022 study. The new jobs will be spread across construction, engineering, and maintenance roles, with starting wages beginning at $22 per hour. The project is expected to take 36 months to complete, with phased openings starting in 2025.