What airport used the ORL code before MCO? This question often comes up among travelers who wonder why Orlando International Airport carries the unusual MCO code instead of something simpler like ORL. The story goes back to Orlando’s aviation history, when Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) was the city’s main air hub. As Orlando grew, new facilities, code rules, and international aviation standards reshaped how codes were assigned. This article explores the full history, the reasons behind these airport code changes, and why Orlando’s airports remain unique in U.S. aviation. The Origins of Orlando’s Airports Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) Before Orlando International became the global hub it is today, the smaller Orlando Executive Airport held the ORL code. Established in the 1920s, it served as Orlando’s first primary commercial airport. Airlines operated regional flights here, making ORL an essential gateway for Central Florida. ORL was closer to downtown Orlando. It primarily h...