The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority voted recently to approve a Capital Improvement Plan for fiscal years 2016-2023, which includes a $1.8 billion expansion of Orlando International Airport. The first phase of the south terminal, including 16 to 21 new gates, could open as early as 2019. The entire project would add 120 gates and would take 25 years to complete. Last year the board approved the funds needed to design the new terminal, but included airport traffic requirements that must be met before work can begin. The airport is currently on track to meet the minimums, but should there be a drop-off in travel, the board would need to decide if the decline was a trend, or just a temporary dip. In 2015, the airport saw 38.8 million passengers. The airport was built to accommodate just 24 million. The expansion would need Federal Aviation Administration approval as well, due to the use of money from the passenger-facility charge to pay for part of the project. Construction has already begun on a new tram system and train station, with a combined price tag of $1.3 billion. Several airports in Florida are facing the need to expand, but Executive Director Phil Brown says that Orlando International is fortunate that they have space to expand, unlike some of the other airports. Brown is meeting with leaders from Disney, SeaWorld and Universal, adding "They clearly are focused on this. They need these types of projects to support their growth." Source: Orlando Sentinel