Will Rogers World Airport: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

Will Rogers World Airport, now known as OKC Will Rogers International Airport, is a passenger airport located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The airport is named after comedian and legendary cowboy Will Rogers, an Oklahoma native who died in an airplane crash in 1935. Will Rogers World Airport has a single three-level terminal with 17 departure gates and handles an average of 150 commercial flights each day, carrying over 3.6 million passengers annually. In 2024, the airport underwent a name change to market itself to a wider audience and expand its routes to Mexico and the Caribbean.

The airport is named after Oklahoma native Will Rogers, a comedian and cowboy who died in an air crash in 1935

The Will Rogers World Airport, now known as the OKC Will Rogers International Airport, is named after Oklahoma native Will Rogers. Born in Indian Territory, now part of Oklahoma, in 1879, Rogers was a renowned comedian and cowboy. He was also a social commentator, vaudeville performer, and actor, and even appeared in some of the earliest talking pictures. Sadly, Will Rogers died in an air crash in 1935, near Utqiagvik, Alaska.

Rogers was a popular and well-loved figure, and his death shocked the nation. He was a unique performer, with a distinct style, and his humour was often satirical and political. He was also a skilled rope handler and trick roper, incorporating his cowboy skills into his performances. His career spanned many years and he was a prolific writer, too, writing over 4,000 newspaper columns.

The airport, located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is a busy hub, handling a large number of passengers each year. It has a unique terminal design, with a large, three-level terminal and 17 departure gates. The airport has undergone renovations and expansions to accommodate more passengers and airlines, and to modernise its facilities.

The name change from Will Rogers World Airport to OKC Will Rogers International Airport was approved in 2024, with a view to marketing the airport to a wider audience. The airport has ambitious plans for the future, with routes to Mexico and the Caribbean in the pipeline for 2025.

It is located 6 miles from Oklahoma City's downtown area and is the busiest commercial airport in the state

OKC Will Rogers International Airport, formerly known as Will Rogers World Airport, is located about 6 miles (10 km) southwest of downtown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It is named after comedian and legendary cowboy Will Rogers, an Oklahoma native who died in an airplane crash near Utqiagvik, Alaska, in 1935. The airport is the busiest commercial airport in the state of Oklahoma, handling nearly 4.42 million passengers in 2019, the busiest year on record for three consecutive years.

The airport is situated on 8,081 acres (12.63 sq mi) of land and features a single three-level terminal with 17 departure gates across the West, Central, and East Concourses. The terminal boasts a modern design with high ceilings, native stone, plate glass, and brushed metal. The airport offers a range of amenities, including eateries, curated shops, and various services.

Will Rogers World Airport serves as a hub for Great Plains Airlines, providing non-stop flights to destinations such as Tulsa, Albuquerque, and Colorado Springs. The airport also accommodates five commercial carriers, offering service to 21 nonstop destinations. On average, the airport handles 150 commercial flights daily.

In addition to its passenger facilities, Will Rogers World Airport is also a civil-military airport. It houses the Federal Aviation Administration Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, which includes the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute, the FAA Academy, and the Logistics Center. The airport also hosts the Ninety Nines Museum of Women Pilots, showcasing the achievements and artefacts of international women pilots.

The airport has undergone renovations and expansions to enhance its capacity and functionality. In 2024, the city council of Oklahoma City approved a name change from "Will Rogers World Airport" to "OKC Will Rogers International Airport" to appeal to a wider audience. The airport has plans to expand routes to Mexico and the Caribbean.

Will Rogers World Airport has 17 departure gates and a three-level terminal

Will Rogers World Airport, named after the Oklahoma native and legendary cowboy Will Rogers, has 17 departure gates and a three-level terminal. The airport is located in Oklahoma City, about 6 miles from the city's downtown area.

The terminal's design features native stone, loft ceilings, plate glass, and brushed metal, creating a more open and modern feel. The airport has three concourses: the West Concourse (Gates 1-12), the Central Concourse (Gates 14-24), and the East Concourse (Gates 26-32). The East Concourse, completed in September 2021, is wider than the West Concourse and features an observation deck for plane spotting. It also has four gates dedicated exclusively to Delta flights, with one gate capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft and built with a customs area for international flights.

The airport has undergone multiple expansion and renovation projects to accommodate its growth and meet modern traveller needs. The original twin concourses were demolished to make way for a larger, integrated terminal with high ceilings and modern facilities. The airport also offers various amenities, including shops, restaurants, and lounge areas with USB ports and natural lighting. The baggage claim area is located on the lower level, with two areas serving different airlines for easy luggage retrieval.

Will Rogers World Airport is a significant hub, handling an average of 150 commercial flights and over 3.6 million passengers annually. It is the busiest commercial airport in Oklahoma, with Southwest Airlines carrying the most passengers as of April 2022. The airport also provides US Customs and Border Protection services and plans to expand routes to Mexico and the Caribbean.

The airport's terminal was expanded in 2022 to meet modern traveller needs and to allow for growth

The Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, unveiled a terminal expansion project in 2022, marking a significant step towards meeting the needs of modern travellers and accommodating the airport's growth. The expansion elevated the airport's stature and enhanced the overall travel experience for passengers.

The project, led by HOK and local architect FSB, introduced a new east concourse with four additional gates, providing the flexibility to open up to six more in the future. This expansion addressed the previous limitation of having only one gate available for lease, which restricted the airport's ability to attract new airlines or expand existing carrier capacities. The new gates, including one capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft, offer increased operational capabilities and improved efficiency in managing passenger traffic.

The expanded terminal features a larger, consolidated security checkpoint, addressing the evolving requirements of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This enhancement ensures a streamlined and efficient security screening process for travellers. Additionally, wider concourses and a public observation deck enhance the overall airport experience, providing travellers with comfortable lounge spaces and unique views of the terminal and airfield.

The design aesthetics of the expanded terminal are notable, with expansive windows and skylights that flood the space with natural light. The warm ambiance is further accentuated by wood ceilings, creating a natural and inviting atmosphere. Local artist Matt Goad's "OKConnected" mosaic in the terrazzo floor adds a unique touch, guiding travellers through the space while celebrating Oklahoma City's history, culture, and people.

The terminal expansion also includes new shops, restaurants, and a concessions area, enriching the dining and retail options for travellers. These additions not only elevate the airport's functionality but also reflect Oklahoma's vibrant culture, making it easier for visitors to explore and immerse themselves in the local offerings. The completion of the first phase of the expansion project sets the stage for further development and underscores the airport's commitment to enhancing the traveller experience and supporting future growth.

It has US Customs and Border Protection services but no scheduled international flights

Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is the busiest commercial airport in the state. It is named after comedian and legendary cowboy Will Rogers, an Oklahoma native who died in an airplane crash in 1935. The airport has three major runways and can accommodate almost any size of aircraft. It is home to 70 companies that employ nearly 12,000 people.

The airport has a single three-level terminal with 17 departure gates. It has a strong mix of commercial, freight, military, corporate, and general aviation activity. Eight commercial carriers serve the airport, with an average of 72 total daily departures. In 2017, the total passenger traffic was 3,925,358. In 2019, this number increased to nearly 4.42 million passengers.

While the airport offers U.S. Customs and Border Protection services, there are currently no scheduled international flights. However, Gate 32 is soon to be used for international flights. Will Rogers World Airport is a major hub, with non-stop flights to several destinations within the United States, including Tulsa, Albuquerque, Colorado Springs, Nashville, St. Louis, Chicago, Washington, and Los Angeles.

The airport has a separate terminal facility used by air taxi and corporate services. It is also home to several major aviation companies and organizations, including the Federal Aviation Administration's Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, the Federal Bureau of Prisons Transfer Center, and the U.S. Customs & Border Protection National Air Training Center.

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