Oklahoma's Air Traffic: Major Airports And Their Significance

what are major airports in oklahoma

Oklahoma is home to several notable airports, each serving a unique role in the state's aviation landscape. From world-class reliever airports to busy international gateways, these aviation hubs facilitate travel and commerce throughout the region. One of the most prominent airports in Oklahoma is the Will Rogers World Airport (WRWA) in Oklahoma City, known for its recent $110 million renovation and its ability to accommodate a wide range of aircraft. Beyond Will Rogers, other major airports in the state include the Wiley Post Airport and the Stillwater Regional Airport, each offering its own distinct advantages and serving diverse aviation needs.

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Will Rogers World Airport (WRWA)

WRWA is served by seven commercial carriers: Alaska Air, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, and United. Passengers can enjoy nonstop flights to 30 airports in 23 US cities, including Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. The airport also offers a range of amenities, including eateries, curated shops, and various services to enhance the travel experience. WRWA is also notable for its world-class artwork displayed throughout the airport.

The airport has recently undergone a significant renovation project, with a $110 million investment to improve the facilities and services. This has been beneficial, given the high volume of passengers WRWA serves, with more than 3.9 million passengers passing through each year, boarding 85 flights per day on average. WRWA is a major employer in the region, with 70 companies operating from the airport and providing jobs for 12,000 people.

WRWA also has a reliever airport, the Wiley Post Airport (PWA), named after another renowned Oklahoma aviator. PWA is located in northwest Oklahoma City and is a thriving centre for aviation-related industries. It handles a substantial number of flight operations, with over 62,000 logged each year, and provides a base for more than 480 aircraft. PWA caters to corporate and business aviation, offering fully-leased hangar space and various support services for aviation businesses.

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Wiley Post Airport (PWA)

Wiley Post Airport (IATA: PWA, ICAO: KPWA, FAA LID: PWA) is a public-use airport located seven nautical miles (13 km) northwest of Oklahoma City's central business district, in Oklahoma, United States. The airport is named after Wiley Post, the first pilot to fly solo around the world, who died in the same 1935 crash as Will Rogers, the namesake of Oklahoma City's other major airport, Will Rogers World Airport.

Wiley Post Airport is one of three airports owned and operated by the Oklahoma City Department of Airports and serves as a reliever airport for Will Rogers World Airport. It caters to business and corporate air travellers and is a hub for hobby pilots and aircraft owners. The airport covers 1,143 acres (463 ha) and has two runways. More than 480 aircraft are based at the airport, with over 300 housed in leased hangars. Wiley Post Airport provides a range of amenities for pilots, visitors, and corporate flight departments, including hangar facilities, a pilots lounge, kitchen, and free Wi-Fi. It also offers car rentals, catering services, and access to special-priced hotels nearby.

The airport is a hub for aviation innovation, providing an environment for aviation-related industries and contributing to the economic growth of Oklahoma City. In the year ending July 7, 2021, Wiley Post Airport logged 55,293 flight operations, highlighting its significant aviation activity.

Wiley Post Airport is committed to meeting the diverse needs of its users. Approximately 70 acres have been designated for mixed-use hangar development to accommodate the growing demand for commercial and non-commercial hangar space. This development-ready site showcases the airport's proactive approach to enhancing the business and leisure aviation experience for its customers.

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Stillwater Regional Airport (SWO)

Stillwater Regional Airport has a long history, dating back to World War II when it was used to store surplus military aircraft. After the war, many of these aircraft were sold for scrap, and the airport began to be used for civilian flights. In 1953, Central Airlines Douglas DC-3s started operating flights from Stillwater to Oklahoma City and Tulsa. In 1967, Central Airlines merged with Frontier Airlines, and Stillwater Airport began offering flights to Kansas City and Dallas/Fort Worth, in addition to the existing destinations.

For about thirty years, Stillwater Regional Airport had no airline flights. However, this changed in 2016 when local efforts brought American Airlines' regional partner, Envoy Air, to the airport, operating as American Eagle. Today, American Eagle offers nonstop flights to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, with two daily flights and a third during busier periods. The airport also serves small chartered planes, often used by Oklahoma State University teams and their visiting competitors.

In the year ending December 31, 2023, Stillwater Regional Airport recorded 77,524 aircraft operations, averaging 212 per day. The breakdown of these operations was primarily general aviation (94%), followed by military (2%), air taxi (3%), and commercial airline (1%). Stillwater Regional Airport is an important transportation hub for the region, and its economic impact is expected to grow with the recent acquisition of land by Google at the intersection of Perkins and Richmond Roads.

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Max Westheimer Airport

The University of Oklahoma's Max Westheimer Airport is a public-use airport in Norman, Cleveland County, Oklahoma. It is owned by the University of Oklahoma and was built on land donated by the Neustadt family in memory of World War I pilot Max Westheimer, along with land purchased from the city of Norman. The airport covers 727 acres at an elevation of 1,182 feet above sea level and has two asphalt runways. The airport has a rich history, with the first steps towards its creation taking place in 1940 when the university received a gift of $10,500 from the estate of Max Westheimer to purchase land for a flying field. The field was quickly expanded when the Navy took over as an emergency measure during World War II, and it became a training field known as the Naval Air Station Norman. After the war, the airport was deeded back to the University of Oklahoma, and it has since served as a vital educational and research facility, contributing to the local economy and community.

The Max Westheimer Airport has played a significant role in aviation education and training at the University of Oklahoma. As early as 1927, a group of students with an interest in advanced aeronautical study established an aviation fraternity, Tau Omega, which set up the first flying school in Norman. In the early 1940s, the university created a flight training program, and by the late 1950s, the Max Westheimer Field had become the world's largest university-owned airport, boasting four concrete runways, a central building, a tower, hangars, and even a cafeteria. The airport has continued to thrive and develop, with alumni and guests frequently flying in for football games and other events.

The airport's mission is to provide a safe, professional, and effective facility for general and business aviation while supporting education, research, and economic growth in the region. It aims to become a premier destination for aviation enthusiasts and businesses in the state of Oklahoma. The airport is well-equipped to handle a significant volume of traffic, with its two asphalt runways and modern facilities, making it a convenient gateway to the University of Oklahoma, the City of Norman, and South-Central Oklahoma.

While the Will Rogers Airport in Oklahoma City is the state's largest airport, the Max Westheimer Airport holds its own as a vital aviation hub, especially for general and business aviation. It serves as a testament to the university's long-standing commitment to aviation education and research, and its impact extends beyond the campus to the wider community and economy of Oklahoma. The airport's history, spanning from its early days as a flying field to its current status as a premier aviation destination, showcases the dedication and perseverance of those who have contributed to its growth over the years.

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OKC Airport

In addition to its role as a passenger airport, OKC Airport also showcases world-class artwork throughout its facilities. It offers a Consolidated Rental Car Facility, with services provided by companies such as Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise, among others. The airport has an extensive master plan that includes the potential construction of a Central Concourse, which would increase gate capacity by nine gates, bringing the total to 30 or more.

Frequently asked questions

The largest airport in Oklahoma is the Will Rogers World Airport (WRWA) in Oklahoma City.

Other major airports in Oklahoma include the Wiley Post Airport (PWA), the Stillwater Regional Airport (SWO), and the Max Westheimer Airport.

The Wiley Post Airport is named after the Oklahoma aviator who was the first pilot to fly solo around the world. It is a major centre for corporate and business aviation.

Stillwater Regional Airport is the closest airport to Oklahoma State University and offers direct flights to American Airlines' largest hub, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

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