Ruth Haines
Will Rogers World Airport, also known as OKC Will Rogers International Airport, is a civil-military airport located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The airport was first opened in 1911 as Oklahoma City Municipal Airfield and was renamed in honour of Will Rogers in 1941. The main terminal building was built in the 1960s and has since undergone multiple expansion and renovation projects to accommodate growing air travel demand. The airport is named after the legendary cowboy and humourist, Will Rogers, who was an Oklahoma native and died in an airplane crash in 1935.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of opening | 1911 |
| Year of renaming to Will Rogers | 1941 |
| Location | Southwestern Oklahoma, about 8km from Oklahoma City |
| Area | 8,081 acres (12.63 sq mi) of land |
| Type | Civil-military airport |
| Terminals | 1 |
| Gates | 17-18 |
| Year of terminal construction | 1960s |
| Year of terminal renovation | 2001 |
| Year of Phase II completion | 2006 |
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What You'll Learn
- Will Rogers World Airport was first opened in 1911 as Oklahoma City Municipal Airfield
- The airport was renamed in 1941 to honour Will Rogers, a legendary cowboy and humourist
- The main terminal building was constructed in the 1960s and expanded in 2001
- The airport is located in southwestern Oklahoma, about 6-8 miles from Oklahoma City
- Will Rogers World Airport is the only airport to use the designation World
Will Rogers World Airport was first opened in 1911 as Oklahoma City Municipal Airfield
Will Rogers World Airport, located in southwestern Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, first opened in 1911 as the Oklahoma City Municipal Airfield. The airport is named after the legendary cowboy and humourist Will Rogers, an Oklahoma native who died in an aeroplane crash in 1935.
The airport's history dates back over a century to when the first "airport" in Oklahoma was a mere farmland in the Capitol Hill section of Oklahoma City. In 1910, Charles F. Willard made the state's first airplane flight from a tent hanger erected on this farmland. The following year, the Oklahoma City Municipal Airfield was established, marking the beginning of aviation in the state.
Over the years, the airport underwent several name changes and expansions to accommodate the growing aviation industry. In 1920, the airfield relocated to a new site with a more suitable landing ground and a hanger to shelter aircraft. During World War II, the airport, then known as Will Rogers Field, served as a major training facility for the United States Army Air Forces, playing a crucial role in activating and training many fighter and bomber units.
In the decades that followed, the airport continued to expand and modernize to meet the demands of increasing air travel. In the 1960s, a new terminal building was constructed, which was later replaced in the early 2000s as part of a significant expansion project. The new terminal boasts modern facilities, high ceilings, and the use of native stone, plate glass, and metal in its architecture.
Today, Will Rogers World Airport is a bustling civil-military airport, serving as the principal commercial airport of the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area. It is Oklahoma's busiest airport in terms of passenger and cargo traffic, offering efficient security inspections, improved traffic circles for passenger pickup and drop-off, and a welcoming plaza garden for relaxation.
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The airport was renamed in 1941 to honour Will Rogers, a legendary cowboy and humourist
The Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City has undergone several name changes and upgrades since its inception. The airport first opened in 1911 as the Oklahoma City Municipal Airfield. It was renamed in 1941 to honour Will Rogers, a legendary cowboy and humourist, who was an Oklahoma native. Will Rogers died in an aeroplane crash in 1935.
During World War II, the airport, then known as Will Rogers Field, served as a major training facility for the United States Army Air Forces. Many fighter and bomber units were activated and received their initial training at this facility. The airport's main terminal building was constructed in the 1960s, and by the late 1990s, it was deemed unsuitable, leading to the adoption of a three-phase master plan for renovations beginning in 2001.
The first phase of the expansion project included the construction of new elevator and escalator cores, temporary and permanent entry and exit ramps, and a new transportation plaza. The second phase, completed in November 2006, involved the construction of a new concourse to the west of the central terminal area, which was renovated to match the new concourse's design. The third phase, updated in 2012, included plans for a new Central Concourse and improvements to the central terminal.
In 2024, the airport's name was changed again, this time to OKC Will Rogers International Airport. This change was made to market the airport to a wider audience as it expanded its routes to Mexico and the Caribbean. The airport is a civil-military airport located about 6 miles (10 km) southwest of downtown Oklahoma City. It is known for its unique designation as the only airport to use the term "World" in its name.
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The main terminal building was constructed in the 1960s and expanded in 2001
The Will Rogers World Airport, also known as the OKC Will Rogers International Airport, has undergone several transformations since its early days as an airfield in Oklahoma City. The airport's history dates back to 1910 when Charles F. Willard made the first Oklahoma airplane flight, operating from a tent hanger on farmland in the Capitol Hill section of Oklahoma City.
A more permanent airport structure emerged in 1911 with the establishment of the Oklahoma City Municipal Airfield, which later became known as Will Rogers Field in 1941. This airfield played a significant role during World War II, serving as a major training facility for the United States Army Air Forces.
However, the focus of this narrative is on the construction and expansion of the main terminal building, which occurred in two notable phases. The initial construction took place during the 1960s, marking a significant upgrade in the airport's infrastructure. This 1960s-built terminal served the airport for several decades, but by the late 1990s, it was deemed unsuitable to meet the growing demands of air travel.
In 2001, the first phase of a $110 million expansion project was initiated. This involved the demolition of the 1960s-era concourses to make way for a larger, modern terminal with expanded facilities. The new terminal, completed in subsequent phases by 2006, boasts 18 gates, high ceilings, and the use of native stone, plate glass, and metal in its architecture. The expansion project also improved traffic flow with the construction of new entry and exit traffic circles, enhancing efficiency during peak travel periods.
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The airport is located in southwestern Oklahoma, about 6-8 miles from Oklahoma City
Will Rogers World Airport is located in southwestern Oklahoma, about 6-8 miles from Oklahoma City. It is situated on approximately 8,100 acres of land and is a joint civil-military airport. The airport is named after the legendary cowboy and humourist Will Rogers, an Oklahoma native who died in an airplane crash in 1935.
The airport has a rich history, with its earliest beginnings as a true municipal airport in 1920, when it leased land next to the interurban rail line between Oklahoma City and Norman. It then relocated in 1924 to Southwest Twenty-ninth Street and May Avenue. However, the airport first opened as the Oklahoma City Municipal Airfield in 1911 and was renamed in honour of Will Rogers in 1941. During World War II, the airport served as a major training facility for the United States Army Air Forces, with many fighter and bomber units receiving their initial training there.
The main terminal building of the airport was constructed in the 1960s. However, by the late 1990s, it was deemed unsuitable, leading to the adoption of a three-phase master plan for renovations and expansions. The first phase of this plan began in 2001 with the demolition of the old concourses to make way for a larger, modern terminal. The second phase was completed in November 2006, and the third phase is still ongoing, with updates made to the central concourse and checkpoint areas.
The airport is well-known for its unique designation as the only airport to use the term "World" in its name. It is also a busy hub, serving as Oklahoma's busiest airport in terms of passenger and cargo traffic. The airport features a heroic life-size statue of Will Rogers on his favourite horse, Teddy, as well as landscaped gardens for passengers to relax in.
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Will Rogers World Airport is the only airport to use the designation World
Will Rogers World Airport, located in southwestern Oklahoma, is approximately 8km from Oklahoma City. It was originally called Oklahoma City Municipal Airfield when it first opened in 1911 and was renamed in 1941 to honour Will Rogers, a humourist, legendary cowboy, and Oklahoma native who died in an airplane crash in 1935. The airport was a major training facility for the US Army Air Forces during World War II.
The airport is unique in its use of the designation "World", which sets it apart from other airports. In 2024, the airport underwent a rebranding, changing its name to OKC Will Rogers International Airport. This change was made to market the airport to a wider audience and give it a more modern feel. The rebranding included a new logo and an updated website, aiming to highlight Will Rogers' contributions to aviation and Oklahoma's connection to him.
The airport has undergone significant expansion and renovation projects over the years, with the first phase of a $110 million expansion beginning in 2001. The main terminal building, constructed in the 1960s, was demolished to make way for a larger and more modern facility. The new terminal features high ceilings, native stone, plate glass, and metal in its design, creating an open and spacious atmosphere. The expansion also improved traffic flow with new entry and exit traffic circles, enhancing efficiency during peak travel periods.
Will Rogers World Airport is a civil-military airport with a variety of tenants and facilities. It has separate terminals for air taxi and corporate services, with most flights operating through the Wiley Post Airport. The airport is also home to the Federal Transfer Centre, the US Customs and Border Protection facility, and various aircraft maintenance organisations. The Oklahoma City Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol meets weekly at the airport, showcasing its importance to the aviation community.
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Frequently asked questions
The Will Rogers World Airport first opened in 1911 as the Oklahoma City Municipal Airfield.
The airport was renamed in 1941 in honour of comedian and legendary cowboy Will Rogers, an Oklahoma native who died in an aeroplane crash in 1935.
The airport is located on approximately 8,081 acres of land, about 6 miles (10 km) from downtown Oklahoma City.
The airport underwent major renovations in 2001, with the first phase of the $110 million expansion involving the demolition of the 1960s-built concourses to make way for a larger, modern terminal.
