Navigating To Will Rogers Airport: Finding Your Way

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Will Rogers Airport, officially known as OKC Will Rogers International Airport, is located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, about 6 miles (10 km) southwest of the city's downtown area. The airport is easily accessible by road, with two major interstate highways situated nearby, including the I-44 interstate which runs in a north-south direction to the east of the airport. Will Rogers Airport is a civil-military airport and is named after the comedian and legendary cowboy Will Rogers, an Oklahoma native who died in an airplane crash in 1935. The airport has a rich history, including surviving an EF-1 tornado in 2013, and is well-equipped with various facilities and amenities to serve its passengers and the surrounding community.

Characteristics Values
Name OKC Will Rogers International Airport
Former Name Will Rogers World Airport
Location Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
Distance from Downtown Oklahoma City 6 miles (10 km) southwest
Road Access I-44 interstate runs in a north-south direction to the east; I-35, US-77, and US-74 highways to the north; I-240 and I-40 interstate to the west
Interstate Exits Exit 144 south onto South MacArthur Boulevard; Exit 166B onto Airport Road
Nearby Streets South Portland Avenue; SW 54th Street; South Meridian Avenue; Terminal Drive; Airport Road
Size 8,081 acres (12.63 sq mi)
Aircraft Lockheed C-130 Hercules; Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker; Beechcraft MC-12 Liberty
Units 137th Airlift Wing (137 AW); 137th Air Refueling Wing (137 ARW); 507th Air Refueling Wing (507 ARW); 137th Special Operations Wing (137 SOW)
Bases Will Rogers Air National Guard Base; Wiley Post Airport
Facilities Federal Aviation Administration Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center; Civil Aerospace Medical Institute; FAA Academy; Logistics Center; Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System (JPATS); Federal Transfer Center; CBP Air and Marine Operations National Air Training Center
Services Eateries; Shops; Atlantic Aviation fixed-base operation; Southwest Airlines customer service and support center; Metro Technology Center's Aviation Career Campus
Art World-class artwork on display
Notable Events EF-1 tornado on May 31, 2013; Construction site incident on May 17, 2025

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Location: 6 miles/10km southwest of Oklahoma City's downtown area

Will Rogers Airport, also known as Will Rogers World Airport, OKC Will Rogers International Airport, or simply Will Rogers, is located 6 miles (10km) southwest of downtown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in the United States. The airport is named after the comedian and legendary cowboy Will Rogers, an Oklahoma native who died in an airplane crash in 1935.

Will Rogers World Airport is easily accessible by road from downtown Oklahoma City. The I-44 interstate runs north-south to the east of the airport, next to South Portland Avenue. On the airport's northern side, SW 54th Street leads to Terminal Drive, off South Meridian Avenue and Airport Road. Those driving to the airport from the north of the city should head south along the I-35 interstate, US-77, or US-74 highways, joining the I-44 interstate west and south. From the south of the city, drivers can continue along the I-44 interstate and exit onto Airport Road, before turning left onto South Meridian Avenue for the terminal. For those travelling to the airport from the east of Oklahoma City, the Interstate I-240 merges with the I-44 interstate. Finally, those coming from the west of the city should take the I-40 interstate east, exiting onto South MacArthur Boulevard, before turning left onto Airport Road and then right onto South Meridian Avenue for the terminal. It is recommended that travellers leave early when commuting to the airport during busy periods.

Will Rogers Airport is a civil-military airport situated on 8,081 acres (12.63 sq mi) of land. The airport once hosted the Oklahoma Air National Guard's 137th Airlift Wing and its Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft. Although most of the maintenance unit has since been relocated to Tinker Air Force Base, the Will Rogers Air National Guard Base continues to be the home of the unit's Expeditionary Support Group headquarters, operations and support, as well as the Oklahoma ANG's 146th Air Support Operations Squadron. The Oklahoma Army National Guard carries out helicopter maintenance at the airport. The Federal Aviation Administration Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center is located on the airport's west side, housing the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute, FAA Academy, and Logistics Center. The U.S. Department of Justice operates major Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System (JPATS) facilities at the airport, with the Federal Transfer Center and its principal air hub built off Taxiway G on the west side of the airport grounds. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection also runs a training facility on the airport grounds.

Will Rogers World Airport features a separate terminal for air taxi and corporate services, although most of these flights use the Wiley Post Airport, Oklahoma City's designated reliever facility. AAR Oklahoma has a fixed-base operation location, a major maintenance facility, and regional headquarters at the airport. Additionally, ARINC and Atlantic Aviation have major facilities on the airport premises, with Atlantic Aviation's facility being its first Greenfield project. Southwest Airlines operates one of its largest customer service and support centres on the airport's northern grounds. Will Rogers World Airport is also home to Metro Technology Center's Aviation Career Campus. The airport features three concourses with various eateries and shops, as well as a host of amenities and services.

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History: opened in 1911, renamed in 1941 after Will Rogers

The Will Rogers World Airport, located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, first opened in 1911 as the Oklahoma City Municipal Airfield. It was renamed in 1941 after Will Rogers, an Oklahoma native, comedian, and legendary cowboy who died in an airplane crash in 1935. 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 airport covers 8,081 acres of land and is located about 6 miles southwest of Oklahoma City's downtown area. It is a civil-military airport and serves as a central hub, offering comprehensive air service for both business and leisure travellers. Will Rogers World Airport features a modern terminal equipped with a range of amenities, including ample parking, a car rental centre, cab services, and ride-sharing options.

The airport plays a critical role in supporting Oklahoma City's economy, promoting tourism, and providing essential transportation links in the region. Its strategic location, combined with a wide range of flight options, makes it an indispensable gateway for residents and visitors alike. The airport is served by various airlines, including major carriers such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, offering direct flights to major U.S. cities and providing seamless national and international connectivity.

Will Rogers World Airport also has a unique feature—it permanently hosts the Ninety Nines Museum of Women Pilots. This museum occupies over 5,000 square feet, showcasing the achievements and adventures of women pilots through artefacts, personal items, and historic documents. It provides valuable insights into the role of women in the development of aviation.

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Airlines: Southwest Airlines has the most passengers, with 48% market share

Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) is an airport in Oklahoma City. The airport offers long-term parking and free Wi-Fi to its passengers. OKC has three concourses packed with eateries, curated shops, and a host of amenities and services.

Several airlines operate at Will Rogers World Airport, including Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United. Southwest Airlines is the airline with the most passengers, with 48% of the market share. The airline offers cheap flights from Oklahoma City to various destinations, starting at $49. Passengers can also bundle their Southwest Airlines flight with a hotel or rental car for additional savings.

Southwest Airlines provides daily nonstop departures to several destinations, including Chicago, Denver, Houston Intercontinental, New York/Newark, San Francisco, and Washington Dulles. The airline's website provides information on check-in times and other flight details.

Frontier Airlines also operates from Will Rogers World Airport, offering flights to destinations such as San Francisco International, Denver International, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International. These flights are generally priced lower than those offered by Southwest Airlines, with some round-trip flights costing around $68 to $161.

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Amenities: eateries, shops, artwork, and an observation deck

Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City boasts a variety of eateries, shops, artwork, and an observation deck for visitors to enjoy. The airport has recently undergone a significant expansion, adding 133,022 square feet to its existing terminal and introducing a range of new amenities.

The airport's concessions program, devised by leading airport retailer and restaurateur Paradies Lagardère, offers a diverse selection of dining options. Local favourites such as Plenty Mercantile, Tin Lizzie's, Elemental Coffee, Hatch, and Osteria are available for travellers looking for a taste of Oklahoma. National brands like Starbucks, Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, and Tropical Smoothie Cafe also have a presence in the airport.

For shoppers, the terminal expansion has introduced a new assortment of retail shops. Unfortunately, the names and types of shops available are not readily available.

Art enthusiasts will appreciate the world-class artwork on display throughout the airport. The viewing gallery in the heart of the terminal features artwork in both the flooring and glass, offering unique aesthetic experiences.

One of the most exciting features of the expanded airport is the new observation gallery or mezzanine. Non-ticketed visitors can access the mezzanine level and enjoy views of the airfield and parts of the airside terminal. It's a great spot to lounge, watch planes, and get that distinctive feeling of being at the airport. However, it's important to note that there are no restaurants or shops at the mezzanine level, so visitors should plan accordingly.

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Future plans: nonstop flights to Cancun, Mexico, from November 2025

OKC Will Rogers International Airport, located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, will offer nonstop flights to Cancun, Mexico, from November 8, 2025, to April 4, 2026. The airport is named after comedian and legendary cowboy Will Rogers, an Oklahoma native who died in an airplane crash in 1935.

The nonstop flights to Cancun will be operated by American Airlines and will be available every Saturday during the winter season. This will be the airport's first international route, and tickets are already on sale. The addition of international flights is a significant development for the airport and the city of Oklahoma City.

The introduction of these nonstop flights is the result of strategic partnerships and infrastructure improvements. An expanded customs area with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) checkpoint is under construction and expected to be completed by fall 2025. This new facility will enable the airport to accommodate international travel and meet the demands of leisure travellers looking for winter getaways.

The airport's director, Jeff Mulder, expressed excitement about the new service, highlighting the convenience and quality-of-life improvements it will bring to travellers. The flights will also strengthen connections between Oklahoma and Mexico, benefiting the many residents with family ties in the region. This development aligns with the airport's plans to expand routes to Mexico and the Caribbean, enhancing travel options for Oklahomans.

With the nonstop flights to Cancun, OKC Will Rogers International Airport takes a step forward in its evolution, offering increased accessibility and convenience to its passengers while contributing to the economic growth of the region.

Frequently asked questions

Will Rogers Airport is located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States, about 6 miles (10 km) southwest of the city's downtown area.

The official IATA airport code for Will Rogers Airport is OKC. However, it is often referred to as WRWA or simply Will Rogers.

Will Rogers Airport is the busiest commercial airport in the state of Oklahoma. In 2019, the airport handled nearly 4.42 million passengers.

Will Rogers Airport features three concourses with various eateries and curated shops. There is also an observation deck for plane spotting and an interactive airport map to help you navigate your way.

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