Exploring Will Rogers Airport: Oklahoma City's Aviation Hub

OKC Will Rogers International Airport, formerly known as Will Rogers World Airport, is a civil-military airport located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The airport is named after the legendary Oklahoma-born cowboy and comedian, Will Rogers, who died in an airplane crash in 1935. OKC is the busiest commercial airport in Oklahoma, handling nearly 4.42 million passengers in 2019. The airport has a rich history, dating back to its opening in 1911 as the Oklahoma City Municipal Airfield. It was renamed in 1941 to honour Will Rogers and played a significant role during World War II as a major training facility for the United States Army Air Forces. Today, the airport offers a range of amenities and services, including world-class artwork, eateries, shops, and modern facilities. OKC has recently expanded its terminal and is planning to offer international flights, connecting Oklahoma City to the world.

History and name origin

Will Rogers World Airport, now known as OKC Will Rogers International Airport, is located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, about six miles southwest of the city's downtown area. It is a civil-military airport and the busiest commercial airport in the state of Oklahoma. The airport is named after Will Rogers, a comedian and legendary cowboy who was an Oklahoma native. Will Rogers died in an airplane crash in 1935 near Utqiagvik, Alaska.

The airport first opened in 1911 as the Oklahoma City Municipal Airfield. During World War II, the airfield served as a major training facility for the United States Army Air Forces, with many fighter and bomber units receiving their initial training there. In 1941, the airport was renamed Will Rogers Field in honour of Rogers.

In the late 1990s, the Oklahoma City Airport Trust deemed the existing terminal building unsuitable, and a three-phase master plan for renovation was adopted. The renovation began in 2001 with Phase I, which included the construction of new elevator and escalator cores, entrance and exit ramps, and the reconstruction of roofs. Phase II commenced in 2005 and involved the construction of a new concourse to the west of the central terminal area. Phase III, which was completed by 2006, included the construction of a new concourse to the east, with eight additional gates, expanded retail and restaurant spaces, and a baggage claim area.

In 2024, the Oklahoma City Council approved a name change from Will Rogers World Airport to OKC Will Rogers International Airport. The change was recommended by the OKC Airport Trust to modernise the airport and better market it to a wider audience, while still commemorating Will Rogers' legacy and his enthusiasm for Oklahoma's aviation industry. The new name and logo also align with the branding used by the city and the airport's updated website.

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Location and accessibility

Will Rogers World Airport, also known as OKC Will Rogers International Airport, is located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States. The airport is about 6 miles (10 km) southwest of the city's downtown area.

Will Rogers Airport is accessible by road, with parking available in three surface lots on the airport grounds. Lot No. 1 is a long-term remote shuttle lot on Amelia Earhart Drive. Lot No. 2 is a long-term shuttle lot directly adjacent to the parking garages on the north side. Lot No. 3 is a long-term canopy shuttle lot that provides shelter from sun and hail, located west of the parking garages on 67th Street near the control tower. There is also short-term parking available in Garage A, which is free for the first hour and $2 per hour thereafter.

The airport is served by several rental car companies, including Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty. Shuttle buses connect passengers from the arrivals plaza to the rental car facility.

In addition to parking and rental car options, Will Rogers Airport offers a range of amenities and services. The airport features three concourses with eateries, shops, and a host of other amenities to explore. The airport also boasts world-class artwork on display throughout the terminal.

Will Rogers Airport is easily accessible by road, with multiple parking options available to meet the needs of both short-term and long-term visitors.

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Amenities and services

OKC Will Rogers International Airport offers a range of amenities and services for travellers. The airport features a modern terminal with three concourses, packed with eateries and curated shops, as well as a host of other amenities.

Eateries

There are various dining options available, from quick bites to full-service restaurants. These include:

Tuk Tuk
GO!Osteria
Elemental Coffee
Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steak Burgers
Tropical Smoothie Café
Hatch Early Mood Food

Shops

There are also several retail stores for shopping, including:

Plenty Mercantile
The Apartment

Other Amenities

Free Wi-Fi
Comfortable lounge areas
Ample parking
A comprehensive car rental centre located within the airport
Cab services and ride-sharing for convenient ground transportation
Shuttle parking
Cell phone waiting areas
A consolidated rental car facility
A three-level terminal with 17 departure gates
Baggage claim areas
Airline and airport staff offices
Military welcoming facilities
Expanded concessions and office space
An updated terminal lobby
An observation deck for plane spotting
An interactive airport map

Services

In addition to amenities, the airport also provides essential services such as:

Lost and Found
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) services for customs and immigration
Security screening
A dedicated TSA PreCheck program for a smooth screening experience

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Airlines and destinations

OKC Will Rogers International Airport is the busiest commercial airport in Oklahoma. The airport handled 4.42 million passengers in 2019, the busiest year on record for three consecutive years. Southwest Airlines carries the most passengers at this airport, with a market share of nearly 48% as of April 2022.

The airport offers flights to a variety of destinations across the United States, including:

Atlanta
Austin
Chicago
Denver
Houston
Las Vegas
Los Angeles
Miami
Nashville
New York
Orlando
Phoenix
Salt Lake City
San Antonio
St. Louis
Washington

In addition to domestic flights, the airport has plans to expand its routes to include international destinations. In 2024, the city council of Oklahoma City approved a name change from "Will Rogers World Airport" to "OKC Will Rogers International Airport," reflecting its ambitions to cater to a wider audience and offer international flights. The airport authorities plan to open one international gate, allowing non-stop flights to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. This expansion is expected to raise Oklahoma City's profile and provide greater travel options for residents and visitors.

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Future expansion plans

The Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City has undergone several expansion projects over the years, with the goal of enhancing capacity, improving the passenger experience, and accommodating international travel.

One of the most significant expansion projects was completed between 2001 and 2006, with a $110 million multi-phase expansion and renovation project designed by Atkins Benham Inc. and Gensler and built by Oscar J. Boldt Construction Company. This project included the construction of new concourses, the renovation of the terminal building, and the addition of high ceilings and modern facilities.

In 2021, the airport completed another major expansion, adding 133,022 to 136,000 square feet of new space to the existing terminal. This expansion included the addition of four new gates in the east concourse, a new security checkpoint, improved public circulation, a large double-volume space after security, and a wider concourse. The expansion also featured high-tech improvements, expanded shopping and dining options, and commissioned artwork. The total cost of this project was $87 million.

Looking forward, the airport has plans for further expansion and improvements. A potential final expansion includes the construction of a Central Concourse, adding nine more gates, which would result in a three-concourse configuration with over 30 gates.

Additionally, the airport is preparing to welcome direct international flights. A $12 million project will create an international arrivals area with a Federal Inspection Station, staffed by Customs and Border Patrol officers, to clear incoming passengers for entry into the United States. This expansion will allow for direct flights to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America, catering to the significant demand for leisure travel and visits to friends and relatives in these regions.

The airport is also considering rebranding and renaming efforts, aiming to market the airport to a wider audience and reflect the city's colorful culture.