Sachin Walls
Will Rogers World Airport, located in southwestern Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is the principal commercial airport of the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area. The airport is named after the legendary Oklahoma-born cowboy and comedian, Will Rogers, who died in an airplane crash in 1935. In the late 1990s, the Oklahoma City Airport Trust deemed the terminal building, constructed in 1967, unsuitable, leading to the adoption of a three-phase master plan for renovations. This master plan, initiated by the Oklahoma City Airport Trust and the City of Oklahoma City, aims to evaluate the airport's capabilities, forecast future aviation demand, and plan for the development of new or expanded facilities. The goal is to guide the airport's maintenance, development, and operations in an environmentally and fiscally responsible manner while adhering to FAA standards. The master plan includes various projects such as the expansion of the terminal, improvements to traffic circles, security checkpoints, and the addition of new concourses and gates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | OKC Will Rogers International Airport |
| Location | Southwestern Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |
| Distance from Oklahoma City | 8 km |
| Area | 8,100 acres |
| Type | Joint civil-military airport |
| Master Plan Initiated By | Oklahoma City Airport Trust (OCAT) and the City of Oklahoma City |
| Purpose | Evaluate the airport’s capabilities and role, forecast future aviation demand, and plan for new or expanded facilities |
| Goals | Provide guidelines for the airport’s overall maintenance, development, and operation in an environmentally and fiscally responsible manner while adhering to FAA standards |
| Objectives | Document issues, justify the proposed development through technical and economic investigations, provide effective graphic presentation of anticipated land use |
| Funding Sources | AA Senior Lien and A+ Junior Lien bonds, Airport Improvement Project (AIP) grants, rents from airport tenants, royalties from airport mineral assets |
| Phase II Plan (2025) | Continuation of the Terminal Apron project to reconstruct concrete apron pavement |
| Phase III Plan | Extend the terminal building to the east, add nine new gates equipped with airbridges, giving a total of 26-30+ gates |
| Other Features | Landscaped gardens, life-size statue of Will Rogers, new traffic circles for efficient pickup and drop-off, new tunnel from parking garage, improved security checkpoints |
| Tenants | AAR Oklahoma, ARINC, Atlantic Aviation, Southwest Airlines, Metro Technology Center's Aviation Career Campus |
| Airlines | American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines (largest market share) |
| Destinations | Cancún, Mexico, Tulsa, Albuquerque, Colorado Springs, Nashville, St. Louis, Chicago Midway, Washington Dulles |
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What You'll Learn
Renovation and expansion
In 1997, the Oklahoma City Airport Trust consulted Landrum and Brown, an airport design consultancy, to assess the future requirements of Will Rogers World Airport for the next 25 years. The tenants of the terminal wanted bigger and better facilities, the airlines needed a more modern baggage handling system, and retail shops required better locations. The following year, plans were made for a new terminal building, and the consultant's study identified ten different options. The most suitable option was a combination of expanding and renovating the usable portion of the existing structure, while also constructing new concourses and demolishing the old ones. This option was divided into three phases, allowing the airport to maintain full operations during construction.
In 2001, preparations for renovating the airport were launched, and the old twin concourses were demolished to make way for a larger terminal with integrated concourses, high ceilings, and modern facilities. The new terminal, which was designed by Atkins Benham Inc. and Gensler and built by Oscar J., opened in 2021 and features a modern design and an observation deck for plane spotting.
In 2008, Will Rogers World Airport officials approved a contract with Frankfurt Short Bruza Associates to begin planning for expansion. However, the expansion plan was postponed due to the industry-wide decline in passenger traffic caused by the Great Recession.
In 2012, the Phase III expansion plan was updated to include a new Central Concourse reconfiguration plan. Option 2a was selected, which includes only the central terminal improvements. The $3.6 million project will create a new central checkpoint in the centre of the check-in hall and two new greeter lobbies.
In 2024, the airport announced plans to expand routes to Mexico and the Caribbean in 2025, with the first nonstop international destination to Cancún, Mexico, serviced by American Airlines.
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Environmental considerations
One of the main environmental considerations is the impact of the airport on the local community. The airport has implemented a Community Participation Plan to ensure that stakeholders and communities affected by airport projects are informed, involved, and their input is considered. This includes following federal laws that prohibit discrimination and ensuring that airport planning is done in a way that preserves the integrity of the airport and its surroundings.
Another important environmental consideration is the airport's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. The airport has invested in modern, energy-efficient technologies and has implemented initiatives to promote sustainability. This includes the use of natural materials in the construction of the new concourse, such as native grasses and trees in the landscaping, as well as energy-efficient lighting and people-moving walkways in the new tunnel from the parking garage to the terminal.
The airport is also taking steps to reduce aircraft noise and emissions. This includes working with airlines to encourage the use of quieter and more fuel-efficient aircraft and implementing noise abatement procedures to minimise the impact of aircraft noise on the surrounding community.
In addition, the airport is committed to protecting and preserving the local environment. This includes the implementation of measures to minimise the impact of construction on local wildlife and habitats, such as the use of native plants and grasses. The airport is also taking steps to reduce water consumption and improve water quality, such as through the use of water-efficient fixtures and the treatment of stormwater runoff.
Furthermore, the airport is addressing waste management and recycling practices. This includes initiatives to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste generated by airport operations and encouraging passengers and employees to minimise waste and recycle as much as possible. The airport is also exploring the use of recycled materials in its construction projects.
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Socioeconomic impact
The socioeconomic impact of the Will Rogers World Airport master plan has been significant, with the airport serving as a major driver of economic growth and development in the region.
The airport is the busiest commercial airport in Oklahoma, handling nearly 4.42 million passengers in 2019, and is a critical transportation hub for the state. The master plan, initiated by the Oklahoma City Airport Trust (OCAT) and the City of Oklahoma City, aims to ensure the airport can meet future aviation demand and support the region's economic growth.
The plan has led to the creation of new jobs and business opportunities in the area. The expansion of the airport has attracted new airlines and businesses, such as Southwest Airlines, which has one of its largest customer service and support centers at the airport. The increased aviation activity has also created demand for aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, with companies like AAR Oklahoma and Atlantic Aviation establishing a presence at the airport.
The master plan has also focused on improving the passenger experience and accessibility. The new and expanded entry and exit traffic circles, the efficient security checkpoints, and the tunnel connecting the parking garage to the terminal have all contributed to a more seamless travel experience. The airport's first nonstop international destination to Cancun, Mexico, is set to begin in November 2025, further enhancing the airport's connectivity and appeal.
Additionally, the airport has become a center for aviation education and training with the Metro Technology Center's Aviation Career Campus. This campus offers hands-on training for aircraft maintenance technicians, contributing to the development of a skilled workforce in the aviation industry.
The socioeconomic impact of the Will Rogers World Airport master plan has been far-reaching, transforming the airport into a modern, efficient, and accessible transportation hub, creating new business and employment opportunities, and driving economic growth in Oklahoma.
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Funding
The OCAT has utilized various funding mechanisms to support the airport's development. One significant source of funding has been through the issuance of bonds. Specifically, the Trust has sold AA Senior Lien and A+ Junior Lien bonds to investors to raise capital for these projects. This approach allows the airport to leverage private investment to fund its capital expenditures.
Additionally, the airport has benefited from federal grants. The Airport Improvement Project (AIP) grants, obtained from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), have been crucial in funding improvements that directly impact aircraft and airfield operations. These grants ensure that the airport can make necessary enhancements to maintain safe and efficient operations.
Another important source of funding for the airport's operational costs is the revenue generated from rents collected from airport tenants. The airport's commercial activities, including rents from on-site businesses, contribute significantly to covering the ongoing expenses associated with running the airport. Furthermore, the airport also derives income from royalties related to mineral assets located on airport property.
The funding sources outlined above have been strategically utilized to support the airport's master plan and its various phases. The careful management of these funds has allowed for the airport's expansion and improvement while minimizing the reliance on city tax dollars for construction projects. This financial framework ensures that the airport can continue to develop in a fiscally responsible manner, adhering to FAA standards and environmental considerations.
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Stakeholder engagement
The Will Rogers World Airport Master Plan is a comprehensive study of the airport's current state and future needs. It involves evaluating the airport's capabilities and role, forecasting future aviation demand, and planning for the development of new or expanded facilities to meet that demand. The plan aims to provide guidelines for the airport's overall maintenance, development, and operation while being environmentally and fiscally responsible and adhering to FAA standards.
One of the primary stakeholders is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The airport has obtained grants from the FAA to fund improvements related to aircraft and airfield operations through the Airport Improvement Project (AIP). Additionally, the airport's operational costs are funded through rents collected from tenants, which include major airlines such as Southwest Airlines and various rental car companies.
Another key stakeholder is the public, including citizens and passengers. The airport's goal is to provide an enhanced experience for travellers, with efficient security inspections, improved traffic circles for pickup and drop-off, and relaxing plaza gardens. The airport also engages with the community through its website, providing updates on projects and plans.
Furthermore, various organisations and businesses are stakeholders in the airport's master plan. This includes companies with operations based at the airport, such as AAR Oklahoma, ARINC, Atlantic Aviation, and aircraft maintenance organisations. These stakeholders have specific needs and requirements that the airport must consider, such as the need for bigger and better facilities, modern baggage handling systems, and retail shop locations.
The Will Rogers World Airport Master Plan also involves engagement with other airports and aviation institutions. The airport has worked with consultants like Landrum and Brown and Frankfurt Short Bruza Associates to plan for its future needs and expansion. Additionally, the airport collaborates with other airports, such as Wiley Post Airport and Wiley Post-Will Rogers Memorial Airport, to ensure efficient operations and coordination within the aviation industry.
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Frequently asked questions
The master plan is a comprehensive study of the airport and outlines short-, medium-, and long-term development plans to meet future aviation demands. It provides guidelines for the airport's overall maintenance, development, and operation in an environmentally and fiscally responsible manner.
The terminal building, constructed in 1967, was deemed unsuitable by the Oklahoma City Airport Trust in the late 1990s. The tenants wanted bigger and better facilities, and the airlines needed a more modern baggage handling system.
The master plan aims to address the issues with the current airport infrastructure, justify the proposed development through technical, economic, and environmental investigations, and provide an effective graphic presentation of the anticipated land use changes.
The expansion plan includes a new Central Concourse with nine new gates, equipped with airbridges, giving the terminal a total of 26-30+ gates. It also features a modern design, an observation deck, efficient traffic circles, a new tunnel from the parking garage, and improved security checkpoints.
The three-phase master plan was adopted in 2001, and preparations for renovating the airport were initiated in the same year. The Phase III expansion plan was updated in 2012, and construction on the new concourse began in 2021.
