Turning OKC’s Will Rogers World Airport into an International Airport

Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers World Airport is truly about to become a “World” airport with international flight capabilities.

The Airport Trust has voted to support a plan creating an international customs inspection center at the Airport, a move that would allow international flights to and from the airport.

Currently, no international flights are available at the major OKC airport. But Airports Director Jeff Mulder says work will begin soon on airport space to house Customs and Border Protection and the project should be finished by the end of the year.

The Oklahoma City Airport Trust released bid documents for the construction of a Federal Inspection Station at the Airport (OKC). The international gate will be staffed by Customs and Boarder Protection and is expected to open by the end of 2024.

The terminal expansion completed in 2021, included a gate and boarding bridge to accommodate international flights. This phase will construct the space on the lower level of the terminal where international passengers will be cleared for entry into the United States.

“This project will bring non-stop international flights to Oklahoma City,” Director of Airports Jeff Mulder said. “This will raise our profile as a community and provide a great amenity for our residents and visitors.”

The anticipated cost for the project is $12 million and will be funded by Airport revenues.

International flights from OKC

Airport staff have met with airlines over the last year to recruit them for new service.  The targeted markets include non-stop flights to Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America.

Mulder indicated WRWA already has many leisure travelers from Central Oklahoma who travel to Mexico and the Caribbean through airline hubs.

Oklahoma City is also home to a Mexican consulate and a Guatemalan consulate.

“Non-stop International flights to leisure destinations will give our customers a better travel experience,” Mulder said. “We also have a growing population of residents from Mexico and Central America who live in Central Oklahoma that will benefit from these flights.”