Airport upgrades underway ahead of international gate opening
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — There were a record number of travelers at OKC Will Rogers International Airport in 2024. It comes as upgrades are actively going on at the airport ahead of the hopeful arrival of a new international gate with direct flights to certain areas.
4.6 million people were flying in and out of the airport last year. That number not only beats 2023's numbers, but the previous record from five years ago.
"Our highest year end record was 2019. And we have exceeded our 2019 passenger numbers," said Stacey Hamm, the Public Information and Marketing Manager at the airport.
As the number of travelers continues to grow, the airport is also gearing up to offer direct international flights.
However, there's still some work to be done, like adding a federal inspection area to the new international gate.
"We're in talks with several airlines, Mexican carriers for multiple destinations in Mexico," said Hamm.
"I'm so excited because flying through Houston is just awful and that's usually the way we go," said Diana Hyde, traveler.
Right now, there's still no set time when you can hop on a plane and take off, though.
"We're hoping that sometime in 2025 we can make an announcement, hopefully sooner than rather than later," said Hamm.
International flights aren't the only new addition to the airport. Marketing manager, Stacey Hamm, said new upgrades are on the horizon.
"We're updating all of our restrooms. They're getting a whole new look to them and they'll be ADA compliant with the new ADA standards. You'll see all of our older tile floor that will start to come up and then we'll replace that with some really beautiful terrazzo flooring throughout the airport," said Hamm.
The new changes come on the heels of a big announcement last year when the airport got a new name.
"It was time to rebrand the airport, bring it up to a more modern feel of the airport that falls more in line with the promotion of Oklahoma City in general.
While the name of the airport did change, travelers might still see the old signs around the lot.
The airport said they're working on making the upgrades, but it'll take some time.