Will Rogers International Airport charts future growth with expansion plan, new nonstop service

Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers International Airport is preparing for significant growth with a new long-term terminal expansion plan, infrastructure improvements and additional nonstop air service connecting travelers to major markets across the country. 

Airport officials unveiled Cleared for Takeoff, a 25-year terminal expansion plan designed to accommodate rising passenger demand, improve parking and modernize airport facilities. The plan outlines a phased approach that could eventually increase the airport’s capacity from 4.6 million to 20 million passengers annually. 

“The ‘Cleared for Takeoff’ plan outlines our trajectory from serving a baseline of 4.6 million passengers annually up to a future capacity of 20 million passengers,” said Jeff Mulder, director of airports. “This is a monumental step toward balancing our landside facilities with airside terminal capacity, elevating passenger processing, and ensuring Oklahoma City remains seamlessly connected to the global economy.” 

The expansion would take place in three phases, with each tied to passenger demand rather than a fixed construction timeline. 

The first phase, designed to accommodate 6 million annual passengers, includes a new five-level parking garage north of Garage C, adding 1,538 parking spaces. Plans also call for a covered rideshare waiting area, demolition of Garage A and temporary changes to terminal roadways. 

The second phase, targeting 8 million passengers annually, would expand the terminal and concourse to accommodate 24 to 26 gates, including a position for larger aircraft. A permanent two-level terminal roadway would also be constructed. 

The final phase envisions a terminal capable of serving 20 million annual passengers, with 40 gates and an expanded six-lane curbside roadway. 

While the broader expansion will depend on future passenger growth, several infrastructure improvements are already moving forward. 

Construction at the intersection of Terminal Drive and Amelia Earhart Lane began at the end of October, marking the start of Phase 1. The project, expected to be completed by February 2028, has prompted lane reductions on Terminal Drive near the intersection, with traffic limited to one lane in each direction. Economy Parking traffic is being detoured through SW 54th Street and Air Cargo Road. 

Travelers are encouraged to allow extra time when heading to the airport and arrive at least two hours before boarding. Traffic patterns and detours will change throughout construction. 

Additional improvements include new terrazzo flooring throughout the terminal, expected to be completed by January 2028, and restroom renovations in baggage claim and ticketing areas, scheduled for completion by December 2027. 

New nonstop service expands OKC's connections 

Alongside its infrastructure plans, Will Rogers International Airport is expanding its air service network with a new daily, year-round nonstop route to San Francisco International Airport. 

United Airlines will begin service March 28, 2027, bringing the airport's total number of nonstop destinations to 29. 

The new route will provide direct access to the Bay Area, a major technology and business hub, while offering additional international connections through United's San Francisco network. 

“Nonstop service to San Francisco links OKC to a dynamic metro, as well as the center of the nation’s tech economy,” Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt said. “Along with other recent nonstop additions, our airport service continues to improve, a reflection of the hard work of our airport team and our city’s continued growth.” 

The San Francisco route joins United's existing nonstop service from Oklahoma City to Denver, Houston and Chicago. 

Together, the new air service and long-term expansion plans reflect continued investment in Oklahoma City's transportation infrastructure, supporting the region's growth and strengthening connections to business and leisure destinations. 

For more information about the expansion plan and ongoing construction, visit the airport's website.