Booming business in this state capital is reflected in its airport expansion.
Oklahoma City’s growing prominence as a “go to” destination necessitates that its primary travel hub, Will Rogers World Airport (WRWA), must also grow in order to provide smooth, efficient and top-level service to an increasing number of travelers.
The second-phase terminal expansion project now underway at WRWA provides a huge step toward this ongoing goal. Expanding off the east concourse, the project includes design and construction of three structural bays and four new gates, a consolidated, streamlined security checkpoint, a glass-enclosed public observation gallery, additional seating in the baggage claim area, and space for shopping/dining/concession amenities. Space for future international air service and other high-tech improvements will be incorporated in the third phase.
Once completed, travelers, visitors and airport employees will benefit in multiple ways. The new security checkpoint will consolidate two existing TSA checkpoints and permit travelers to significantly reduce check-in times through the use of smart technology. The large, natural light-filled town square helps orient the traveler, provides comfortable seating for the public to wait on arriving passengers, and allows for easy viewing of the east concourse and aircraft operations on the ground. Airport police will be moved to the ticket counter level, while the Military Welcome Center will be reopened in the terminal itself, and there will be additional office space for airport tenants and administration.
Long-term plans are for the airport to add a total of nine new gates to handle its increasing travel volume and further improve the customer experience. With this goal in mind, FSB and its design partner, HOK, have master planned the east concourse in a flexible manner, providing the airport with multiple options as it adapts to future trends in the aviation industry.