OKC Will Rogers World Airport is beginning a large-scale expansion to prepare for future increases in passenger traffic, including anticipated growth linked to major events like the 2028 Summer Olympics. Airport public information officer Stacy Hamm outlined a multi-phase development plan designed to expand capacity from 4.5 million to 20 million passengers over the next three decades. The initial phase focuses on enhancing parking facilities to support higher volumes during busy travel times. “Instead of being reactive, we’re trying to be proactive,” Hamm told KOCO.
The ambitious timeline revealed by Jeff Mulder, Director of Airports in OKC, through an KFOR interview, highlights the urgency of the airport’s expansion, with construction of new parking facilities expected to begin as soon as next year. Mulder presented a distinct vision for the airport, admitting, “We don’t have enough capacity.” A breakdown of the master plan indicates the airport will be expanded in three phases over a 25-year period, tackling 25 projects to bolster infrastructure affordably.
Facilitating efficient movement of passengers and planes, phase two and three are set to introduce additional gates, security lanes, and expanded concourses, plus a progressive broader road to the airport. “The ones that we have are old and undersized,” Mulder commented to KFOR, further emphasizing the need to expand to 40 gates. The final phases are also expected to build on the significant renovations completed in 2021…