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