Oklahoma City airport close to milestone for new nonstop flights

After celebrating a record-breaking year for passengers, the recently rebranded Oklahoma City Will Rogers International Airport is setting bold goals for 2025.

Public records reveal airport staff gave more than 18 presentations to different carriers in 2024, selling those carriers on Oklahoma City's continued growth and booming industries. Slides in those presentations mentioned OU's move to the SEC, the plans for a new downtown arena and home for the Thunder, and a growing film industry.

"You're always thinking about how your community can attract more service and how we differentiate ourselves from other communities," said Jeff Mulder, airports director.

A year ago, News 9 reported on plans for international flights following the completion of a new federal inspection services facility. According to Mulder, Customs and Border Patrol is expected to move in next month.

Carriers who would provide flights directly to Mexico are expected to announce nonstop flights soon after, Mulder said. Airport staff are focused on providing service for both leisure travelers, and those visiting family in the country. Presentations for carriers to Mexico specifically referenced Cancun, Mexico City, and Guadalajara.

Overall, presentations to air carriers routinely targeted 10 of the largest markets currently without nonstop service from OKC, including the Bay Area, Tampa, San Diego, Boston, Sacramento, Cancun, Philadelphia, Portland, New Orleans, and Detroit. Another presentation also targeted expansion to Washington, D.C.

But, specific market expansions have not yet been named or guaranteed.

"Airlines are doing their planning about six months in advance," Mulder said. "So, I would expect we'll have, if we have any announcement, it will be in the next couple weeks, for service from the summer and fall markets."

Mulder also said delays from manufacturers have also kept air carriers from filling out their fleets, which has delayed route expansions for airports.

"We're looking forward to a great 2025," Mulder added. "And with this new Customs and Border Protection facility, we're excited that now we'll be able to host international flights. And we're working hard to make that happen."