Why does Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma want to change its name?

Summary

Oklahoma City is renaming its airport Will Rogers International Airport to attract international flights starting next spring.
Trust members voted unanimously to change the airport name after a survey showed that the current name was little known.
The airport is investing $12 million in a federal inspection station to accommodate international flights following previous expansions.

Oklahoma City is betting big on a name change to rejuvenate its local airport. The city aims to welcome international flights next spring. OKC, currently known as Will Rogers World Airport, named after an American vaudeville performer, actor and pilot. A motion to change the airport’s name was discussed in detail by airport officials at a board of trustees meeting in June and presented to the City Council for approval. The new name would be: Will Rogers International Airport.

The airport is scheduled to unveil its brand in September and residents and travelers will likely see the new name on signs and buses throughout the airport area. Everything will be updated to reflect the name change.

Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) terminal

Photo: Will Rogers World Airport

Stacey Hamm, public relations and marketing spokeswoman at Will Rogers World Airport, confirmed the plans to KOCO5 News:

“We’re about to open up to international travel, so now is the time to put that back into our name. We’re going to replace our signage and directional signs along the terminal ramp. We’re going to replace the big name on our stone wall. They (the council) have to vote on whether the name becomes official.”

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Will Rogers World Airport Trust members have already voted 5-0 to pass a joint resolution to rename the city airport, which will now be presented to the City Council for consideration. This comes as the airport trust released a survey earlier this year that asked about 6,000 people about the airport’s future. The survey results found that only 19% of people call the airport by its current name. While the name change is meant to subtly add an international accent, it will still honor Oklahoman Will Rogers and his contributions to aviation in the state.

International ambitions

Airport authorities expect to resume international flights to the airport next spring after the airport releases bid documents to build a federal inspection station in OKC that will be staffed by customers and border patrol personnel. The estimated cost of the project is $12 million and will be funded by airport revenue.

American Airlines Airbus A320 at Oklahoma City Airport OKC shutterstock_2302301963

Photo: Kit Leong | Shutterstock

In 2021, the airport completed the expansion of the main terminal, which included capacity for international flights, a jet bridge and a gate. The next phase will see the completion of the lower area, where international passengers can be processed for access to the airport. United States . By attracting international airlines to fly nonstop to the airport, Oklahomans were able to fly directly from their city to another country for the first time. Jeff Mulder, director of airports for the Oklahoma City/OKC Airport Trust, told the Oklahoman:

“This project will provide nonstop flights to Oklahoma City. This will enhance our reputation as a community and provide a great amenity for our residents and visitors.”