On May 8, 2025, the final steel beam was raised on Tulsa International Airport’s new International Customs Facility, marking a major milestone in the project that will allow commercial air carriers to offer nonstop international flights out of TUL for the first time. To commemorate the occasion, the airport hosted a traditional “Topping Out” ceremony.
The new 45,000-square-foot addition to the existing terminal is expected to be completed in late 2025, with operations beginning as early as Spring 2026.
Narrate Design provided design services for the project. Flintco serves as the construction contractor. The ceremony featured remarks from Alexis Higgins, Chief Executive Officer of Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust; Tyler Sappington, Project Manager at Narrate Design; and Dave Kollman, President of the Central Region at Flintco.
“Today’s topping out ceremony represents more than just a construction milestone, it’s a symbol of the growth and opportunity ahead for Tulsa. With this new facility, we will soon be opening the door to convenient international travel options that our community has long been asking for.”
– Alexis Higgins
Chief Executive Officer of Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust
The International Customs Facility is designed to provide a seamless experience for travelers flying nonstop to TUL’s top international destinations, such as Mexico and the Caribbean. Currently, an average of 115 passengers travel from Tulsa to Mexico each day. Mexico accounts for 32% of TUL’s daily international traffic, the highest share of any country. Tulsa International Airport is actively working to secure nonstop international service to these top international destinations through both domestic and international carriers.
The total project cost for design and construction is $41 million and is being funded by Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust and grants from the Federal Aviation Administration. For more information on this project, visit http://www.propeltul.com.
