On January 24, 2024, Tulsa International Airport held a groundbreaking ceremony today to mark the commencement of construction on a new international customs facility, which will allow commercial air carriers to offer nonstop international flights out of TUL for the first time. The new 45,000-square-foot addition to the existing terminal is expected to be completed in late 2025. The event was attended by key community stakeholders, government officials, and project partners, such as Mayor G.T. Bynum, and representatives from the FAA, CBP, Flintco, Narrate, and Tulsa Regional Chamber.
The new International Customs Facility is designed to ensure a seamless experience for travelers who want to fly nonstop to TUL’s top international destinations, such as Mexico or the Caribbean. On average, Tulsa International Airport currently has 115 passengers traveling from Tulsa to Mexico daily. 32% of TUL’s daily international traffic is to Mexico, the highest share of any country, followed by Canada at 8%, the UK at 5%, and Italy at 4%. All other countries are 3% or less. Tulsa International Airport is already working to solicit nonstop service to these areas with both international and domestic carriers.
“As we continue to grow and evolve, this project reaffirms our dedication to investing in the airport’s future. This new customs facility will be an asset that not only enhances our global connectivity but also reflects our commitment to providing a seamless and efficient travel experience for our local passengers.”
– Alexis Higgins, Chief Executive Officer at Tulsa International Airport
The total project cost for design and construction is projected to be just under $41 million and is funded by Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust and grants from the Federal Aviation Administration. The new International Customs Facility has been a part of Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust’s long-range capital improvement plan since 2016.
Read more about the groundbreaking in the media…
Tulsa International Airport Press Release
Oklahoma Department of Aerospace
