Nearly 4 Million Passengers Flew Through WRWA

OKLAHOMA CITY, January 11, 2018 – Will Rogers World Airport wrapped up 2017 by setting an all-time record for passenger traffic. Per year-end numbers released today by the Department of Airports, 3,925,358 passengers flew in and out of WRWA during the 2017 calendar year.  The number outpaced the airport’s previous record set in 2014 by 91,349.

The year got off to a slow start, but quickly began to surpass 2016 numbers.  By May, the numbers began to eclipse the 2014 record-year figures. By November, the numbers surpassed 2016 by double-digits. 

“Several factors have contributed to this record-setting year,” says Mark Kranenburg, director of airports.  “We’ve seen the addition of a new airline and new routes to the market. Significant new economic development projects have gotten underway.  And, the local and national economy is relatively healthy. The good news is that this trend is expected to continue into 2018.”

Air service announcements played a key role in the numbers gain by adding more airlines, destinations and competition.  2017 air service additions included:

• The startup of Frontier Airlines on November 1 and new nonstop service to Denver and Orlando.  The airline also begins nonstop service to San Diego on April 9, 2018
• New seasonal nonstop service to Los Angeles and additional seasonal frequencies to Destin, Florida on Allegiant Airlines
• More capacity on certain routes by American, Delta and United
• The announcement by American Airlines of new nonstop service to Phoenix Sky Harbor beginning April 3, 2018

A month-by-month breakdown of the 2017 numbers is attached.

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