Tulsa International Airport (TUL) celebrated a significant milestone today with the groundbreaking ceremony for its new Senator James M. Inhofe Air Traffic Control Tower Complex, the airport’s largest infrastructure project in its history. The new air traffic control tower complex will replace TUL’s existing air traffic control tower and base building (ATCT), which was commissioned in 1957 and opened in 1961, making it one of the oldest towers
within the FAA’s air traffic organization.
Throughout the past 63 years building modifications have been made to the current tower to accommodate changing operational and technology needs, however, the structure does not meet present-day building code. The facility’s maintenance needs have grown exponentially and must be addressed in order to preserve the safety, security, and continuity of the state’s air transportation system.
The new facility will provide reliable infrastructure needed for the safe operation of air traffic within TUL’s approach and local control areas and will allow the facility to expand their services beyond their existing capabilities. The new ATCT is set to stand at 257’ feet, over 100’ taller than the current tower. The increased height will improve visibility and allow the airport to develop additional property on its land.
About TUL ATCT: All air traffic within a 50-mile radius of Tulsa International Airport is managed by the controllers at TUL, including commercial service cargo and passenger carriers, military operators, private pilots, corporate charters, emergency responders and medical service providers. In 2023 alone, the FAA directed more than 328,000 terminal operations from its Tulsa ATC complex. In addition to providing vital services for the safe operation or air traffic in northeast Oklahoma, the TUL facility serves as a redundant control facility for military and air traffic operations in the Oklahoma City area should those facilities experience a catastrophic disruption in service.
This landmark project will be made possible through a partnership between the Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and local, state and county government. The coalition marks a major investment in the future of aviation safety and efficiency in the region.
Speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony included:
City of Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum
District 1 Tulsa County Commissioner Stan Sallee
Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell
State Senator John Haste
Oklahoma House of Representatives Speaker Pro Tempore Kyle Hilbert
Oklahoma Department of Aerospace & Aeronautics Executive Director, Grayson Ardies
Federal Aviation Administration Regional Administrator for the Southwest Region, Rob Lowe
Chief Executive Officer of Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust, Alexis Higgins
Each emphasized the importance of the new tower in supporting the airport’s growth and maintaining high standards of safety and service.
“After years of fundraising and planning, we are thrilled that construction will begin soon on this highly anticipated project”, said Alexis Higgins, Chief Executive Officer at Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust. “The new tower complex is more than an upgrade; it’s a commitment to safety, efficiency, and the future of air travel at our airport and throughout the region.”
“I am grateful for the support of every level of government in making our new air traffic control tower possible: federal, state, county, and city,” Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum said. “To break ground on this new tower secures our future as a regional aviation hub and sends an important message to the aerospace industry that Tulsa is open for business.”
“The Tulsa County Board of County Commissioners approved the use of federal ARPA dollars to help with the construction of the new control tower. Tulsa County Chair, Stan Sallee and Commissioners Karen Keith and Ron Peters unanimously approved the use of these funds”, stated Tulsa County Board of County Commissioners. “This new tower will help provide safe and efficient transportation which is vital to our economic development and quality of life. The Commissioners were pleased that they were able to work with Senator Jim Inhofe to secure the needed funding for this project.”
“I am thrilled to that Tulsa International Airport is getting a new, state of the art air traffic control tower,” said Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell. “Oklahoma has a legacy of aerospace innovation and success dating back over a century, and this project will play an important role in ensuring passenger safety and promoting economic growth for years to come. Aerospace is Oklahoma’s fastest growing industry, and I’m thankful that the Oklahoma legislature and others see its value and make it a priority.”
“It’s great to see the construction of this much-needed control tower at Tulsa International Airport finally commence. This project will further enhance the efficiency of this great airport”, said State Senator John Haste. “While I deeply regret that Senator Inhofe is not here to witness this momentous occasion, I am grateful to see this dedication to his enduring legacy. His tireless efforts on behalf of Oklahoma will be felt for decades to come.”
“This new tower will play an essential role in ensuring passenger safety and promoting economic growth for northeast Oklahoma. When the Legislature set aside funds for state infrastructure projects, we were adamant that the Tulsa Airport Tower be included on the project list”, said Oklahoma House of Representatives Speaker Pro Tempore Kyle Hilbert. “I’m glad to see this groundbreaking come to fruition and am grateful that my colleagues in the Legislature matched $20 million toward this much-needed airport improvement that will have generational impact.”
“The groundbreaking of the Senator James M. Inhofe Air Traffic Control Tower Complex at the Tulsa International Airport underscores the State of Oklahoma’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational excellence in our air transportation system,” said Executive Director Grayson Ardies, Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics.
“With an investment of $19.6 million from the State, this overall $112 million project is the largest public infrastructure project at an Oklahoma airport in our history. This new facility will serve a diverse range of military and civilian air traffic, enhancing the economic impact of the Tulsa aerospace community and ensuring the resilience of our national airspace system.”
Project Timeline:
Construction September 2024 – October 2026
FAA Equipment Installation – Winter 2026
Acceptance and Operational Start – Spring 2027
Estimated Project Costs
Engineering Design: $4,615,402
Construction and Project Administration: $81,514,000
FAA Equipment and Services: $26,483,198
Total Projected Cost: $112,612,600
Grant Funding Sources
Tulsa County: $7,000,000
City of Tulsa: $7,000,000*
State of Oklahoma: $19,600,000
Federal Appropriation: $40,000,000
FAA Bipartisan Infrastructure ATP: $12,500,000
Total Grant Funds: $86,100,000
*This Project is supported in whole or in part by federal award number SLT 1498 awarded to the City of Tulsa by the United States Department of Treasury.
The new Air Traffic Control Tower Complex is just one of several major projects within Tulsa International Airport’s multi-year growth plan. Learn more about the other plans at http://www.propeltul.com.
About Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust: Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust (TAIT) administers, manages and operates Tulsa International Airport (TUL) and Tulsa Riverside Airport (RVS), both of which are owned by the City of Tulsa. TAIT’s mission is to provide a safe, efficient, self-supporting airport system for the citizens of the Tulsa metropolitan area and surrounding region.
About Tulsa International Airport: Five air carriers offer nonstop service from TUL to 22 destinations across the country. In 2023, the airport had the highest number of annual passengers since 2008 with a total of 3.14 million passengers. For more information visit www.flytulsa.com.
About the Federal Aviation Administration: The FAA’s mission is to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world. We strive to reach the next level of safety and efficiency and demonstrate global leadership in how we safely integrate new users and technologies into our aviation system. Safety is our passion. Innovation is our signature.