Ardmore, Oklahoma – A major redevelopment is under way at Ardmore’s Downtown Executive Airport as work begins on a £2.7 million ($3.3 million) upgrade to replace its ageing terminal with a modern facility designed to strengthen aviation and business links across southern Oklahoma.
The project marks a significant investment in regional aviation infrastructure through a partnership between the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the City of Ardmore. The current terminal, which has stood for six decades, will be demolished to make way for a larger, more efficient building expected to transform the experience of pilots and passengers alike.
Officials from ODAA and the City of Ardmore gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, signalling the formal start of construction. When complete, the new terminal will more than double the size of the existing structure, expanding from 1,125 square feet to 3,368 square feet. Plans include a comfortable lounge area, dedicated office space, and upgraded bathroom facilities equipped with showers for visiting pilots.
“Ardmore is a city on the rise, and these improvements are built to support a shared future in the region,” said Grayson Ardies, ODAA executive director. “By enhancing these facilities, we’re focusing on operational efficiency and long-term commercial sustainability while strengthening this vital resource for all of Carter County.”
Strategic Funding and Partnership
The redevelopment carries an estimated total cost of $3.3 million (approximately £2.7 million). Funding will be split between the project’s key partners: around $1 million will come from ODAA funds, a further $1 million from the City of Ardmore, and $1.3 million contributed by the FAA.
The upgrade forms part of ODAA’s Airport Construction Program (ACP) – a five-year rolling initiative that coordinates with local airport sponsors and the FAA to develop and maintain Oklahoma’s network of public-use airports. The ACP aims to ensure airports remain capable of meeting business, transport, and commercial needs across the state, reinforcing the role of air connectivity in economic growth and regional development.
By combining local and federal support, the ACP has become a critical instrument in sustaining smaller aviation facilities that serve both private and corporate traffic. For Ardmore, the terminal renewal is expected to deliver lasting economic benefits by improving facilities for business aviation, pilot training, and visiting aircraft.
A New Gateway to the City
Dan Luttrell, director of Ardmore Downtown Executive Airport, said the redevelopment represents an opportunity to raise the city’s profile and provide a gateway worthy of its ambitions.
“We’re very excited about the new terminal and the potential it will bring to the area,” he said. “As flights come in, the new terminal will be the first thing the pilots and passengers see. We are proud to be the first impression that reflects the quality of our operations here in Ardmore.”
Construction of the new terminal is scheduled for completion by November 2026, with additional works set to follow in the coming years. A perimeter security fence around the airfield is planned for installation by mid-2026, while a runway rehabilitation project on Runway 17/35 is targeted for completion by mid-2028.
Regional Aviation Role
The airport, owned and operated by the City of Ardmore, currently supports more than 40 based aircraft and records around 9,500 take-offs and landings each year. Opened in 1965, the facility spans 110 acres about one mile southeast of Ardmore’s central business district, providing a vital link for local enterprises, government, and private flyers.
The terminal renewal comes amid broader efforts by Oklahoma’s aerospace authorities to modernise the state’s aviation network. By updating infrastructure and expanding operational capacity, ODAA aims to enhance the competitiveness of local airports and ensure they continue to serve as catalysts for commerce and investment.
As construction begins, community leaders are positioning the project as a sign of confidence in Ardmore’s long-term prospects. The combination of federal, state, and municipal funding underscores a coordinated commitment to regional development and a recognition of aviation’s importance to economic diversification.
With work now under way, the city anticipates that the new terminal will not only improve passenger and pilot amenities but also signal to investors and visitors that Ardmore is open for business and ready for the future.
