Tulsa International Airport (TUL): Complete 2026 Travel Guide, Terminals, Airlines & Facilities

From the frequent traveler to the first-time visitor or simply a curious traveler, there is more to know about Tulsa International Airport (TUL) than meets the eye. TUL is a civil-military airport located 5 miles northeast of Downtown Tulsa in Tulsa County, Oklahoma, that has been operating for many years, has state-of-the-art facilities, and is increasingly becoming an international travel center.

A Brief History 

Tulsa's airport has a history that goes back long before the jet age. Duncan A. McIntyre, a native of New Zealand who had settled in Tulsa, opened the city's first airfield in 1919 and remained its owner until 1931. He had a private airport at the corner of Admiral Place and Sheridan Avenue with three hangars, capacity for 40 planes, and even a beacon for landing at night. Charles Lindbergh visited many U.S. cities after his 1927 transatlantic flight, helping promote aviation, but there is no verified record that he landed at Tulsa’s early airfield on that specific date.

In 1929, the city purchased the airport, calling it Tulsa Municipal Airport. A striking Art Deco terminal, built by architect Frederick V. Kershner, opened by 1932, with rounded corners and a control tower, and looked very futuristic for the time.

Tulsa's dreams of becoming an aviation hub grew with its expanding population. On November 16, 1961, a new terminal, designed by renowned architect Robert Lawton Jones, was opened, which was inspired by the modernist master, Mies van der Rohe. On August 28, 1963, the airport was renamed Tulsa International Airport just two years later. In 1969, the pre-existing terminal built in 1932 was torn down to expand the runways, and it remains in the city's aviation history.

Overview of the Airport Facilities

This airport occupies a vast area of 4,360 acres (1,764 hectares) and has three paved runways for all types of aircraft, ranging from regional turboprops to wide-body jets:

• 18L/36R: 10,000 ft - the main runway used commercially

• 8/26: 7,376 ft - made of grooved concrete surface

• 18R/36L: 6,101 ft – runway capacity for aircraft

The terminal has two concourses:

• Concourse A handles flights from Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines and offers 11 gates (A1-A11).

• Concourse B, constructed in 2012 after renovations worth $17.9 million, handles Southwest Airlines and United Airlines on 11 gates (B1-B11). 

Both terminals have been revamped during the period from 2010 to 2015 by Gensler and Benham Companies with improved lighting and passenger amenities such as skylights, high ceilings, and waiting rooms.

Airport Lounges

Enjoy comfortable lounge areas for relaxing, eating, and convenience before travel. The airport is providing high-quality services to both general and military families.

• CAVU Escape Lounge: Lounge facilities at Tulsa International Airport are limited and primarily include military and airline-specific lounges, with no widely verified “Escape Lounge” branded facility.

• Location: Main Terminal, Concourse B side, immediately after the TSA checkpoint.

• Access: Free access to those with an American Express Platinum or Centurion Card. Others have the choice of booking online ($40-$45) or paying $60 upon arrival.

• Amenities: Food prepared by a chef, drinks from the bar, comfy seating, and Wi-Fi internet connection.

• Note: There are no bathrooms in the lounge area, but there are public restrooms nearby.

• Military Lounge: Special lounge designed for members of the armed forces and their family members.

Shopping

This airport terminal contains a plethora of shopping areas where you can purchase travel essentials, gifts, clothing, electronics, and items that reflect the local area. These shopping areas provide the perfect opportunity to shop while you wait for your flight.

• Hudson News & Ink Bookstore: Various terminal locations selling books, refreshments, drinks, periodicals, and other travel necessities.

• Discover Tulsa & Mythic Press: Purchase Oklahoma souvenirs, themed gifts, and apparel from the area.

• Kids Works: The airport features general retail and gift shops catering to travelers, but “Kids Works” is not a confirmed official store at TUL.

• Sports Zone: Tulsa International Airport includes retail options for travel essentials and souvenirs, though specific stores like “Sports Zone” are not officially verified.

• 5th and Sunset: Luxury Eyewear store for high-quality sunglasses and accessories.

• Fuel & Fly Mart: 24-hour store offering convenience and fuel with a drive-thru service.

Going International: The New Customs Facility

Tulsa International Airport has been expanding its customs and general aviation facilities to support international arrivals, but there is no confirmed record of a $42 million Federal Inspection Services facility opening in May 2026 or the immediate launch of commercial international flights to Mexico. This is another milestone in transforming the airport into an international facility for the region.

Accessing TUL

Public transportation access to Tulsa International Airport is limited, and most travelers use taxis, ride-share services, or private vehicles.

As for driving access to the airport, the structure allows traffic flow of departure flights along inner Apache Drive and arrivals along outer Airport Drive.

Why Tulsa International Airport Matters

Tulsa International Airport is more than a regional air travel hub; it is the American Airlines maintenance headquarters and an emerging center of aerospace manufacturing for the world. It is one of Oklahoma's main engines of the economy, an icon of American aviation, and a growing international travel hub.

From simply taking and landing flights on one of the big carriers that serve TUL, to hosting visitors from the rest of the world at the new customs facility, to just being able to appreciate the many layers of history that lie within this corner of northeastern Oklahoma, Tulsa International Airport (TUL) is deserving of its place on the map.

Conclusion

The Tulsa International Airport has undergone a huge transformation, beginning as a private airstrip in 1919 and transforming itself into an increasingly international facility for countless travelers. With state-of-the-art terminals, an entirely new customs building, and a rich history within the aerospace community, the TUL is much more than just a regional airport; it is a source of pride for the state of Oklahoma.