When flying over northeastern Oklahoma, one cannot miss the bustling airspace surrounding Tulsa International Airport. More than just a passenger gateway, this facility serves as a critical nexus for commercial, military, and industrial aviation operations.
Located approximately five miles northeast of downtown Tulsa and spanning 4,360 acres, Tulsa International Airport (IATA: TUL, ICAO: KTUL) ranks as Oklahoma's second-largest aviation facility, surpassed only by Will Rogers World Airport in the state capital.
What sets this airport apart is its remarkable diversification. Beyond handling commercial passengers and cargo, the facility hosts the 138th Fighter Wing of the Oklahoma Air National Guard, making it a strategic military installation. The airport's significance extends further as the global maintenance headquarters for American Airlines, featuring the largest aircraft maintenance facility in the United States.
The maintenance complex serves numerous domestic and international carriers, providing comprehensive repair and overhaul services that position Tulsa as a vital node in global aviation infrastructure. This multifaceted operational profile ensures the airport's continued importance to both regional transportation networks and worldwide aerospace operations.