Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma Aerospace and Aeronautics Commission has approved a sweeping $520 million, five-year airport improvement program that will bring major infrastructure investment to western Oklahoma, including significant developments at Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport and Watonga Municipal Airport.
The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics’ Airport Construction Program will fund 176 projects statewide between June 2026 and May 2031, with a strong focus on economic growth, aviation expansion, and next-generation aerospace operations.
One of the centerpiece projects is at Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport, formerly known as Clinton-Sherman Airport. The facility will receive major upgrades tied directly to New Zealand-based aerospace company Dawn Aerospace and its suborbital flight operations program. The project includes construction of a dedicated hangar, office space, and operational support facilities designed to house engineering, maintenance, and flight operations teams. State leaders appropriated $7.5 million toward the effort, with construction expected to begin during the second half of 2026.
State aerospace officials say the Burns Flat facility positions Oklahoma to compete globally in the rapidly growing commercial aerospace and spaceflight sector.
“This plan represents a bold, pro-growth vision for Oklahoma and continues our leap into the global aerospace economy,” said ODAA Executive Director Grayson Ardies. “We’re not just maintaining runways; we’re building a world-class network capable of supporting next-generation commercial aircraft and pioneering aerospace industry operations to drive our state’s economy for decades.”
Meanwhile, Watonga Municipal Airport is slated for a major west-side redevelopment project that includes construction of a brand-new terminal building and expanded airport infrastructure. The new terminal will feature a 24-hour pilot lounge, office space, and a conference room while helping open the airport’s west side for future development opportunities.
The overall project also includes a new taxiway, apron, entrance road, and utility upgrades. The current phase is expected to cost approximately $3.5 million and will be funded through state appropriations. Construction is expected to begin in the second half of 2026.
The statewide aviation improvement plan is designed to strengthen Oklahoma’s airport system, attract private investment, improve aviation safety, and support economic development in both rural and urban communities across the state.
Copyright 2026 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
