New Control Tower Completed at OU's Westheimer Airport: $17.2 Million, Opening in Early 2027
A new air traffic control tower has been completed at the University of Oklahoma's Max Westheimer Airport. The $17.2 million tower stands 106 feet tall — more than twice the old tower's 52 feet — with six stories and 6,100 square feet, built to withstand 130 mph winds. News 9 reported it is among the first new non-military control towers built since the 1970s.
U.S. Rep. Tom Cole secured more than $7 million in federal funding for the project in 2024, and construction began in March 2025. Airport director Lance Lamkin said the new tower will significantly improve controllers' visibility and flight safety.
The airport contributes about $212 million a year to the local economy and supports 1,227 jobs. The new tower is expected to enter service in early 2027. (GSM, based on reporting by News 9)
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons（CC BY-SA 4.0，Max Westheimer 机场航站楼与塔台）
