Oklahoma City's Will Rogers World Airport adds direct flights, opens new security checkpoint

New nonstop flight destinations from Will Rogers World Airport will start taking off in the coming months as airport operations continue to transition into the airport's new wing. 

The Oklahoma City Airport Trust announced Thursday passengers will be able to fly direct to Austin, Texas, starting Oct. 7 with both American Airlines and Southwest Airlines. Additionally, American Airlines will begin nonstop service to LaGuardia Airport in New York on Nov. 2. 

Providing access to more direct flights from Oklahoma City has been a driving motivation behind the construction of Will Rogers' new terminal.

“We don’t want to ever be in the position to say no to anybody because we don't have room,” said Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt on the ability to accommodate more nonstop flights during the unveiling of the airport's new wing in September.

More:Transition into OKC's new airport terminal begins

The $90 million construction project began more than two years ago and will feature new lounges, amenities, security processes and the potential for future expansions and international flights. 

"I am very happy to report that we have opened the first phase of our terminal expansion project, with the relocation of the TSA security checkpoint," said Scott Keith, interim general manager of Will Rogers World Airport, during Thursday's Airport Trust meeting.

The new screening area opened last week and is located in the east expansion of the airport next to the Delta Air Lines check in counter, Keith said. Eight lanes and a labyrinth of plexiglass will take the place of the old Transportation Security Authority check point, which is now being transitioned into a new meet and greet area. 

Passengers will now come through security to find an open seating area to readjust their belongings and tie their shoes after the vetting process. The area will also house several new businesses set to open over the next couple of months. 

Plenty Mercantile, Elemental Coffee, Tin Lizzie’s, Hatch and Osteria are several of the local businesses that will set up shop, to be accompanied by national brands like Starbucks, Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers and Tropical Smoothie.

The shops and restaurants will start opening later this month and through October, with Vino Volo, a restaurant and bar, set to open in November.