McAlester Regional Airport sets Oct. 24-25 opening events; grant approved for taxiway rehab

McAlester — City staff told the council the McAlester Regional Airport has received the keys to its new terminal and is planning two opening events: a VIP/donor reception on Friday, Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and a public open house on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Billy Sumner, who provided the update, said staff are completing communications and furniture set-up and “our goal is to make this a smooth transition for all the pilots and the staff.” Sumner said the city is working to get internet and other communications set up before the terminal is placed into operation.

Sumner also reported that the Oklahoma Department of Aeronautics authority (referenced as ODAA in the meeting) approved the airport's grant application on Oct. 21 for rehabilitation of the taxiway and related striping. He said the project is expected to start around November and take roughly four months, depending on weather and permitting; the contractor indicated work could extend into early spring if needed.

On operations and usage, Sumner cited visitation numbers gathered from local event-tracking data: about 6,400 visitors in 2022, 7,800 in 2023, 9,500 in 2024 and 7,300 so far this year. He praised airport staff by name: JW Hightower, TJ Kearns and Jason Fender. Sumner also introduced the newly hired airport manager, Eric Suske, who told the council he was excited to begin the role.

Councilors asked questions and praised airport staff; Sumner said he would share more event and grand-opening details with the council. The council later convened as the McAlester Airport Authority as part of the meeting record.