By Melissa Fuller
Halliburton Field Airport in Duncan has made significant improvements over the past two years. These enhancements, including the rehabilitation of the main apron pavement and the construction of a new hangar taxilane, increase safety and elevate the overall functionality of the airport, making it a more appealing destination for aviation businesses.
The new taxilane has been created to enhance access to an area south of the terminal building that is designated for future hangar development. The construction of this taxilane will open nearly 12 acres of developable property for new hangars and expansion of aviation businesses as part of the city’s plan to promote economic development in the region.
The total cost of rehabilitating the apron pavements and constructing the new taxilane was just under $2 million. Approximately $1 million was funded through grants from the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) contributed about $862,000 in grants, while the airport sponsor provided a little more than $98,000. This project was initially approved as part of the ODAA’s Airport Construction Program (ACP) in 2022 to help promote the state’s pro-growth aviation initiative. The ACP is a five-year revolving plan designed by the ODAA in cooperation with the FAA and airport sponsors to support the shared goal of maintaining a network of airports that meet the business, transportation, and commerce needs of communities throughout Oklahoma.
“I believe that there is significant growth potential at the Duncan airport,” stated Grayson Ardies, executive director of the ODAA. “Halliburton Field serves as a key asset for visitors and commercial activities in the southwestern part of our state. The strategic improvements being implemented today will foster the community’s development for many decades to come.”
Improvements at the airport are set to continue over the next five years, which will include the construction of new box hangars, the installation of a new fuel system, and most importantly, the strengthening of the airport’s runway and taxiway system thanks to legislatively directed funding.
“Oklahoma stands at the forefront of achieving statewide excellence in transportation infrastructure, fueled by a visionary commitment to enhance our aviation facilities, as evidenced by the substantial investments in the Oklahoma airport system,” declared Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Deer Creek, chair of the House Committee on Appropriations and Budget Transportation.
Duncan’s airport, originally opened in 1938, features a mile-long runway equipped with safety lights along its entire length. Currently designated for general aviation only, Duncan previously hosted scheduled commercial flights from 1954 to 1972. During that period, it served Central Airlines (which later merged into the original Frontier Airlines), offering flights to Dallas, Fort Worth, and Oklahoma City, with a stop in Lawton.
