Tulsa International Airport FIS Facility
Project Stats
- Location
Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Size
45,000 SF
- Market
- Expertise
Architecture
Aviation Planning
Furniture Strategy
Interior Design
Global travel closer to home
A new 45,000-square-foot General Aviation and Federal Inspection Service (FIS) Facility will enable direct commercial international flights to and from Tulsa International Airport (TUL) for the first time in the airport’s history. Developed through a strategic partnership between Corgan and Narrate Design, the project unites Corgan's global aviation expertise with the Tulsa-based firm’s deep understanding of the local community and desired passenger experience.
The state-of-the-art facility is designed to support Tulsa's economic growth and expanding international connectivity. It features enhanced passenger amenities, streamlined Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processing, and modernized spaces that elevate the experience for both commercial and general aviation travelers.
Cleared for connection
The new FIS facility expands TUL’s capabilities, enabling the airport to accommodate direct international commercial flights and connect travelers to destinations around the world. Working within stringent CBP requirements for programming, passenger processing, and equipment, the team coordinated the facility’s operational needs with the overall passenger experience. The result is an organized and intuitive environment that supports efficient processing while providing a welcoming first impression of Tulsa for arriving international travelers.
Also included in the project is a new gate lounge designed to accommodate both domestic and international flights through the same passenger boarding bridge, maximizing operational flexibility. To support these dual functions while maintaining an intuitive and efficient passenger experience, the project team developed an adaptable system of corridors that can be configured for domestic passenger circulation or secured as sterile pathways for arriving international passengers. Supported by clear wayfinding signage, this configuration directs domestic passengers through the gate lounge to baggage claim, while international arrivals proceed to the lower level to complete customs processing.
Warm and welcoming
The design draws inspiration from Tulsa’s rich Art Deco heritage, introducing distinctive geometry, layered patterns, and metallic finishes throughout the space. The terrazzo flooring features a subtle composition of overlapping, angled patterns that is echoed by the layered geometric pattern of the ceiling tiles. Together, these architectural elements create visual depth and a cohesive design language that nods to the city’s architectural legacy through a contemporary lens. Metallic upholstery on the hold room furniture adds a touch of sophistication, while the airport’s brand palette of vibrant yellows, reds, fuchsias, deep oranges, and dark purples brings energy and warmth to the interior. Woven throughout the material selections and wall graphics celebrating the airport’s history, these colors reinforce the airport’s identity and connection to the community.
A thoughtful mix of traditional beam seating and lounge furniture creates a hospitality-forward environment, offering travelers a range of comfortable spaces to gather, relax, and recharge. Extending this welcoming experience beyond the terminal interior, the façade features a series of angled panels with integrated, color-changing LED lighting that activates the airport with a vibrant palette after dark. The illuminated façade creates a distinctive landmark for Tulsa, reinforcing the terminal’s identity and presence within the city. Together, the expanded and modernized facilities transform the terminal from a point of transit into a welcoming extension of Tulsa itself.
