DFW International Airport has announced a $4.8 billion plan to prepare for expected growth in the future. DFW is now the second busiest airport in the world and expects to serve 78 million passengers this year. CEO Sean Donohue expects that number to grow to 100 million by the end of the decade.
The airport will build 24 additional gates: Fifteen gates will be at a new Terminal F. The additional terminal south of Terminal D is expected to cost $1.63 billion.
DFW will spend $2.72 billion expanding Terminals A and C.
"We are really focused on trying to stay ahead of the growth of the region," Donohue says. "The North Texas region, the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, are growing rapidly, one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas of the country."
Chicago is currently the third largest metro area in the United States. Dallas/Fort Worth is fourth.
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates Chicago lost 91,000 residents in 2021 while DFW gained 97,000. The bureau has not yet released population numbers for individual cities for 2022.
"The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, within the next ten years, will be larger than Chicago and become the third largest metropolitan area in the country," Donohue says.
American Airlines has signed a 10 year lease at the airport. The agreement will provide funding for the expansion.
"To Fort Worth's very own American Airlines and the amazing employees who call North Texas home, thank you for believing in this amazing company. Thank you for believing in this airport and this region," says Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker. "We are really stronger together."
"When companies relocate to North Texas, they often cite DFW Airport as one of the main reasons," says Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson. "This comes as no surprise considering the airport's extensive network."
DFW Airport now flies to more than 250 domestic and international destinations. More than 60,000 people work at DFW Airport, and Donohue says the airport supports 228,000 jobs.
Donohue says about 70% of DFW Airport passengers were connecting ten years ago. Now, that number has dropped to 60%. He says DFW is preparing for more trips to originate here as North Texas continues to grow.
"That growth is a reflection of the great growth of Dallas, Fort Worth and the region," he says. "We believe that will continue to happen, the originating destination customer factor will continue to grow."
Donohue says the expansions will help accommodate originating and connecting flights, and they will also provide travelers with a better experience. In Terminal C, the highest numbered gates have been rebuilt with bigger windows, more natural light and bigger signs.
"I like it because it's open rather than being all blocked-up or making me feel like I'm closed up," one passenger said.
Donohue says the rebuilt terminals will include the more open floor plans.
Terminal F will initially open with 15 gates, but Donohue says DFW will have the ability to expand as it has in other terminals.
Construction on Terminal F will begin in 2024, and Donohue says the terminal should open by the end of 2026.
"It's an agreement, in my opinion, that is a win-win for the airport, for American, for the Cities of Dallas and Fort Worth and for the region," he says.
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