Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport and American Airlines are to develop a sixth terminal, which is expected to be operational by 2025.
The plans call for DFW to invest up to US$3bn-US$3.5bn in terminal improvements, including the construction of Terminal F and enhancements to Terminal C. The identified site south of Terminal D provides flexibility for phasing in the number of gates for Terminal F, with a long-term projection of up to 24 gates, according to demand for additional facilities.
Design work for Terminal F will begin immediately. DFW and American will explore several different options for the layout of the Terminal F site, and expect the details to be finalized as part of a new airlines lease agreement for DFW that is being negotiated. The investment will be financed by bonds and repaid through airlines rates and charges over the life of the bonds.
“Today’s announcement sets the stage for DFW Airport’s next 50 years,” said Sean Donohue (above), CEO of DFW Airport. “The new Terminal F and the expansion that could follow will provide the region with the growth it needs to compete with international business centers. The airport is growing faster than ever, and it needs to keep pace with the Dallas-Fort Worth economy to provide jobs and connections for businesses and families.
The design of Terminal F is expected to accommodate a changing aviation industry as DFW utilizes innovative technologies to facilitate the movement of customers, maintain cost efficiencies for airlines and improve operational performance.
Terminal C is one of the Airport’s original terminals and opened in 1974. DFW and American plan to significantly improve the customer experience at Terminal C, bringing it in line with Terminals A, B and E, on which renovations were completed in 2018. Those renovations included redesigned check-in areas, larger security checkpoints, expanded concessions spaces, and improved lighting and flooring.
DFW Airport welcomed a record 69 million customers in 2018, and the airport anticipates more passengers and air service to be added in the next two years than in the past two decades.
