Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has kicked off its $9 billion DFW Forward capital improvement plan, the largest expansion and renovation program since the airport’s opening in 1974. The program, which includes over 180 projects, will be completed over multiple phases. Improvements include the construction of DFW’s sixth terminal, the 15-gate Terminal F, which will include new retail and concessions concepts as well as connection to the airport’s Skylink automated people mover; a parkway modernization project aiming to transition access to Terminals A, B and C to right-hand exits; an Electric Central Utility Plant (eCUP) designed to heat and cool DFW terminals using electricity supplied from renewable resources; a new connecting roadway bridging Rental Car Drive to State Highway 360; a multi-phase aircraft taxiway improvement project; the construction of two new fire stations; and the expansion of the facility’s cargo aircraft parking capacity.
DFW Forward also includes the $3 billion Terminal C modernization and expansion project, which is being conducted in partnership with American Airlines, Austin Commercial, Azteca Enterprises and Alpha & Omega, with HOK and Muller & Muller, Ltd. as design team members.The Terminal C modernization project, which will be conducted in multiple phases to reduce disruptions and is expected to be complete in 2030, will remove more than 400 view-blocking columns, install new dynamic glass windows and raise the roof throughout the space, as well as add new lounge spaces, restrooms, concessions and retail concepts to the terminal. Terminal C’s adjacent parking garage will be demolished and rebuilt in the process. DFW will also expand piers at Terminals A and C, adding an additional 115,000 square feet and four gates to Terminal C and 140,000 square feet and five gates to Terminal A as well as new retail and concessions concepts in the process.
“After 50 years of growth, innovation and service to our community, a new era is now beginning at DFW,” said DFW CEO Sean Donohue. “The incredible upgrades and expansions we have planned across the airport are going to reimagine the customer experience in many ways and provide the needed framework to support more historic growth in air travel to and from North Texas. As we grow closer to serving 100 million passengers each year, it’s time for DFW to enhance our remaining legacy terminal and imagine brand new ones. The work in front of us is exciting, but it is going to be complex, challenging and impactful as we continue to operate one of the world’s busiest airports.”
“American is excited to officially mark the start of construction to modernize and expand DFW,” added Amanda Zhang, vice president of airport affairs and facilities at American Airlines. “No different than the synergy between American and DFW that’s fueled growth for 50 years, the new Capital Improvement program will continue to set North Texas apart in the future as a connection factory for travelers around the world. We look forward to bringing an innovative and efficient experience to life over the next decade, and we’re excited that it’s all starting with the reimagining of Terminal C.”
