Dallas Fort Worth International Airport’s (DFW)’s CEO Sean Donohue has announced that he will retire from his position at the helm of the North Texas airport in 2025. Donohue will remain at DFW to support the leadership transition as the airport’s board of directors selects his successor.
Donohue, who joined DFW as CEO in 2013, helped lead the facility to become the third-busiest airport in the world, North America’s first carbon-neutral airport, and increased the airport’s economic output to generate $5 billion in local and state taxes each year. Donohue also managed the 10-year use and lease agreement with DFW’s carrier airlines, setting the airport up for its $9 billion DFW Forward capital improvement plan. Prior to joining DFW, Donohue worked as the COO of Virgin Australia Airlines and the senior vice president of operations at United Airlines.
“It’s with mixed emotions that I have decided the time has come to pass the torch at DFW and begin a new chapter in my own life, after four decades of service to the aviation industry,” said Donohue. “Aviation has taken me to nearly every corner of the world and led me to the great privilege of overseeing the best airport in the business. In many ways, the story of DFW and North Texas are the same, having grown and supported one another for 50 years. I thank Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, the DFW Board of Directors led by Chair DeMetris Sampson, along with our employees, business partners, customers and community for allowing me to serve and leave DFW in a strong position to take on the next five decades.”
“Sean’s impact on DFW Airport and the broader aviation industry cannot be overstated,” added DFW’s board chair DeMetris Sampson. “His leadership and vision have guided DFW through periods of historic challenges and significant growth. He has ensured that the business opportunities at the airport are open to all, and helped develop an airport that our community should be exceedingly proud of. Sean’s legacy will be felt for decades to come, and the Board wishes him the best in his well-earned retirement.”
