DFW Airport and American Airlines announces plans for sixth terminal

Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport and American Airlines have announced plans to build a sixth passenger terminal and enhance Terminal C.

DFW is required to invest $3bn to $3.5bn on the construction of Terminal F and enhancements to Terminal C.

The identified site south of Terminal D provides flexibility for phasing in several gates for Terminal F. In the long term, up to 24 gates are estimated to be built as demand increases.

The design phase of Terminal F will commence immediately.

DFW and American Airlines expect details of the design to be finalised as part of DFW’s new airline lease agreement that is currently being negotiated.

The companies expect the investment to be financed by bonds and repaid through airline rates and charges over the life of bonds.

DFW Airport CEO Sean Donohue said: “Today’s announcement sets the stage for DFW Airport’s next 50 years. The new Terminal F and the expansion that could follow will provide the region with the growth it needs to compete with international business centres. 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.

“We’re grateful to Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price and Board Chairman Bill Meadows for their leadership. I want to especially recognise American for its commitment to DFW Airport. We look forward to working together to deliver what will be an efficient, modern terminal with a state-of-the-art customer experience.”

American Airlines chairman and CEO Doug Parker said: “This is an exciting day for American and our more than 31,000 team members who call Dallas-Fort Worth home.

“American enjoys a wonderful relationship with the City of Fort Worth, the City of Dallas and DFW Airport, and we thank Mayor Price, Mayor Rawlings, and Sean and the entire DFW team for being such great partners. DFW is American’s largest hub and a central gateway to our extensive international and domestic network. The plans we’re announcing today will allow for the continued growth of DFW and ensure the airport remains a premier gateway for American for many more years to come.”

In 2018, DFW Airport welcomed 69 million passengers and announced 28 new destinations. Passengers also have access to over 60 international destinations from DFW.

By June 2019, the airline will operate more than 900 daily flights from the airport. Passengers in total have access to over 230 non-stop destinations on American from DFW.