The third-busiest airport in the world is expected get even bigger over the next few years.
Called “DFW Forward,” DFW International Airport‘s capital plan worth more than $12 billion is underway ― with plans to add or refurbish 68 gates, in addition to other improvements.
Here’s everything to know about the plan:
What changes are coming to DFW?
Terminal F
Last week, DFW Airport and American Airlines jointly announced the expansion of the existing Terminal F project, which will add a new terminal next to Terminal E.
Originally intended as a $1.6 billion vestigial terminal with only 15 gates supported by Terminal E, Terminal F will now feature 31 self-supported gates, thanks to a $4 billion investment from American. The Fort Worth-based airline will exclusively occupy the terminal.
Related:DFW Airport, American Airlines reach $4B deal for ‘crown jewel’ terminal buildout
DFW’s expanded Terminal F project
View GalleryTerminals A and C
Also in the pipeline are expansions and renovations of Terminals A and C.
Terminal C is DFW’s busiest — and most outdated — terminal, so DFW is investing $3 billion to modernize it over several phases.
First, the terminal will see 400 view-blocking columns come down and its roof raised. Terminal C will also get a 115,000-square-foot pier expansion with five rebuilt gates and four new gates.
After this, the remainder of Terminal C will be demolished and rebuilt in two additional phases.
Terminal A is also getting a pier expansion, this one 140,000 square feet with five rebuilt gates and four new gates.
Runway 17R/35L
The airport closed Runway 17R/35L, one of its largest, in August 2023 to undergo complete rehabilitation.
This meant a high-density asphalt overlay, new and improved drainage, electrical infrastructure and lighting, including 2,725 runway lights that were replaced with energy-efficient LED lights, signage and deicing infrastructure.
The runway reopened last October.
Others:
International Parkway Modernization: Transitioning Terminals A, B and C to right-hand exits.Electric Central Utility Plant (eCUP): A new facility that will help heat and cool DFW’s terminals with electricity supplied from 100% renewable resources.East-West Connector Roadway: A new road running east to west on the southside of the airport to connect Rental Car Drive to State Highway 360.Southwest End-Around Taxiway Project: DFW is adding a third end-around taxiway.Fire Station Modernization Project: Two new fire stations being built in central airfield locations on both sides of the airport.19th Street Cargo Redevelopment: Planned new facilities to nearly double cargo aircraft parking capacity with seven new positions designed for large aircraft.
When will construction complete?
The eCUP project is expected to partially open this year.
The pier expansions of Terminals A and C are expected to be completed in 2026, along with the East-West Connector and the International Parkway Modernization project.
In 2027, the first phase of Terminal F — the original 15 gates — will open, as well as the Southwest End-Around Taxiway.
By 2030, Terminal C will have been completely rebuilt and the entirety of Terminal F will have opened.
How are they paying for this?
DFW Airport agreed on a new 10-year use and lease agreement with American and other airlines in 2023, which included much of the capital expenditures included in the DFW Forward plan.
Related:DFW Airport sets stage to restart work on sixth terminal with new airlines lease
American’s new investment boost into Terminal F extended its use and lease agreement an additional 10 years to 2043.
Will this affect my flights?
DFW is using an innovative modular construction method in which gates are built across the airport then transferred and “plugged in,” so to speak.
This saves money and time, according to airport CEO Sean Donohue, and also helps alleviate some construction-related inconvenience for travelers. Phased construction should also help.
The airport has also set up a website, dfwairport.com/construction, where travelers can stay updated on how construction projects may affect their travel plans, from road closures to ground transportation movement and more.
