Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and American Airlines announced plans to develop a sixth terminal, providing a long-term commitment from the airline and opportunities for businesses and customers in the fastest growing region in the United States.
Plans call for DFW to invest up to $3.5 billion in terminal improvements, including the construction of Terminal F and enhancements to Terminal C. The identified site south of Terminal D provides significant flexibility for phasing in the number of gates for Terminal F, with a long-term projection of up to 24 gates, as demand for additional facilities is warranted.
“We look forward to accommodating the continued growth of our city and the region through infrastructure improvements and expansion at DFW Airport,” said Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price. “We’re glad to see DFW’s anchor carrier, American Airlines, headquartered in Fort Worth, collaborate with the airport to take this area to new heights. This new terminal will further fuel economic development and job growth in our region.”
Design work for Terminal F will begin immediately. DFW and American will explore several different options for the layout of the Terminal F site. DFW and American expect the details to be finalized as part of a new airlines lease agreement for DFW that is being negotiated. DFW and American anticipate the investment to be financed by bonds and repaid through airlines rates and charges over the life of the bonds.
The design of Terminal F is expected to accommodate a changing aviation industry as DFW uses 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.