DFW’s vision to transform travel
A preview of the Terminal C pier expansion at DFW Airport
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has begun work on its nearly US$9 billion capital improvement plan called “DFW Forward,” making it the airport’s largest capital investment since opening in 1974. “DFW Forward” includes more than 180 projects in various stages of planning, development and construction. According to the team, representative of DFW’s vision – Travel. Transformed., work will see monumental upgrades and expansions across terminals, roadway systems, airfield and infrastructure through 2029. With a lengthy “to do” list on the go, DFW Airport set to add, rebuild or reconstruct a total of 52 gates
Ranked third globally in terms of operations and passengers, DFW offers over 250 international destinations; it conducted 732,000 operations and served 86.9 million passengers in FY 2024. It is the world’s largest, and North America’s first, carbon-neutral airport.
Renderings of DFW Airport’s Terminal C reconstruction; the terminal’s reconstruction and expansion is already underway and being built via modular construction
Rebuilding Terminal C
The first phase of Terminal C’s reconstruction and expansion is already well underway, which features a pier-style expansion that will be home to nine new gates (adding a net gain of four gates to Terminal C). The expansion is being built via modular construction, a method that has proven to increase project and cost efficiencies, reduce operational impacts, improve quality and provide flexibility. When ready, the modules will be transported across the airfield and installed into place. This will also be the case for the reconstruction of Terminal C and the building of Terminal F, as well as the Terminal A pier expansion.
Terminal C will be home to all-new facilities, including shops and restaurants, lounge space, check-in areas, security checkpoints and revamped restrooms.
“In partnership with American Airlines, DFW’s busiest and least-updated terminal is getting a complete overhaul – from curb to gate – with a total reimagining of the customer experience,” reads “Going Monumental: A Guide to Construction and Capital Investments at DFW.” As noted in the brochure, reducing the number of view-blocking columns, raising the roof and installing new light-enhancing, energy-efficient windows will transform the terminal into a modern and spacious facility for decades to come. “This work will be done in phases to help reduce travel impacts and keep customers moving, and will be among the most complex projects that DFW undertakes in the coming years,” the source continues.
With a price tag of US$1.6 billion, Terminal F will feature a 400,000-square-foot, linear-design concourse, a modernized baggage handling system and expanded concessions
Putting the “F” in future
At the end of last year, DFW broke ground on its much-anticipated Terminal F. “The new Terminal F will expand the airport’s footprint with state-of-the-art facilities that align with our first-in-class customer experience and operation as we support the historic rise in air travel to and from the North Texas region,” said Sean Donohue, DFW’s Chief Executive Officer in a press release. “By utilizing modular construction techniques that we first pioneered with the High-C Gates, we will deliver Terminal F using technology at a scale that is unique among airport development projects.”
DeMetris Sampson, Chair of DFW Airport’s Board of Directors, added, “Terminal F has a key role in preparing for more historic growth on the horizon for both DFW Airport and the North Texas community. This new terminal will allow the airport to continue discovering new ways to care for our customers, inspire the future of travel, fuel our community with more jobs and create opportunities for businesses in our region.”
With a price tag of US$1.6 billion, Terminal F will feature a 400,000-square-foot, linear-design concourse, a modernized baggage handling system and expanded concessions. This program also involves a Terminal E expansion that will add over 100,000 square feet of new check-in, security and baggage claim facilities dedicated to passengers flying to or from Terminal F. As revealed by the airport, passengers using Terminal F will check-in at Terminal E and connect between both terminals using a one-terminal transfer via DFW’s Skylink system, which will introduce a new station above Terminal F when the terminal is scheduled to open in 2027.
“Terminal F has been strategically designed for the future, setting DFW up for the ability to expand Terminal F with additional gates and other supporting facilities,” reads the release.
DFW Order Now service
At this time, the Concessions Development Team is assessing passenger interest to provide the most sought-after options for travelers in the terminal expansions and redevelopments.
Before arriving to the airport, customers can order from the concession of their choice on the DFWOrderNow.com website, on the DFW mobile app, or through kiosks. Additionally, modern Grab & Go spaces have been established throughout each of DFW’s five terminals and convenient self-checkout options have also been incorporated into customer options to further expedite the needs of DFW’s busy travelers.
Path to net zero
Also underway is the construction of a new Electric Central Utility Plant (eCUP), which will help DFW’s ambitious goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030 and build a sustainable and resilient future at the airport. The new facility, which will support the heating and cooling of all airport terminals, will be fuelled by electricity purchased by the airport that comes from 100% renewable sources. According to the team, it is on track to be used partially starting in Spring 2025.
Other major projects are in progress and coming soon:
- East West Connector Roadway: A new east-west throughfare on the southside of the airport is under construction to connect Rental Car Drive to State Highway 360
- Southwest End-Around Taxiway Project: DFW’s third end-around taxiway is currently under a multi-phase construction program to further enhance the safety and efficiency of aircraft movements
- Fire Station Modernization Project: Two new fire stations are being built in central airfield locations on both sides of the airport that will maximize resiliency, minimize response time and improve efficiency and protection of essential equipment and personnel
A look at the new and improved Pier C Gate Lounge; the pier expansion portion of the project is scheduled to be complete in 2026
