submitted by Meetings & Conventions
American Airlines has signed a new lease at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport that includes $4.8 billion to build a new terminal and renovate one of the five existing terminals, airline and airport officials said Tuesday.
The construction will add 15 gates in the new Terminal F and nine gates to Terminal C, which will be renovated.
The $1.63 billion new Terminal F would include 15 gates. The deal also calls for $2.72 billion to renovate Terminal C and add nine gates in “piers” that will extend from terminals A and C. American will control those gates.
The work is designed to prepare Fort Worth, Texas-based American for the expected growth in air travel. DFW is the second-busiest airport in the United States, behind only Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
6th Terminal
The sixth terminal at DFW has long been planned but was delayed by the pandemic, which caused air travel to decline sharply for two years. Air travel has recently rebounded roughly to 2019 levels, and in some months, topped prepandemic traffic.
American’s new lease and airport-use agreement replaces one that expired in 2020.
American and its American Eagle partners control more than 80 percent of the airport’s traffic, with runners-up Spirit Airlines and Delta Air Lines each carrying about 4 percent of DFW passengers, according to government figures through March.
DFW History
The Dallas Fort Worth Regional (later International) Airport was dedicated in September 1973 and became operational for its first time on January 13, 1974. At the time of the opening, the airport had only nine operating airlines. In addition, extensive facilities were in business, including a 600-room hotel, a post office, and a few shops and restaurants. At the time, it was the biggest airport in the world.
Today, Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport warmly welcomes more than 73 million customers along their journey every year, elevating DFW to a status as one of the most frequently visited superhub airports in the world.
DFW Airport customers can choose among 193 domestic and 67 international nonstop destinations worldwide. Additionally, 22 cargo airlines provide worldwide freighter service positioning DFW as the ideal cargo gateway to the world.DFW is also elevating the customer experience with modernized facilities and updated amenities.
Centered between its owner cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW Airport also serves as a major economic generator for the North Texas region, producing over $37 billion in economic impact each year by connecting people through business and leisure travel.