One of the nation's largest airports has begun its first significant improvement program since it opened 50 years ago. The North Texas Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport hub is getting a redesigned new Terminal amid a flurry of projects designed to improve the airport experience. Transforming Terminal C The airport improvement program will transform terminals, add new facilities, grow the number of gates, improve roadways and connectivity, and upgrade the airfield as part of the airport's most significant capital investment since opening in 1974.
The first phase of the nearly $9 billion "DFW Forward" capital improvement plan involves completely renovating the existing Terminal C at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport (DFW), which is used by American Airlines . The three-phase project will be completed in 2029. The project will completely transform what the airport refers to as its " busiest and most outdated terminal " to the tune of $3 billion.
The result will be a modern and spacious experience filled with natural light. This comes thanks to a complete overhaul that will remove more than 400 view-blocking columns, literally raise the roof, and install a new dynamic glass window. Sean Donohue, DFW's Chief Executive Officer, noted just how important this project is to the airport: “After 50 years of growth, innovation and service to our community, a new era is now beginning at DFW.
“The incredible upgrades and expansions we have planned across the airport are going to reimagine the customer experience in many ways and provide the needed framework to support more historic growth in air travel to and from North Texas. "As we grow closer to serving 100 million passengers each year, it’s time for DFW to enhance our remaining legacy terminal and imagine brand new ones. The work in front of us is exciting, but it is going to be complex, challenging and impactful as we continue to operate one of the world’s busiest airports.
” Other features that will be introduced in the first phase include renewed shops and restaurants, lounge spaces, check-in areas, security checkpoints, and improved restrooms. But wait, there's more Terminal C is not the only facility getting an upgrade in the project, which is budgeted at $9 billion altogether. Pier expansions of both Terminal C and Terminal A are going on concurrently with the first phase of Terminal C's reconstruction.
The expansions will add 115,000 square feet and four gates to Terminal C and 140,000 square feet and five gates to Terminal A. June was a busy month for Dallas/Fort Worth. The two expansions will also make room for more restaurants, retail outlets, seating areas, and restrooms.
Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson highlighted how the project will improve one of the busiest airports in the world: “I am thrilled about the upcoming construction of a reimagined Terminal C at DFW Airport “As an international city, Dallas flourishes through the global relationships made possible by the third-busiest airport in the world. This monumental expansion will strengthen one of Dallas’ greatest assets, facilitating more dynamic connections with our nation and the world.
The next expansion phase involves completely demolishing and rebuilding the remainder of Terminal C. The two-step process allows flight operations to continue in portions of the facility while specific areas undergo significant construction. The final touches on the new facility are expected to be completed in 2030.
Please get the latest aviation news straight to your inbox: Sign up for our newsletters today. Next door, the south parking garage adjacent to Terminal C will be completely rebuilt with additional parking and modern parking management technologies to manage increasing passenger numbers. The garage will close on September 14th and be completely demolished later this year.
Passengers will still be able to park in the north and central garages and can check the availability of parking spaces beforehand. Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker shared how the improvements will help the airport maintain its status as a global hub: "As DFW Airport embarks on this latest transformation, we are excited to see how these advancements will further enhance the travel experience and strengthen our connection to the world as the DFW Metroplex continues to rapidly grow. “The reimaging of Terminal C is a significant step forward in ensuring that DFW Airport maintains its status as a top aviation hub.
We're committed to supporting this growth and look forward to the new opportunities and benefits it will bring to travelers and the region." The entire DFW Forward improvement plan involves more than 180 projects in various stages of planning, development, and construction spread throughout the airport's extensive airfield, terminal, and roadway systems. Up next: DFW's sixth Terminal F, which will include 15 gates and a Skylink station, and the International Parkway Modernization project, which will transition access to Terminals A, B, and C to right-hand exits Have you heard the Simple Flying podcast recently? DFW is not the only North Texas-area airport to receive upgrades this year.
Nearby Dallas Love Field (DAL) is undergoing a transformation of its own, as one of its runways is being improved, and new drainage infrastructure is being installed along the Taxiway A side of the runway. The smaller of the airport's runways will be closed for 85 days for essential safety upgrades and maintenance..
