Expansion of Terminal F at Fort Worth's American Airlines Airport, anticipated to be worth $4 billion, aimed at accommodating airport growth.
Huge Building Boom at DFW International Airport
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is experiencing a $4 billion expansion, thanks to a major investment from American Airlines. The initial plan, consisting of a 15-gate terminal, is being revamped to create a 31-gate state-of-the-art facility.
Officials from both the airport and American Airlines, along with mayors from Fort Worth and Dallas, announced this expansion on May 1. The revamped Terminal F is set to become a significant hub for American Airlines and is scheduled to become operational in 2027.
Currently under construction at the south end of the airport, Terminal F aims to bolster American Airlines' international operations and enhance customer service, improving amenities such as baggage claims and check-ins.
The airport will see its growth prospects soar, given North Texas' booming economy. Walsh, DFW Airport CEO, said, "DFW Airport, just last month, was reaffirmed as the third-busiest airport in the world. And while the national economy may see some softening demand in the near term, we continue to project significant long-term growth in passenger traffic at DFW Airport for decades ahead."
This expansion aligns with American Airlines' commitment to Dallas-Fort Worth, a rapidly growing region in the country. The airport project is part of a broader $12 billion DFW Forward capital plan intended to improve and modernize facilities and infrastructure.
The scope of the project includes planned phases coming ahead of schedule, including the 31 gates, a connection to a centralized Skylink station, and a pedestrian bridge linking Terminal D. A new parking garage, one of DFW’s largest, is also in the works, fitted with curbside amenities for quick access.
Notably, under the original plan, the airport and American Airlines had agreed on a 10-year lease with pre-approved capital investments for constructing Terminal F. The expansion will be completed sooner than initially planned, movingPassengers will access Terminal F via the airport's Skylink system from Terminal E.
While travelers will have to wait a few years to experience these enhancements, some advancements are already underway. The reimagining and expansion of Terminal C with nine new gates are currently under construction, while some gates, including the one where the news conference took place, are now open. Terminal A will also be expanded in the future.
Additionally, American Airlines is enhancing customer experiences through new lounges at Philadelphia International Airport and plans to offer complimentary high-speed satellite WiFi sponsored by AT&T for its AAdvantage members starting January 2026.
Heather Garboden, American Airlines' senior vice president and chief customer officer, is excited about the upcoming changes, stating, "In three years, it's going to be beautiful."
By Eric E. Garcia, Fort Worth Report Senior Business Reporter. Contact Eric at [email protected].
At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
This article was first published on Fort Worth Report and is republished under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
[1] American Airlines / DFW Airport Construction Updates
[2] DFW Airport Terminal F Expansion Details
[3] DFW Airport Forecasts Record Passenger Growth
[4] Designing the Future of Aviation: DFW Airport's Plans for Terminal F
[5] American Airlines Unveils Plans for Expanded Terminal F at DFW International Airport
- The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is undergoing a $4 billion expansion, largely funded by American Airlines, and originally planned as a 15-gate terminal, but revamped to a 31-gate state-of-the-art facility.
- With the expansion of Terminal F, American Airlines aims to strengthen its international operations and improve customer service at DFW International Airport.
- The airport's growth prospects are high due to North Texas' booming economy, as DFW Airport was recently reaffirmed as the third-busiest airport in the world.
- The project aligns with American Airlines' commitment to the rapidly growing Dallas-Fort Worth region, which is part of a larger $12 billion DFW Forward capital plan to modernize facilities and infrastructure.
- The expansion includes planned phases ahead of schedule, such as the 31 gates, a Skylink station connection, and a pedestrian bridge linking Terminal D, as well as a large new parking garage with curbside amenities.
- The airport's industry peers and stakeholders will be closely monitoring the project's progress in the transportation and aerospace sectors, along with the finance, real-estate, and business communities.
- In 2027, Terminal F will become operational, enhancing DFW International Airport's position as a significant hub for American Airlines, and further bolstering the local economy.
