Dallas, October 16, 2025
News Summary
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has initiated a significant digital transformation led by Jacobs and PA Consulting, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency to meet rising travel demands. The project will implement AI and advanced analytics for smarter infrastructure. Concurrently, DFW is expanding Terminal F, having successfully moved six prefabricated structures as part of its first terminal construction in 20 years. The project aims to improve airport capacity and sustainability, aligning with DFW’s broader $12 billion capital improvement plan.
Dallas — Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has launched a major digital transformation and continues construction on Terminal F to expand capacity and meet rising travel demand.
What happened
Dallas-based Jacobs and London-based PA Consulting will lead a digital transformation project at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The initiative aims to help DFW, the world’s third-busiest airport, meet rising global travel demands through smarter infrastructure and data-driven operations. The project will utilize AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics to enhance operational agility and long-term innovation across DFW’s infrastructure. Built-in cybersecurity will be a key focus of the AI-based solutions being implemented. The engagement supports predictive decision-making and enables scalable, long-term innovation.
Terminal F construction progress
DFW Airport recently completed the historic move of six prefabricated structures for the first phase of Terminal F, its first new terminal in 20 years. The module structures, described as nearly the size of a football field, were moved overnight during a two-week period using self-propelled modular transporters. The last of the six module moves concluded on August 8, marking significant progress in the Terminal F construction. This is DFW’s third modular construction project, with the latest modules being the largest ever used for a terminal expansion at any airport. The largest module measured 278 feet long, 136 feet wide, and weighed 3,320 tons, equivalent to about 12 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
Scope and timeline
DFW’s Terminal F expansion, initially planned at $1.6 billion with 15 gates, was expanded to $4 billion and 31 gates, thanks to increased collaboration with American Airlines. Terminal F is expected to enhance capacity for international operations and widebody aircraft, and will include facilities for parking, ticketing, check-in, security screening, and baggage handling. The projected opening for the first phase of Terminal F is in 2027. The design-build team for Terminal F’s first phase is Innovation Next+, a joint venture involving several construction and design firms.
Why this matters
The combined digital and physical upgrades aim to position DFW to handle growing passenger volumes and more complex global travel patterns. PA Consulting brings global experience implementing intelligent systems that improve airport operations and sustainability. Jacobs has a long-standing relationship with DFW and is recognized as the No. 1 airport design firm by Engineering News-Record in 2025. The digital program is designed to help the airport run more efficiently, make better-informed operational decisions, and scale innovation over time.
Broader program and sustainability
DFW is part of a historic $12 billion capital improvement plan known as DFW Forward, which encompasses other major expansions and upgrades across its infrastructure. The airport has made strides in sustainability, recently recognized as the largest airport powered by 100% renewable electricity. It is also identified as North America’s first carbon-neutral airport, with ongoing efforts to cut emissions and gain international recognition.
Operational focus
The digital transformation and Terminal F construction together are intended to increase capacity, improve resilience, and modernize passenger handling and airside operations. The initiative will focus on operational agility through advanced analytics and AI, while ensuring cybersecurity is integrated into new systems. The engagement supports predictive decision-making and enables scalable, long-term innovation to help DFW adapt as travel patterns evolve.
Next steps
- Continue modular construction phases for Terminal F with attention to schedule and safety.
- Deploy AI, machine learning, and analytics tools across infrastructure systems and operations.
- Integrate built-in cybersecurity safeguards into AI-based solutions.
- Coordinate with airline partners and design-build teams to meet the 2027 first-phase opening target.
FAQ
Who is leading the digital transformation?
Dallas-based Jacobs and London-based PA Consulting will lead a digital transformation project at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
What is the goal of the initiative?
The initiative aims to help DFW, the world’s third-busiest airport, meet rising global travel demands through smarter infrastructure and data-driven operations.
What technologies will be used?
The project will utilize AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics to enhance operational agility and long-term innovation across DFW’s infrastructure.
Will cybersecurity be included?
Built-in cybersecurity will be a key focus of the AI-based solutions being implemented.
What recent construction milestone was completed?
DFW Airport recently completed the historic move of six prefabricated structures for the first phase of Terminal F, its first new terminal in 20 years.
How large were the modules and how were they moved?
The module structures, described as nearly the size of a football field, were moved overnight during a two-week period using self-propelled modular transporters.
When did the module moves finish?
The last of the six module moves concluded on August 8, marking significant progress in the Terminal F construction.
How large was the largest module?
The largest module measured 278 feet long, 136 feet wide, and weighed 3,320 tons, equivalent to about 12 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
How much will Terminal F cost and how many gates will it have?
DFW’s Terminal F expansion, initially planned at $1.6 billion with 15 gates, was expanded to $4 billion and 31 gates, thanks to increased collaboration with American Airlines.
What will Terminal F provide?
Terminal F is expected to enhance capacity for international operations and widebody aircraft, and will include facilities for parking, ticketing, check-in, security screening, and baggage handling.
When will the first phase open?
The projected opening for the first phase of Terminal F is in 2027.
Who is the design-build team for the first phase?
The design-build team for Terminal F’s first phase is Innovation Next+, a joint venture involving several construction and design firms.
What larger plan is this part of?
DFW is part of a historic $12 billion capital improvement plan known as DFW Forward, which encompasses other major expansions and upgrades across its infrastructure.
What are the airport’s sustainability achievements?
The airport has made strides in sustainability, recently recognized as the largest airport powered by 100% renewable electricity.
Has DFW been identified for carbon neutrality?
It is also identified as North America’s first carbon-neutral airport, with ongoing efforts to cut emissions and gain international recognition.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Project leaders | Dallas-based Jacobs and London-based PA Consulting will lead a digital transformation project at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). |
| Technology focus | The project will utilize AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics to enhance operational agility and long-term innovation across DFW’s infrastructure. |
| Cybersecurity | Built-in cybersecurity will be a key focus of the AI-based solutions being implemented. |
| Modular construction milestone | DFW Airport recently completed the historic move of six prefabricated structures for the first phase of Terminal F, its first new terminal in 20 years. |
| Terminal size & cost | DFW’s Terminal F expansion, initially planned at $1.6 billion with 15 gates, was expanded to $4 billion and 31 gates. |
| Opening target | The projected opening for the first phase of Terminal F is in 2027. |
| Sustainability | The airport has made strides in sustainability, recently recognized as the largest airport powered by 100% renewable electricity. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dallas Innovates: Jacobs and PA Consulting Lead Digital Transformation at DFW Airport
- DFW Airport Newsroom: Completion of Innovative Megastructure Module Moves
- Future Travel Experience: Terminal F Module Moves Completion at DFW Airport
- Wikipedia: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
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