Dallas, October 6, 2025
News Summary
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is set to undergo a significant expansion, including the construction of Terminal F at a projected cost of $4 billion. This new terminal will feature 31 gates and support an increase in passenger traffic, aiming for 100 million annual passengers by 2030. The expansion plans also include new retail and dining options, aiming to almost double shopping and dining space by 2028. This initiative showcases the airport’s commitment to improving passenger experience and accommodating record growth in traffic.
Dallas/Fort Worth
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)Terminal F and a wider modernization effort scheduled through 2028. The airport served a historic volume of travelers in 2024 and is planning capacity, concessions and cultural features aimed at handling future growth toward an expected 100 million annual passengers by 2030.
Top points
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) will host FTE Global 2026 from September 8-10, 2026. The airport served over 87.8 million passengers in 2024, a 7.4% increase from 2023 and a 17% increase since 2019. Terminal F, a new terminal under construction at DFW, is expected to cost approximately $4 billion and include 31 gates. The airport issued a request for proposals for 38 new retail and dining locations as part of its expansion plan. DFW airport plans to nearly double shopping and dining space to accommodate future passenger growth, reaching 100 million annually by 2030. The timeline for these expansion projects extends to 2028.
Details and context
DFW reported 87.8 million passengers in 2024, reflecting continued recovery and growth since 2019. The airport also registered 743,203 operations in 2024, ranking third globally for passenger traffic and aircraft movements. To support these volumes, DFW is implementing a major $9 billion capital investment program called DFW Forward to modernize facilities across the complex.
The centerpiece of upcoming capacity expansion is Terminal F, a roughly $4 billion project that will provide 31 gates and dedicated ticketing, security and check-in facilities primarily for American Airlines. Terminal F construction is paired with a cultural and passenger experience plan that includes calls for public art. DFW is calling for artists to create immersive digital video experiences in the new Terminal F, inspired by themes such as connected journeys and cultural tapestry. The airport currently has about 30 permanent art installations and plans to add 16 more over multiple phases.
Concessions expansion is a key element of the program. The airport issued a request for proposals for 38 new retail and dining locations and has approved 20 concepts that include local Texas brands. Some noteworthy new dining options will classify as “firsts” in U.S. airports, including a 24-hour Chick-fil-A. The overall concessions plan aims to nearly double shopping and dining space within the terminal system.
DFW continues to serve a broad route network, offering flights to over 260 destinations, including 73 international routes. The airport’s operations and passenger metrics placed it third worldwide for both passenger traffic and aircraft movements in 2024.
Events, awards and partner projects
DFW will host FTE Global 2026 from September 8-10, 2026, a technology and passenger-experience conference recognized as the “CES of Aviation”. The 2026 event is expected to welcome over 2,000 attendees and mark its 20th anniversary. Separately, DFW has received multiple awards for customer experience, including Best Airport in North America and Best Overall Concessions Program, underscoring its emphasis on passenger amenities.
Major construction at Dallas Love Field, which will include lounges and expanded concourse space, is set to begin in 2027. Southwest Airlines is expected to fund most of the renovation at Dallas Love Field while improving passenger experiences.
Timeline and capacity goals
DFW’s capital program and related projects are staged through 2028, with longer-term capacity goals aimed at supporting 100 million annual passengers by 2030. Planned additions to terminal space, gate counts, concessions and art installations are intended to improve throughput, customer choice and cultural representation in the terminals.
FAQ
What major event will DFW host in 2026?
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) will host FTE Global 2026 from September 8-10, 2026.
How many passengers did DFW serve in 2024?
DFW served over 87.8 million passengers in 2024, a 7.4% increase from 2023 and a 17% increase since 2019.
What are Terminal F plans?
Terminal F, a new terminal under construction at DFW, is expected to cost approximately $4 billion and include 31 gates.
How many new retail and dining locations are planned?
The airport issued a request for proposals for 38 new retail and dining locations as part of its expansion plan.
Will DFW increase shopping and dining space?
DFW airport plans to nearly double shopping and dining space to accommodate future passenger growth, reaching 100 million annually by 2030.
What cultural and art projects are included?
DFW is calling for artists to create immersive digital video experiences in the new Terminal F, inspired by themes such as connected journeys and cultural tapestry. The airport currently has about 30 permanent art installations and plans to add 16 more over multiple phases.
What is the overall capital program called?
DFW is undergoing a major $9 billion capital investment program called DFW Forward to modernize facilities.
What other airport projects are scheduled?
Major construction at Dallas Love Field, which will include lounges and expanded concourse space, is set to begin in 2027. Southwest Airlines is expected to fund most of the renovation at Dallas Love Field while improving passenger experiences.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| 2024 passengers | 87.8 million |
| Passenger growth vs 2023 | 7.4% |
| Growth since 2019 | 17% |
| Aircraft operations 2024 | 743,203 |
| Global ranking | Third for passenger traffic and aircraft movements |
| DFW Forward | $9 billion capital investment program |
| Terminal F | Approximately $4 billion; 31 gates; primarily for American Airlines |
| Retail/dining RFPs | 38 new locations requested |
| Approved concession concepts | 20, including local Texas brands |
| Notable dining firsts | 24-hour Chick-fil-A; other U.S. airport firsts |
| Art installations | About 30 permanent installations; 16 more planned over multiple phases |
| Route network | Flights to over 260 destinations, including 73 international routes |
| Event | FTE Global 2026: September 8-10, 2026; expected 2,000+ attendees; 20th anniversary |
| Love Field construction | Major work begins 2027; Southwest Airlines expected to fund most renovation |
| Capacity target | Reach 100 million annual passengers by 2030 |
| Project timeline | Extends to 2028 |
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Additional Resources
- Airline Geeks: Dallas Love Field Expansion Plans
- Wikipedia: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
- DFW Airport: World’s Third Busiest Airport
- Google Search: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
- Future Travel Experience: DFW Airport Selects Outsight
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dallas-Fort Worth
- Simple Flying: New Food Options at DFW
- Google News: DFW Airport Dining
- Virtual Builder: Terminal F Expansion at DFW
- Local Profile: DFW Named Best Airport in North America
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
