$9 billion Texas airport modernization begins

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), one of the world’s busiest airport hubs, has officially kicked off a $9 billion renovation.

Announced in late August, the initiative, dubbed “DFW Forward,” marks the airport’s largest investment since it opened in 1974 and is aimed at modernizing terminals, increasing capacity and improving the overall passenger experience.

The heart of this massive renovation is a $3 billion overhaul of Terminal C, DFW’s busiest and most outdated terminal. The terminal is set to undergo a complete overhaul, with plans to eliminate more than 400 obstructive columns, install new dynamic glass windows and raise the roof to create a more spacious environment. The redesigned Terminal C will also feature state-of-the-art check-in areas, security checkpoints and improved restrooms.

“The incredible improvements and expansions we have planned for the airport will transform the customer experience in many ways and create the necessary framework to support more historic growth in air travel to and from North Texas,” DFW CEO Sean Donohue said Aug. 29.

“As we approach serving 100 million passengers annually, it is time for DFW to improve our remaining terminal and imagine something completely new.”

In 2023, DFW served nearly 82 million passengers, ranking it behind Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta Airport in Georgia and Dubai International Airport in the United Arab Emirates. Airports Council International ranking of the world’s busiest airports.

In addition to Terminal C, the project includes a simultaneous expansion of Terminal A, which will provide travelers with more amenities, including new retail and dining options, more seating and additional restrooms, according to DFW.

One of the standout features of the DFW Forward plan is the addition of a sixth, new Terminal F. The new terminal, to be built later in the decade, is expected to further expand the airport’s capacity by adding 15 new gates.

The project also includes significant modernization of the airport and upgrades to roads and parking lots.

Other additions include an Electric Central Utility Facility that will help heat and cool DFW’s terminals using electricity from renewable sources, two brand new fire stations on either side of the airport and new cargo facilities that “will nearly double the parking capacity of cargo aircraft.”

Among other improvements to Terminal C, one of the adjacent parking lots will be “completely rebuilt,” DFW said, with more capacity and “modern parking management technologies to accommodate the growth resulting from the terminal expansion.”

The current Terminal C parking garage is scheduled to close on Saturday and be demolished later this year.

“I am excited about the upcoming construction of the redesigned Terminal C at DFW Airport,” Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson said Aug. 29. “As an international city, Dallas thrives on the global connections enabled by the world’s third-busiest airport. This monumental expansion will strengthen one of Dallas’ greatest assets, facilitating more dynamic connections to our country and the world.”

Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker echoed Johnson’s sentiments, saying, “As DFW Airport begins this latest transformation, we look forward to seeing how these advancements will further enhance the traveler experience and strengthen our connections to the world as the DFW metropolitan area rapidly grows.”

According to DFW, the entire renovation is expected to be completed by 2030, but travelers will gradually see improvements as each phase is completed. Despite the complexity of the construction, DFW plans to maintain continuous flight operations throughout the project.

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