Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) international airport and American Airlines have announced plans to develop a sixth terminal in an investment worth up to US $3.5 billion (more than £2.7 billion).
The plans call for DFW to invest in terminal improvements, including the construction of Terminal F and enhancements to Terminal C. According to American Airlines, a site south of Terminal D provides “significant flexibility” for phasing in up to 24 additional gates in the new building by 2025.
Both parties say demand for additional facilities warrants the development of a new terminal.
Design work on Terminal F is to begin immediately, with DFW and American Airlines due to work together to explore “several different options” for the layout of the site. The companies expect details of the project to be finalised as part of a new airlines lease agreement for DFW that is currently being negotiated.
Funding for the project is expected to come from bonds and repaid through airline rates and charges over the life of those bonds.
Sean Donohue, chief executive of DFW airport, said: “Today’s announcement sets the stage for DFW airport’s next 50 years. The new Terminal F and the expansion that could follow will provide the region with the growth it needs to compete with international business centres. The airport is growing faster than ever, and it needs to keep pace with the Dallas-Fort Worth economy to provide jobs and connections for businesses and families. We’re grateful to Dallas mayor Mike Rawlings, Fort Worth mayor Betsy Price and board chairman Bill Meadows for their leadership. I want to especially recognise American for its commitment to DFW airport. We look forward to working together to deliver what will be an efficient, modern terminal with a state-of-the-art customer experience.”
American Airlines chairman and CEO Doug Parker added: “This is an exciting day for American and our more than 31,000 team members who call Dallas-Fort Worth home. American enjoys a wonderful relationship with the city of Fort Worth, the city of Dallas and DFW airport, and we thank mayor Price, mayor Rawlings and Sean and the entire DFW team for being such great partners. DFW is American’s largest hub and a central gateway to our extensive international and domestic network. The plans we’re announcing today will allow for the continued growth of DFW and ensure the airport remains a premier gateway for American for many more years to come.”
DFW airport saw a record 69 million passengers in 2018, with further rises and additional air services expected over the next two years. The hub announced 28 new destinations in 2018 and currently features more than 60 international routes.
By June 2019, American Airlines says it will operate more than 900 daily flights from the airport.
dfwairport.com; aa.com