Dallas‑Fort Worth International Airport announced a wave of infrastructure achievements during its November 5 board meeting, underscoring the airport’s role as a vital transportation hub for North Texas. Executive Vice President Mohamed Charkas highlighted that over 180 construction projects are active across the campus, many of which are part of the $12 billion DFW Forward investment backed by the airlines and the owner cities of Dallas and Fort Worth.
Terminal expansions move forward
Terminal F, the airport’s sixth terminal, remains the centerpiece of the expansion plan. The $4 billion project is 95% complete and is expected to open its first 15 gates in 2027, with the remaining 16 gates following by the end of 2030. Charkas called Terminal F “the crown jewel of DFW,” noting that the first ten gates will be operational in June 2027 and five more by year‑end.
Terminal C’s Phase 1A is on track for a March 2027 opening, with construction 95% finished. The $3 billion upgrade adds glass façades, removes over 400 view‑blocking columns, raises the roof, and introduces new retail, dining, lounge, and checkpoint areas. Nine gates opened in June, and the remaining gates will be ready as the project nears completion.
Terminal A’s new pier now hosts six of its ten gates, with the remaining four slated for completion by the end of the year. Modular construction allowed the six gates to be built in just 14 months, and 65% of required systems were installed before the gates went live.
Parking, roadwork, and new services
A 5,200‑space parking garage is under construction, with the Terminal C garage expected to be operational by Dec. 19. The garage’s demolition and reconstruction began in October 2024 and will cost $200 million.
Road improvements include a $171.73 million Phase 2 project to replace International Parkway bridges and light poles, with completion now projected for mid‑2028 after a schedule extension. A $124 million effort will replace the left‑hand exit to Terminal E with right‑hand exits, finishing in spring 2028.
Additional projects include a $14.7 million renovation of the Rental Car Center bridge and road pavement, slated for November 2027, and a new 1,000‑space parking lot at the Remote South parking area to accommodate future demand.
Security, transit, and sustainability upgrades
DFW will replace its 30‑year‑old security screening equipment, with Phase 1 of the upgrade expected by May 2027. The new technology will enable Transportation Security Administration officers to process passengers more quickly.
The airport also approved the purchase of 28 new buses—eight electric and 20 compressed natural gas—totaling $33.39 million. The consolidated contract with LAZ Parking, effective Oct. 1, streamlines shuttle operations across more than 200 routes.
Looking ahead, Terminal F will feature a vertiport to support vertical take‑off and landing aircraft, aligning DFW with emerging air‑taxi technology demonstrated by Joby Aviation at nearby Perot Field.
Economic impact and community pride
Charkas reported a 6% year‑over‑year increase in commercial development, now exceeding $141 million, and a 4.1% rise in hotel revenue despite ongoing renovations at the Grand Hyatt. The airport projects 87.4 million passengers this year and anticipates 101 million by 2029.
Public artwork contracts totaling $975,000 were awarded to local artists, including a sculpture by Fort Worth’s Gregory Ibanez for Terminal C and a collaborative piece by Denton’s David Stout and Seattle’s Robert Campbell for Terminal F.
These developments reflect DFW Airport’s commitment to modernizing infrastructure, enhancing passenger experience, and supporting the regional economy, reinforcing its status as a world‑class gateway for Texas travelers.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Plano — read the source article.
