A few years ago the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) announced construction of a new terminal which would be located south of Terminal D. That terminal, known as Terminal F, was expected to have 15 gates and be accessible via the Skylink train. No curbside facilities would be available, unlike the other 5 terminals at DFW and it would essentially operate as a satellite of Terminal D.
Well now, there’s an exciting new development as American Airlines and DFW Airport have announced a massive expansion of the project!
Terminal F at DFW Airport to Double in Size, Gain Check-In Facilities
The new plans were revealed today during an event at the airport and will double the number of gates, add new facilities to expand international operations, increase lounge and premium space, add a new customer check-in experience as well as a dedicated parking garage.
This modification will increase the planned investment in Terminal F to roughly $4 billion and accelerates the construction timeline to allow passengers to enjoy the new space sooner. The new terminal will be operated exclusively by American Airlines, with the Fort Worth based carrier expanding its Lease Agreement at the airport through 2043.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom had this to say about the expansion:
“DFW is American’s largest and most critical hub, and with this expanded plan for Terminal F, DFW has a clear path to become the largest airline hub in the world. Dallas-Fort Worth is one of the fastest growing regions in the country, and we’re excited that American and North Texas will continue to grow together. Terminal F will elevate our customer experience in a big way, providing customers with a fantastic new facility and state-of-the-art amenities. We thank Mayor Johnson, Mayor Parker, the rest of the DFW Airport Board, and Sean and the DFW team for their partnership. We’re excited for the future at DFW and all the growth that’s to come in North Texas.”
More Growth in North Texas Requires More Space
The Terminal F expansion will provide more space for widebody aircraft and international flight processing as well as additional space for leading amenities, shops, and restaurants, providing passengers flying out of DFW with more options.
Terminal F will retain its Skylink station and have a walking connection with Terminal D. This will leave all Terminals connected via walking paths behind security with the exception of Terminal E.
The new Terminal F parking garage is designed with a built-in curbside circulation and an innovative baggage drop and check-in area to maintain quick access to check in and security.
The original first phase of Terminal F is well underway and scheduled to be operational in 2027, with the enhanced features to come online shortly after. American plans to occupy all the gates of the new terminal, creating a seamless experience for connecting customers and driving efficiencies for the airline’s operations.
The project has seen strong support from community leaders with Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker stating:
“Fort Worth-based American Airlines continues to double down on DFW as its home base with another major investment in the airport’s infrastructure and long-term health. Today’s announcement ensures that DFW will be ready to accommodate the historic growth happening in Fort Worth and all of North Texas into the future.”
Dallas Mayor Eric Adams added:
“DFW Airport is getting even bigger and better with the exciting new plans for Terminal F. This monumental investment by American Airlines is set to elevate an already world-class international airport. This is yet another example of how the growing partnership between American Airlines and DFW Airport continues to strengthen Dallas’ gateway to the rest of the world while boosting our economy and reinforcing our status as a premier international city.”
As a former Dallas resident who still visits the city often, this is exciting news for the airport and the DFW Metroplex. Honestly, in my opinion, this should have been the plan all along, but I’m glad to see that they are making Terminal F a full-fledged, standalone terminal for travelers. I can’t wait to see what American does with premium lounge space in the Terminal and I assume we’ll see a new Flagship Lounge open here in the future.
This isn’t the only expansion occurring in the DFW Metroplex. McKinney National Airport (TKI) is upgrading its facilities in the hopes of becoming the third commercial airport in North Texas region. Upgrades are expected to be completed in late 2026.
Summary
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and American Airlines have just announced a major expansion to the already under construction Terminal F. The changes will see American become the sole tenant at the terminal and double the gate space versus previous plans. Construction is expected to open in phases with the first occurring in 2027.
(Images courtesy American Airlines)
That looks quite nice. Who’s paying the bill, American or the airport?
My understanding, based on what is in the press release, is that the airport will be paying for the expansion after American signed a long-term lease expansion.
No matter who pays up front you are paying for it whether or not you use it. That is the funding model of all airports unfortunately. None of this is free to the flying public.