American Airlines and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport have unveiled an expanded $4 billion plan for Terminal F that will double the facility’s size and accelerate construction timelines.
The enhanced Terminal F will feature twice the number of gates compared to original plans, new facilities for international operations, increased lounge and premium space, and a dedicated parking garage.
The agreement extends American’s lease with DFW through 2043 and positions the airport to potentially become the world’s largest airline hub.
“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,” said American’s chief executive Robert Isom.
“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.”
The original Terminal F plan, agreed to in 2023, called for a 15-gate facility that passengers would access from Terminal E via the airport’s Skylink system.
The expanded version will provide a walking connection to Terminal D in addition to a new Skylink station, creating additional access across DFW’s terminals.
The terminal will feature widebody aircraft capability, international flight processing facilities, and spaces for amenities, shops, restaurants and public art.
American plans to occupy all gates in the new terminal, which is designed to create operational efficiencies and a seamless experience for connecting passengers.
The first phase of Terminal F remains on schedule to become operational in 2027, with enhanced features coming online shortly after.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson said the investment would elevate an already world-class international airport.
“This monumental investment by American Airlines is set to elevate an already world-class international airport,” he said.
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker described the announcement as another example of American’s commitment to DFW as its home base.
“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,” she said.
DFW Board of Directors Chair DeMetris Sampson emphasised the airport’s role as an economic engine for the region.
“DFW has become the economic engine of our region, and we know that this investment will ensure the long-term sustainability of the airport,” she said.
DFW chief executive Sean Donohue noted the airport’s growth trajectory over the past decade.
“In the last decade, DFW has grown its passenger traffic by 50 per cent and exceeded the wildest expectations of our founders to become the third-busiest airport in the world,” he said.
The expanded agreement builds on a 2023 use and lease agreement that outlined $2.72 billion in major capital projects over 10 years, including expansion of the Central Terminal Area and upgrades to roadways and terminal access.
American Airlines employs more than 36,000 team members in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and carried nearly 70 million customers through DFW in 2024.
The airline operates as DFW’s largest carrier, with the airport serving as American’s primary hub for domestic and international operations.
Terminal F represents part of DFW’s broader $12 billion capital improvement program called DFW Forward, which includes upgrades and expansions across the airport’s terminals, airfield and roadway infrastructure.
