One of the world’s biggest airports is about to get even bigger. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and American Airlines on Tuesday morning announced a massive expansion project that will include the construction of a sixth terminal.
The $4.8 billion project will include the construction of Terminal F, the renovation of Terminal C and other modernization projects.
Fort Worth-based American Airlines signed a 10-year use and lease agreement.
“We are very proud that Fort Worth-based American Airlines has signed this important agreement to cement DFW’s status as American’s main hub and help us continue to meet the incredible demand we are experiencing in North Texas,” Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker said. “Our region will become the nation’s third-largest metro region within the next 10 years, and it’s no surprise that we have the second-busiest airport in the world. Today’s agreement ensures DFW Airport is ready for the future and to continue serving as Fort Worth’s gateway to the world.”
Terminal F, according to a news release, will include a 15-gate concourse and amenities including modernized baggage handling, expanded concessions and additional passenger gates. The cost is projected at $1.63 billion.
Terminal C, a hub for American, will be renovated at a cost of $2.72 billion.
The expansion will add 24 gates. The work is designed to prepare American for the expected growth in air travel. DFW is the second-busiest airport in the world, behind only Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Tuesday’s use and lease agreement replaces the 2010 agreement, which expired in 2020 and was extended during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“American is proud to call North Texas home, and DFW is our largest hub and a central gateway to our extensive international and domestic network,” American CEO Robert Isom said. “American has led the growth that has propelled DFW to become the second busiest airport in the world and we are thrilled to have finalized a new lease agreement and capital plan that sets the stage for American, DFW and the North Texas region to continue to grow for years to come.”
The sixth terminal at DFW has long been planned but was delayed by the pandemic, which caused air travel to decline sharply for two years. Air travel has recently rebounded roughly to 2019 levels, and in some months, topped pre-pandemic traffic.
American and its American Eagle partners control more than 80% of the airport’s traffic, with runner-ups Spirit Airlines and Delta Air Lines each carrying about 4% of DFW passengers, according to government figures through March.