Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) celebrated the beginning of major work on its nearly $9 billion capital improvement plan, called “DFW Forward.”
DFW Forward will transform terminals, add new facilities and amenities, grow the number of gates, improve roadways and connectivity, enhance the airfield and mark the airport’s largest capital investment since opening in 1974.
“After 50 years of growth, innovation and service to our community, a new era is now beginning at DFW,” said Sean Donohue, DFW’s Chief Executive Officer. “The incredible upgrades and expansions we have planned across the airport are going to reimagine the customer experience in many ways and provide the needed framework to support more historic growth in air travel to and from North Texas. As we grow closer to serving 100 million passengers each year, it’s time for DFW to enhance our remaining legacy terminal and imagine brand new ones. The work in front of us is exciting, but it is going to be complex, challenging and impactful as we continue to operate one of the world’s busiest airports.”
“I am thrilled about the upcoming construction of a reimagined Terminal C at DFW Airport,” said Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson. “As an international city, Dallas flourishes through the global relationships made possible by the third-busiest airport in the world. This monumental expansion will strengthen one of Dallas’ greatest assets, facilitating more dynamic connections with our nation and the world.”
“As DFW Airport embarks on this latest transformation, we are excited to see how these advancements will further enhance the travel experience and strengthen our connection to the world as the DFW Metroplex continues to rapidly grow,” said Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker. “The reimaging of Terminal C is a significant step forward in ensuring that DFW Airport maintains its status as a top aviation hub. We’re committed to supporting this growth and look forward to the new opportunities and benefits it will bring to travelers and the region.”
Rebuilding Terminal C
American Airlines and other project partners joined DFW on August 28 to celebrate the work to completely rebuild and expand Terminal C. The approximately $3 billion project will transform the airport’s busiest and most outdated terminal into a modern and spacious experience by removing more than 400 view-blocking columns, installing new dynamic glass windows and raising the roof throughout. Customers will also be able to enjoy the renewed experience with all-new facilities, including shops and restaurants, lounge space, check-in areas, security checkpoints and improved restrooms.
Also included in the project, and taking place concurrently with the first phase of Terminal C’s reconstruction, are double-loaded pier expansions of both Terminal C and Terminal A. The expansions will add 115,000 square feet and four gates to Terminal C and 140,000 square feet and five gates to Terminal A. In addition to added capacity to accommodate growth, both expansions will feature more travel amenities for customers, including new restaurant and retail options, seating areas and restrooms.
“The design for Terminals C and A embraces flexibility and expands gate capacity at one of the country’s busiest airports,” said Matt Needham, director of Aviation + Transportation at HOK. “This collaborative work will elevate the traveler experience and create monumental change at DFW.”
Following the first phase and expansion, the remainder of Terminal C concourse will be demolished and rebuilt in two additional phases. This work will allow the terminal to continue flight operations in other portions of the facility while focused areas undergo significant construction. Because the project will be done in several phases over time, the overall completion of the terminal is expected in 2030.
In strategic coordination with Terminal C’s first construction phase, the adjacent south parking garage will be completely rebuilt with more parking with modern parking management technologies to accommodate growth from the terminal’s expansion. The entrance to the garage is scheduled to close Sept. 14 to prepare for demolition later this year.
“American is excited to officially mark the start of construction to modernize and expand DFW,” said Amanda Zhang, Vice President of Airport Affairs and Facilities, American Airlines. “No different than the synergy between American and DFW that’s fueled growth for 50 years, the new Capital Improvement program will continue to set North Texas apart in the future as a connection factory for travelers around the world. We look forward to bringing an innovative and efficient experience to life over the next decade, and we’re excited that it’s all starting with the reimagining of Terminal C.”
“The AAA Joint Venture and all its partners are proud to be an instrumental part of these innovative projects and the immense work taking place at the DFW Airport,” said Austin Commercial Vice President Kelly Locke. “As the design-build team, we are dedicated to delivering a project that will provide a positive experience through construction and leave a lasting impact on the airport, its partners and the countless passengers the new and expanded terminals will serve.”
The design-build team for the Terminal C project’s first phase and expansion, as well as the Terminal A expansion, is a joint venture comprised of Austin Commercial, Azteca Enterprises and Alpha & Omega, with HOK and Muller & Muller, Ltd. as design team members.