The landscape of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is set for a major transformation with plans for a new Terminal F getting the green light. Officials at one of the world's busiest airports are pushing the throttle forward on the long-anticipated project, as confirmed by discussions within the airport's board and operations committee.
According to NBC DFW, the new terminal will be the sixth for DFW — a stronghold of American Airlines and a nexus of global air travel. The committee is set to advance a contract for the design, and construction of Terminal F with Innovation Next+ out of Irving, handling the architectural vision. The proposed design departs from the airport's traditional crescent-shaped terminals, opting for a rectangular structure that will feature 15 gates and a new SkyLink station. The expansion also includes upgrades to other terminals, aiming to accommodate a surge in air travel.
Terminal F's journey to fruition endured a hiatus due to the pandemic's ruthless hit on the travel sector. After a two-year pause, the airport is reigniting its efforts, submitting a $27.8 million capital spending request to the airlines to cover design costs, as detailed in bond documents earlier this year. "The note in our bond documents is to notify investors that we would like to proceed with the long-term planning of Terminal F," airport spokesman Francisco Rodriguez told the Dallas Business Journal.
The revived initiative comes amid a resurgence in travel, with DFW surpassing pre-pandemic passenger traffic figures. The budget proposal for fiscal 2023 stands at $1.2 billion, reflecting a 13% hike and projecting 78.3 million passengers. However, the airport and its 28 passenger and 29 freight airlines are embroiled in protracted negotiations over new use agreements, as the current month-to-month extensions linger since the previous agreements expired in September 2021.
As negotiations continue, American Airlines, with its dominant 80% share at DFW, acknowledges the importance of a cost-effective expansion. "DFW is American’s largest hub and a central gateway to our extensive international and domestic network," AA spokesman Matt Miller affirmed via the Dallas Business Journal. While the new terminal is a focal point of discussions, the airport has shrewdly avoided a landing fee hike for the first quarter but has a rate increase slated for January.
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