Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has announced the launch of major work on its nearly $9 billion capital improvement plan. The plan, known as "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,” he added.

“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.”

The approximately $3 billion project to the completely rebuild and expand Terminal C will transform the airport’s busiest and most outdated terminal into a modern and spacious experience by removing more than 400 view-blocking columns, installing new dynamic glass windows and raising the roof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. Travellers 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 sq ft and four gates to Terminal C and 140,000 sq ft 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.

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 on September 14 to prepare for demolition later this year. The north and central garage will remain available.  

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 as design team members.

DFW Forward, the airport’s overall capital program, includes more than 180 projects, in various stages of planning, development and construction, that are spread throughout the airport’s extensive airfield, terminal and roadway systems.

Some of DFW’s other notable projects also preparing to take steps toward significant construction in the coming months include DFW’s sixth Terminal F that will include 15 gates, a Skylink station, modernized systems and expanded concessions, as well as the International Parkway Modernization project that will transition access to Terminals A, B and C to right-hand exits. Several other large projects are also under way.