American Airlines and DFW Unveil $4B Plan for New State-of-the-Art Terminal F
Eq Roy | Dreamstime.com
American Airlines and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) have jointly announced an expanded and accelerated plan to construct a state-of-the-art Terminal F, redefining the customer experience and supporting long-term growth in one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs. The upgraded development will double the number of gates originally planned and elevate passenger amenities, international capacity, and premium services across the terminal.
$4 Billion Investment in Terminal F Redefines Future Growth
The project marks a significant increase in investment to approximately $4 billion, up from previous projections. American Airlines will fully operate Terminal F, making it the carrier’s signature terminal experience at its largest and most critical hub.
Key enhancements include:
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Doubling the number of planned gates to support future fleet expansion
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Expanded international operations and widebody aircraft capabilities
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More lounge and premium spaces
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A new lobby and check-in experience
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An integrated parking garage with baggage drop and curbside circulation
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A new Skylink station and walking connection to Terminal D
The first phase of construction is already underway and the terminal is expected to be operational by 2027, with expanded features coming online shortly after.
Extended Partnership Through 2043
As part of the new agreement, American Airlines has extended its Use and Lease Agreement at DFW through 2043, ensuring long-term operational stability and cost predictability. The agreement aligns with DFW’s $11 billion DFW Forward capital plan and supports projects beyond Terminal F, including renovations to Terminal C and gate expansions at Terminals A and C.
Supporting Regional and Global Connectivity
DFW Airport CEO Sean Donohue noted that DFW has grown passenger traffic by 50% in the past decade and is now the third-busiest airport in the world. American Airlines, which carried nearly 70 million passengers through DFW in 2024, employs over 36,000 team members in North Texas and remains the airport’s dominant carrier.
“With this expanded plan for Terminal F, DFW has a clear path to become the largest airline hub in the world,” said Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines.
“This monumental investment by American Airlines is set to elevate an already world-class international airport,” added Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson.
Enhancing the Passenger Journey
The development of Terminal F is part of American’s broader effort to modernize the customer experience across its network. In addition to the DFW project:
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New lounges will open this month at Philadelphia International Airport
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Free high-speed Wi-Fi for AAdvantage® members will launch in January 2026, sponsored by AT&T and powered by Viasat and Intelsat
Bottom Line
American Airlines and DFW are jointly investing $4 billion in a next-generation Terminal F, set to transform the passenger experience and scale up international and premium capacity at the airline’s largest hub. The terminal is expected to debut in 2027 with enhanced features following shortly after. With a long-term lease through 2043 and a commitment to North Texas, American is positioning DFW to be a leading global gateway well into the next decade.
