The world’s second busiest airport is about to get a little busier. In a 10-year deal with American Airlines, DFW Airport will add 24 new gates to prepare for future growth and innovation.

The Use and Lease agreement includes $4.8 billion in pre-approved capital investments including the construction of a sixth terminal, renovations, and gate expansions.

Here’s a breakdown of how the money will be spent.

Terminal F will be built south of Terminal D. | Photo by DFW Airport, graphic by FTWtoday

✈️ The long-awaited Terminal F

If plans for a sixth terminal sound familiar, that’s because they are. In 2019, DFW Airport and American Airlines reached a tentative deal to build Terminal F with 24 gates, but the project was shelved when the pandemic hit and travel demands drastically dropped.

New plans will use $1.6 billion to build Terminal F south of Terminal D with a 15-gate concourse, for now. Construction on Phase One is expected to start late next year and wrap up by 2026.

The world’s second busiest airport is about to get a little busier. | Photo provided by DFW Airport

🌐 Preparing for future growth

Said to be American Airlines’ busiest terminal, Terminal C was one of the original terminals when DFW opened back in 1974 and it's about to get a little more TLC. Last spring, four new gates named the High C — spanning from C36-C39 — were added to the southern end of the terminal.

In the new agreement, the airport will invest $2.7 billion for the expansion of the Central Terminal Area — including a “major reimagining” of Terminal C. There will also be additional gate expansions extending from Terminal A and Terminal C + significant upgrades to roadways and terminal access.

Mayor Mattie Parker, Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, and DFW Airport CEO Sean Donohue gathered at the airport for the announcement. | Photo provided by DFW Airport

The new Use and Lease Agreement replaces the old 2010 agreement.

Mayor Mattie Parker said, “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."

During the State of the Airport luncheon earlier this week, CEO Sean Donohue shared interior renderings of Terminal F and details about what the airport has planned.

The $1.6 billion terminal will have 15 gates with space for a second expansion of 24 gates, should airlines need it. Construction is expected to start late next year and wrap up by the end of 2026.

The new gates, according to the renderings, will be built in a single row on the airfield side of the Skylink light rail tracks, unlike what was done with the airport’s other five terminals.

Donohue said the airport is also expanding concessions in the new space, offering more dining and retail options.