Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and American Airlines on Thursday, May 1, 2025, unveiled a major expansion to the airport’s long-planned Terminal F project, doubling the number of gates and increasing the total investment to approximately $4 billion.
Under the expanded agreement, Terminal F will now include 31 gates, up from the original plan of 15. The terminal will serve exclusively as an American Airlines facility and is designed to meet the growing demand for domestic and international travel in North Texas. The announcement also includes an extension of American’s Use and Lease Agreement with DFW Airport through 2043.
Originally agreed upon in 2023, the first phase of Terminal F was to feature 15 gates with access via DFW’s Skylink system from Terminal E. The new plan consolidates previously phased expansions into a single accelerated buildout that will significantly increase the airport’s capacity for widebody aircraft, international flight processing, and overall passenger volume.
In addition to more gates, the updated Terminal F project includes:
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A new centralized Skylink station and direct pedestrian connection to Terminal D.
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A new, state-of-the-art passenger check-in, security screening, and baggage claim facility.
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One of the airport’s largest parking garages with built-in curbside access.
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Expanded spaces for retail, dining, public art, and customer amenities.
The first phase of construction remains on track to open in 2027. The additional phases will be completed in subsequent years. Upon completion, Terminal F will provide American Airlines with greater operational efficiency and enhance the travel experience for connecting passengers, who represent about 60% of DFW’s total traffic.
Airport and city officials gathered at DFW for the announcement, including Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, DFW Board Chair DeMetris Sampson, DFW CEO Sean Donohue, and American Airlines CEO Robert Isom.
“DFW Airport is getting even bigger and better with the exciting new plans for Terminal F,” said Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson. “This monumental investment by American Airlines is set to elevate an already world-class international airport.”
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker emphasized the economic impact: “Fort Worth-based American Airlines continues to double down on DFW as its home base with another major investment in the airport’s infrastructure and long-term health.”
DFW CEO Sean Donohue noted that the airport has grown its passenger traffic by 50% over the past decade and is now the third-busiest airport in the world. “Thanks to our close partnership with Robert Isom, American Airlines remains a competitive advantage,” Donohue said.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom stated, “DFW is American’s largest and most critical hub, and with this expanded plan for Terminal F, DFW has a clear path to become the largest airline hub in the world.”
The Terminal F expansion is part of DFW Airport’s broader capital improvement initiative, known as DFW Forward, which totals more than $12 billion in planned and ongoing infrastructure upgrades. This includes a $3 billion program already underway to modernize Terminal C and expand Terminal A.
