Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is gearing up to mark its 50th anniversary with a yearlong celebration starting on January 13, 2024. The commemoration will feature an exciting array of special events, activities, and surprises throughout the year.
This milestone celebration harks back to the third week of September 1973 when the Cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, in collaboration with the newly formed DFW Airport Board, hosted a series of dedication events. These events paved the way for the airport's formal opening and four months later, the initiation of commercial operations.
DFW, which stands as the second-busiest airport globally, has thrived over the past half-century, underpinned by growth, innovation, and unwavering support from the community and business partners, along with its owner cities, Dallas and Fort Worth.
DFW's Chief Executive Officer, Sean Donohue, stated, "As we reflect this week on the dedication events that many people in our community remember fondly, we are eager to share that same spirit of adventure with our customers, partners, and neighbors during our upcoming anniversary year."
The dedication events in 1973 provided a sneak peek into the airport's facilities, and they included the momentous landing of the supersonic Concorde jet on September 20, 1973. This event marked the Concorde's first-ever landing in the United States and shone an international spotlight on DFW's pivotal role in advancing aviation infrastructure for North Texas. The dedication ceremony, held on September 22, 1973, attracted tens of thousands of attendees and featured an air show and static exhibits.
At the time of its construction, DFW was the largest airport ever built in the United States and double the size of any previous airport. Presently, it ranks as the second-largest airport by land size in the United States and holds the position of the world's second-busiest airport, catering to over 250 destinations and an estimated 80 million passengers in 2023.
In the coming months, DFW will unveil more details about the celebrations and memorable events planned for its 50th-anniversary year.
