The $4 billion Terminal F expansion at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) marks a bold new chapter for both American Airlines and the future of air travel in North Texas. With plans to double the number of gates, enhance the international flight experience, and introduce a range of premium features, the development promises to significantly elevate the customer journey.
What’s Coming to Terminal F
Originally announced as a 15-gate facility, Terminal F is now set to become a far more expansive and advanced terminal. The new design will cater specifically to international travelers and premium customers, and it will offer a seamless, American Airlines-exclusive experience. The terminal will feature:
- A modernized check-in area with a new baggage drop system
- A dedicated parking garage with curbside circulation
- Direct walking connection to Terminal D
- Enhanced international processing facilities
- A new Skylink station to increase terminal connectivity
- Additional space for lounges, shops, restaurants, and public art
This expansion is not just about infrastructure; it’s about reimagining the airport experience. The planned enhancements will deliver greater convenience for travelers while supporting the broader economic growth of the Dallas-Fort Worth region.
Key Features of the Terminal F Expansion
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Gates | Double the number of originally planned gates |
| Skylink Access | New station connecting to Terminal D |
| Check-in Area | Innovative baggage drop and streamlined entry |
| Parking | Dedicated garage with curbside features |
| Lounges & Premium Spaces | Expansion of premium seating, shopping, and dining |
| Art and Culture | Public art displays integrated into terminal design |
A Strategic Partnership for the Future
American Airlines will exclusively operate all the gates in Terminal F, which will streamline customer transfers and airline operations. This move strengthens the airline’s long-term relationship with DFW and secures its position as a global aviation leader. The terminal also extends American’s Use and Lease Agreement with DFW through 2043, bringing stability and predictability to future investments.
According to Robert Isom, American’s CEO, “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.”
Indeed, American Airlines’ deepening commitment to DFW reflects the airline’s intent to solidify its hub as a cornerstone of both domestic and international air travel. By 2024, nearly 70 million travelers are expected to pass through the airport aboard American flights alone.
Support from North Texas Leadership
The expansion has received enthusiastic support from local officials, who see Terminal F as a vital investment in the area’s future. Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson called it “a monumental investment” that will “elevate an already world-class international airport.”
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker noted that the project ensures DFW will be ready to meet the “historic growth happening in Fort Worth and all of North Texas.”
Meanwhile, DeMetris Sampson, Chair of the DFW Board of Directors, emphasized the airport’s role as an “economic engine” for the region and highlighted plans to involve local businesses in the terminal’s development.
And Sean Donohue, CEO of DFW, framed the announcement within a broader context of success: “In the last decade, DFW has grown its passenger traffic by 50 percent and exceeded the wildest expectations of our founders.”
Looking Ahead: What Travelers Can Expect
The initial phase of Terminal F construction is already underway, with the goal of being operational by 2027. Additional features will roll out shortly thereafter. Travelers can expect a state-of-the-art terminal that combines speed, efficiency, and luxury—all tailored to American Airlines’ specifications.
Beyond DFW, American Airlines is also investing in passenger experience across its network. The carrier will open new Flagship® and Admirals Club® lounges at Philadelphia International Airport this month, and from January 2026, will offer complimentary high-speed satellite Wi-Fi for AAdvantage® members—making it the airline with the most free inflight connectivity.
American Airlines’ Long-Term Commitment to North Texas
This latest investment in Terminal F is part of a broader $2.72 billion capital plan that includes major upgrades to Terminal C, additional gates in Terminals A and C, and improved road access throughout DFW. With over 36,000 employees in the region, American Airlines remains a dominant force in the local economy and a key player in North Texas’s rapid growth.
As Terminal F takes shape, travelers can look forward to a new level of comfort and connectivity in one of the world’s busiest airports—solidifying DFW’s reputation as a global gateway and economic powerhouse.
