Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is preparing for a surge in spring break travel, with approximately 4.7 million customers expected to travel to, from or through the airport between March 5 and March 24, according to airport officials. The peak holiday period is expected to bring significant passenger traffic to one of the busiest aviation hubs in the United States.
The busiest travel days during the holiday period are forecast to fall on the weekends of March 13–16 and March 20–23. Travel demand is expected to be more concentrated than usual because many North Texas school districts observe spring break during the week of March 16–20, increasing pressure on airport roadways, parking facilities and terminal areas.
Peak travel days expected to bring heavy traffic
Airport officials say curbsides and roadways are likely to experience the highest congestion during peak travel days, particularly from late morning through the early evening. The airport expects certain terminal areas to experience record traveler numbers during the holiday period.
The three overall busiest days during the spring break period are projected to be March 15 with about 262,000 travelers, March 22 with about 259,000 and March 13 with about 253,000 passengers. These figures include all travelers passing through the airport, including those connecting between flights.
Among passengers beginning or ending their journey at Dallas Fort Worth, the busiest days are expected to be March 22 with approximately 126,000 local travelers, followed by March 13 with about 125,000 and March 15 with about 123,000. March 12 and March 19 are also projected to rank among the top five busiest travel days for local passengers.
Airport officials are encouraging travelers to plan ahead by confirming their departure terminal, prebooking parking and allowing additional time to reach the airport. The airport recommends arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures to allow time for check-in, security screening and navigating busy terminals.
Construction and traffic changes around Terminal C
Travelers should also be aware of ongoing construction activity near Terminal C that may affect roadway access. Detours remain in place on International Parkway as bridge construction continues, limiting direct access to the terminal.
Terminal C is currently accessible only via the southbound entrance from International Parkway. Drivers approaching from the south must continue northbound past the terminal entrances before taking a U-turn exit near the North Exit Plaza to rejoin southbound traffic and reach the terminal.
Passengers departing from Terminal C may also choose to check in and pass through security at Terminal A, which is served by American Airlines, and then connect to Terminal C using the Skylink train system.
Airport officials say the airport’s digital tools can help travelers manage the busy travel period. The DFW Airport mobile app provides real-time parking availability, security wait times, construction alerts and push notifications designed to help passengers move efficiently through the airport.
Drivers using TollTag can also speed up entry and exit from airport parking areas by using dedicated automatic lanes. Officials say the tools are designed to help travelers navigate peak travel periods more efficiently.
Public transit options available for travelers
Public transportation services are also available for travelers seeking to avoid roadway congestion during the spring break period. Several rail connections provide direct service to airport terminals.
The DART Silver Line connects Plano to Terminal B with stops in Richardson, Addison, Carrollton and Coppell. The DART Orange Line provides direct rail service from Plano, downtown Dallas and Irving to Terminal A.
Trinity Metro TEXRail connects downtown Fort Worth with Terminal B through North Richland Hills and Grapevine, while the Trinity Railway Express and TRE Link shuttle offer connections between Dallas, Fort Worth and CentrePort/DFW Airport Station.
Airport officials also remind drivers that terminal curbs are reserved for active passenger loading and unloading. Those waiting to pick up arriving passengers are encouraged to use designated cell phone lots or one-hour parking inside terminal garages.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, located between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, is among the most connected airports in the world. The airport is currently undergoing a multi-year infrastructure modernization program known as the $12 billion DFW Forward capital plan, which includes upgrades to terminals, airfield infrastructure and roadway systems.
