Dallas Fort Worth International Airport’s ambitious plans for a sixth terminal have grown even larger — and costlier. The airport announced May 1 that the price tag for the new Terminal F has jumped to $4 billion, more than doubling the project’s original estimate after American Airlines committed to significantly expanding its investment in the facility. Under the revised plan, American Airlines will occupy the entire terminal.

The expanded scope calls for Terminal F to feature 31 gates — more than twice the number initially planned — along with new facilities aimed at boosting international operations, enhanced passenger amenities, a parking garage, and a centralized building for passenger check-in, according to a release from the airport. Travelers will also be able to seamlessly connect to other terminals via a new Skylink station, part of the upgrade.

American Airlines pointed to strong passenger demand and a favorable long-term growth outlook for North Texas as driving factors behind its decision to increase its commitment to the project. “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,” said American Airlines CEO Robert Isom in the announcement. “Terminal F will elevate our customer experience in a big way, providing customers with a fantastic new facility and state-of-the-art amenities.”

Originally envisioned as a $1.6 billion, 15-gate terminal set to open in 2027, Terminal F’s footprint and cost have expanded substantially under the revised plan. The airport expects the additional facilities and improvements to be delivered in phases beyond the initial completion date.

Competitive pressure and future-proofing

Industry analysts suggest that the airline’s increased investment is motivated in part by competition with rival Southwest Airlines, which operates primarily out of Dallas Love Field, a smaller airport closer to downtown. By strengthening its dominance at DFW, American aims to solidify its hold on both domestic and international traffic through the region, according to reporting from the Dallas Business Journal.

Currently, American Airlines operates flights from all existing terminals at DFW, underscoring the strategic importance of the hub to its operations. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is already ranked as the third-busiest airport in the world by passenger volume, handling nearly 82 million travelers each year and serving as home to 28 airlines, according to Airports Council International.

Major players behind the build

The project will be delivered by Innovation Next+, a design-build joint venture comprising several nationally recognized firms: Chicago-based Archer Western Construction, New York-headquartered Turner Construction, Atlanta’s H.J. Russell & Co., Dallas-based Phillips May Corp., and Carcon Industries, also of Dallas. The design team includes architecture and design heavyweights PGAL, Gensler, and Muller2.

The Terminal F project builds on a 10-year use and lease agreement inked in 2023 between the airport and American Airlines. That deal initially envisioned a 15-gate terminal but now extends the agreement through 2043 to accommodate the larger facility. The expanded terminal will allow for additional widebody aircraft, bolster international flight operations, and increase retail, dining, and public art offerings.

Part of a broader transformation

Terminal F’s growth is just one piece of DFW’s sweeping transformation under its DFW Forward capital improvement program. In total, the airport is planning or executing more than $12 billion in upgrades and expansions aimed at modernizing facilities and boosting capacity.

Beyond Terminal F, DFW is also undertaking a $3 billion overhaul of Terminal C and an expansion of Terminal A. That effort is being carried out by Dallas-based Austin Commercial and Azteca Enterprises, along with Alpha & Omega, headquartered in Carrollton, Texas.

Airport officials say the new agreement with American provides long-term stability and predictable costs to support the ongoing growth of both the airline and the airport. “The new plan extends its use and lease agreement through 2043, and will enable additional capacity for widebody aircraft and international flight processing as well as more shops, restaurants and public art,” according to the announcement.

By dramatically expanding Terminal F, DFW and American Airlines are positioning themselves not only to keep pace with increasing demand but also to compete for status as a global aviation leader.

Originally reported by Julie Strupp in Construction Dive.