Construction has commenced on the terminal F at DFW Airport.
The November 19 groundbreaking ceremony marked a significant milestone for the world’s third-busiest airport, highlighting the next major investment in a facility that serves as a cornerstone of the Metroplex economy.
Terminal F will be geared towards serving airlines than the customer of the airport – American Airlines Group Inc., which is based in Fort Worth according to DFW Airport CEO Sean Donohues statement cited in the article, about the upcoming construction of 15 gates for the terminal F at a cost of $1.7 billion set to open in 2026.
The addition of the terminal is an element of DFW Airports extensive $ 8 billion modernization initiative that encompasses enhancing and enlarging terminals C and A as well.
Expansions at Terminal A and Terminal C
The expansions, at Terminal A and Terminal C will increase the space by 255000 feet and introduce nine new gates for American Airlines to use; however, Terminal F tells a different story as it remains uncertain which airlines will occupy gates, in the new 400,000 square foot terminal. Though Southwest Airlines Inc., based in Dallas is reportedly part of the ongoing discussions according to Donohue.
“We’ve been discussing with Southwest for some time ” he mentioned casually. “One key aspect of our conversations, with airlines is that we have constructed gates, at DFW to support their expansion.”
Donohue mentioned that the airport officials will approach talks, with airlines cautiously as they navigate through the changing landscape of the aviation sector.” The groundbreaking event at DFW took place following Spirit Airlines announcement of filing, for Chapter 11 bankruptcy a day.
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Terminal F Construction Cost
Initially planned as a $1.63 billion endeavor, Terminal F has now escalated to $1.7 Billion as indicated in the roadshow documents, for a bond offering. The venture also encompasses enhancements to Terminal E with the incorporation of a 100,000-square-foot check-in, security and baggage claim facility catering to passengers transiting through Terminal F.
Also, Donahue mentioned that they factored in an increase, in the projects costs due to the rise in construction expenses, by 40% as compared to 2019 figures. This is one of the reasons why the airport has opted for construction. A method where structures are constructed offsite and later transported and assembled onsite.
Read also: River Central: A $2 Billion Transit-Oriented Development Near DFW Airport
The planning and building of Terminal F and Skyland Station involve a collaboration, with Innovation Next+ based in Irving city and a team consisting of Walsh Construction/Archer Western, Turner Construction Co., Phillips May Corp., H.J Russell & Co. And Carcon Industries are part of this initiative. Additionally, Gensler, PGAL and Muller 2 are also contributing to the design aspects.
Archer Western Building Group President Michael Whelan mentioned that the modular construction project will be larger, in scope compared to the work, on the C gates.
DFW Airport Terminal F Construction Project
Project Overview
Location: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
Groundbreaking Date: November 19, 2024
Expected Completion: 2027
Total Cost: $1.7 billion (increased from original $1.63 billion)
Part of: $9 billion DFW Airport capital improvement plan
Project Specifications
Terminal F Details
Total Area: 400,000 square feet
Number of Gates: 15
Primary Focus: Non-American Airlines carriers
Target Airlines: In negotiations (including Southwest Airlines)
Additional Components
Terminal E Expansion
100,000 square foot addition
New check-in area
Enhanced security facilities
Additional baggage claim space
Construction Approach
Modular Construction Method
Structures built offsite
Assembled and connected onsite
Larger modules than previous projects
Terminal F Construction Team:
Walsh Construction/Archer Western
Phillips May Corp.
H.J. Russell & Co.
Carcon Industries
Design Team:
PGAL
Read also: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) Readies for Major Terminal C Renovations
Related Projects
Concurrent Terminal Expansions
Terminal A Expansion
Terminal C Expansion
Combined additional space: 255,000 square feet
New gates: 9 (designated for American Airlines)
Economic Impact
Part of larger infrastructure investment
Supporting DFW’s growth to 100 million annual passengers by 2028
Addressing capacity needs at world’s third-busiest airport
Terminal F Construction: Financial Notes
Construction costs up 40% compared to 2019
Project funding through bond issuance
Part of larger $9 billion improvement program
Two-thirds of program already contracted
90% of contractors expected to be selected by end of 2027
Project Status
Groundbreaking completed
Construction commenced
Currently in early construction phase
Gate allocation negotiations ongoing with multiple airlines
Read also: DFW Airport begins Terminal C Renovation, Ushering in “Dawn of a New Era”
