One of the busiest airports in the world is going to become even busier over the next five years, according to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport officials.
In a presentation to investors, airport officials said they expect the number of passengers at DFW to grow 23% by 2029.
To break that down, DFW is projected to serve 87.3 million passengers this year. It is expected to serve 107.1 million by 2029.
DFW ranked third among global airports for passenger traffic and operations in 2023, falling just behind Atlanta and Dubai International, according to Airports Council International.
Out of all major domestic airports, DFW has the most destinations, with the ability to fly to 257 different locations worldwide.
Along with the increase in passenger travel, revenue is expected to skyrocket by 37%, from $542 million in FY 2024 to $741 million in FY 2029.
Additionally, discretionary cash is projected to increase from $182 million in FY 2024 to $228 million in FY 2029.
DFW Airport currently employs approximately 60,000 on-site employees, and another 2,000 employees work for the DFW Airport board, according to the presentation.
The airport is not only the largest carbon-neutral airport in the world but also the first carbon-neutral airport in North America. By 2030, DFW plans to run on 100% renewable electricity.
DFW is undergoing a major construction project amid all of the growth.
DFW Forward is a $9 billion capital plan that will remodel terminals, add new amenities, increase the number of gates, improve roadways, and more.
“After 50 years of growth, innovation, and service to our community, a new era is now beginning at DFW,” said Sean Donohue, DFW’s chief executive officer, in a news release.
“The incredible upgrades and expansions we have planned across the airport are going to reimagine the customer experience in many ways and provide the needed framework to support more historic growth in air travel to and from North Texas. As we grow closer to serving 100 million passengers each year, it’s time for DFW to enhance our remaining legacy terminal and imagine brand new ones. The work in front of us is exciting, but it is going to be complex, challenging, and impactful as we continue to operate one of the world’s busiest airports.”
The expansions will add 115,000 square feet and four gates to Terminal C and 140,000 square feet and five gates to Terminal A. The airport will also receive new restaurants, retail options, seating areas, and restrooms.