DFW Airport and American Airlines unveil 9 new gates
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Terminal C, a reminder that good things happen to good people. Photo: Naheed Rajwani-Dharsi/Axios
DFW Airport's facelift continues this summer with right-side terminal exits, new airport gates and glimmering ceilings that look like art.
Why it matters: DFW, the world's fourth-busiest airport by passenger traffic last year, is getting ready for one of the busiest summers in its history.
The big picture: The World Cup is coinciding with the airport's multi-year improvement plan to modernize its terminals and open a sixth terminal.
The latest: Airport officials and American Airlines on Monday unveiled nine new airport gates at Terminal C, with plush seats, floor-to-ceiling windows and electronic signage.
- A new east-west road extending from the airport to State Highway 360 opens later this week.
State of gates: The new Terminal C gates will operate roughly 60 flights per day combined, says DFW Airport CEO Chris McLaughlin.
- The addition is a vast contrast to the main terminal, which still has dim lighting, low ceilings and worn leather seats.
- The original terminal will be revamped in phases. Old gates will be torn down to make way for new ones matching the vibe of the terminal's expansion gates.
- When work is complete, the terminal will have 32 new and rebuilt gates.
What they're saying: "Terminal C has been here since the beginning. It has been the backbone of our operation — dependable, resilient and always in motion, serving as our busiest terminal to this day," Jim Moses, American Airlines' senior vice president of DFW operations, said at the new gates' ribbon cutting event.
Zoom out: Exits for terminals A, B and C have shifted to the right side of International Parkway. The airport's new aircraft rescue and firefighting station has fitness areas, 21 dorm rooms and an F5-rated storm shelter.
- Local favorites such as Cookie Society and Mi Cocina have been approved as the airports' future vendors.
Reality check: While the airport has been able to complete several of its projects ahead of schedule, some areas remain under construction.
- For example, the road to Terminal C was congested Monday morning because of construction vehicles and airport traffic.