DFW’s airports explained—plus upcoming expansion details

Airport options for every travel need

Whether you’re flying for work, a family visit or your next vacation, Dallas-Fort Worth’s (DFW) airports have everything you need to get to your destination quickly and seamlessly.

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW Airport) is the second-largest airport by land area in the U.S., covering four cities (Grapevine, Irving, Euless and Coppell) across 26.9 square miles—that’s larger than the entire island of Manhattan! Home to American Airlines, DFW Airport is also the third-busiest airport in the world in terms of operations, serving more than 86 million passengers every year across five terminals, 160+ gates and seven runways.

DFW Airport is one of the highest-capacity airports in the world, offering travelers access to 193 domestic and 78 international nonstop destinations. And thanks to its central location, DFW Airport can get you to any major city in the continental U.S. in less than four hours!

Just a little over 10 minutes from downtown Dallas and home to Southwest Airlines, Dallas Love Field is a major domestic airport with 20 gates and one, easily walkable terminal—perfect for shorter flights and anyone looking for a quick, convenient and easily navigable airport experience.

Between DFW Airport and Dallas Love Field, travelers have access to 269 unique destinations—both domestic and international—so whether you’re considering a move, here for a visit or just passing through, DFW is an excellent gateway to the rest of the world.

Exciting expansions ahead and underway

If you thought our airports’ capabilities stopped there, think again. Both DFW Airport and Dallas Love Field are evolving to exceed growing travel demands and provide passengers with the best-possible airport and flight experiences.

DFW Airport’s $12 billion DFW Forward project is a comprehensive improvement and expansion plan for the airport. In addition to various quality and connectivity improvements, the project includes plans to add or refurbish 68 gates; expand and renovate the original five terminals; completely revamp one of the largest runways, Runway 17R/35L; and construct a new terminal, Terminal F.

Plans for Terminals C and F are the largest parts of this project. DFW Airport is investing $3 billion to modernize and expand Terminal C, the airport’s busiest terminal, over several phases—all of which are expected to conclude by 2030.

The $4 billion Terminal F is the largest-ever modular airport project, featuring 31 gates, a new Skylink station and boosted capacity for widebody and international flights. Construction for the new terminal broke ground in November 2024 and will progress in phases, with Phase I estimated to open in 2027.

Dallas Love Field, meanwhile, is embarking on $2.5 billion expansion program, which includes plans to relocate ticketing and baggage claim facilities; construct a new pedestrian bridge, ground transport center and parking garage; and expand the airport’s terminal. This program is expected to break ground in 2027.

More than airports

DFW’s world-class airports have successful histories and exciting horizons ahead, but their role in the region extends even further than weekend getaways and adding stamps to your passport. Not only are airports vital job sources, but domestic and international travel capabilities are critical to DFW’s continued growth as more businesses and people choose to visit and relocate here.

Looking for more ways to explore in DFW? Check out our Getting Around page for maps, navigation tips and more.