Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is expected to see heavy crowds this holiday season, at a time when major construction is underway.
A spokesperson for AAA Texas said that while the association is still finalizing its holiday travel forecasts, Thanksgiving will likely be a busy time for both road and air travel.
During last year’s travel seasons of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, more than 7.4 million people traveled through DFW Airport.
DFW Airport began work this summer on a $9 billion capital improvement plan that includes renovating existing terminals and adding a sixth: Terminal F. The third busiest airport in the world, with more than 81 million travelers arriving by 2023 passed through DFW Airport.
Here’s everything you need to know about how construction could affect your travel plans this holiday season:
What’s under construction at DFW?
Terminal C is currently being renovated and expanded.
Once renovations are complete, Terminal C will have 32 gates. Work on the $3 billion project, which started in August, will be carried out in three phases so that the terminal will remain operational during the renovation work. It is expected that all construction phases will be completed by 2030.
International Parkway is being modernized so that drivers can access Terminals A, B and C via the right exits. Work on the road is expected to take place in mid-2026.
Construction of Terminal F, a $1.6 billion investment that will add 15 new gates and a new Skylink station to the airport, will begin later this year.
The site of a five-gate expansion of Terminal A is being prepared for construction, but major work on the project won’t begin until the spring. A gate pier will be built, creating five new gates extending from Terminal A, and five existing gates will be renovated.
What is closed due to construction work?
The Express South parking lot was permanently closed on September 9; Terminal F will be built there. The airport features an Express North lot, as well as remote north and south lots, which travelers can book in advance to save up to 50%.
Terminal C’s south parking garage – closest to gates C26 to C39 – will be closed until summer 2026. The terminal’s other two parking garages will remain open.
Other closures in Terminal C include the C30 security checkpoint, check-in counters at C30 and some concessions between gates C28 and C33.
Some concessions near gate A13 are closed while work on the Terminal A expansion begins.
Travelers are advised to consult DFW’s road work zone map before heading to the airport to see which roads may be temporarily closed due to construction.
Where will DFW construction take place?
Most construction work will take place in Terminal C, which is being renovated. Travelers may also notice some closed concessions in Terminal A while a five-gate expansion is underway.
When will construction of DFW be completed?
Work on all three renovation phases in Terminal C is expected to be completed in 2030. Construction of Terminal F will begin this year and is expected to be completed in 2027. Construction of Terminal A is likely to be completed in 2026.
How does construction affect holiday travel?
DFW Airport advises travelers to arrive at least two hours before their flight departure. A DFW spokesperson said the airport plans to share more details about leisure travel in the coming weeks.
To save time and get a discounted rate, travelers can book an airport parking space online. Travelers can also check DFW’s website for estimated security wait times at all checkpoints and live parking.
AAA Texas recommends that travelers obtain travel insurance for their trip and prepare for possible flight delays or cancellations.
