MBN USA
October 30, 2024
DFW Airport marks 50th anniversary
In 1974, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW Airport) began operations as the country’s newest and most modern commercial airport, heralding in a new chapter for modern aviation. Throughout the year, DFW has celebrated its 50th anniversary with a series of activities, reflecting on the airport’s success and looking ahead to an exciting future.
“After 50 years, this airport has become not only an economic driver for the region, but a central part of the success story of North Texas. We could not have achieved this without the support of our community, our business partners – especially our largest airline, American Airlines – and our employees,” said Sean Donohue, CEO of DFW Airport. “Tens of thousands of individuals make up the heartbeat of DFW, and the community is its soul. We thank our many partners, neighbors and friends around the world who have contributed to the ongoing success of this airport.”
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said, “Congratulations to DFW Airport on its golden anniversary. It’s a true honor for American to have participated in 50 years of tremendous growth as DFW’s Hometown Airline, and we’re proud of the impact we have made, and will continue to make, together to spur ongoing growth in North Texas. Five decades of success does not happen without strong partnerships throughout the community. We thank DFW Airport.”
In 1974, DFW Airport was the largest airport ever constructed in the U.S. and was twice the size of any before it. The airport began operations with nine airlines, and today is home to 28 airlines – including 16 international airlines – with service to 256 destinations around the world.
With an estimated 80 million passengers in 2023, DFW Airport is now the second-busiest airport in the world. With its central location, DFW Airport allows customers to reach any major metropolitan area in North America within four hours. This has made DFW Airport a critical piece of the expansive growth of Dallas, Fort Worth and the entire North Texas region.
DFW Airport is American Airlines’ largest hub with operations from the airport to nearly every corner of the globe. It has seen many historic moments during the past 50 years, including as the first U.S. airport:
To host the supersonic Concorde on Sept. 20, 1973
To host a visit by a NASA space shuttle on May 16, 1989
With the ability to land four aircraft at the same time
The airport also has grown to become a major economic engine for the regional economy. DFW Airport’s contribution includes supporting an annual payroll of $38 billion, benefiting over 634,000 jobs. Notably, the number of jobs supported by DFW Airport saw an increase of about 25%, rising from over 500,000 in 2015 to 634,000 in 2019.
Visitors to DFW Airport and the surrounding region generate $24 billion in economic activity each year. This resulted in more than $3 billion in state taxes and $2 billion in local taxes, further contributing to the region’s economy.
Major Airport Milestones
1965 – Cities of Dallas and Fort Worth formed interim Board to plan and develop what would become DFW Regional Airport
1973 – Concorde made first landing in U.S. at DFW Airport prior to opening
1974 – Opened as DFW Regional Airport – four terminals, three runways, 66 gates
1977 – Ranked as world’s third busiest airport
1979 – American Airlines moved headquarters from New York to Fort Worth, Texas
1981 – American Airlines established DFW Airport as its first hub
1983 – Opened fourth and fifth runways
1985 – Renamed to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
1986 – Opened sixth runway and served more than 43 million passengers
1989 – First commercial airport to host a space shuttle landing
1992 – Initiated first environmental impact statement
1994 – Two new control towers completed, and Fire Training and Research Center opened
1996 – Opened seventh runway; only airport in the world with seven runways at the time
2000 – International cargo center and international perishable treatment facility opened
2000 – New consolidated rent-a-car facility opened
2005 – Terminal D, Skylink and Grand Hyatt opened
2016 – Named Airports Council International’s “Best Large Airport in North America”
2019 – Named Air Transport World’s “Airport of the Year”
2020 – Earned U.N. Global Climate Action Award
2021 – Terminal D South extension opened
2022 – Terminal C “High C Gates” opened and DFW is again named Airports Council International’s “Best Large Airport in North America”
2023 – Established new Use and Lease Agreement pre-approving capital projects, including rebuilding Terminal C and constructing new Terminal F
To learn more about DFW Airport, visit dfwairport.com.
To learn more about American Airlines, visit www.aa.com.
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