Ruth Haines
The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is jointly owned by the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. The airport is located roughly halfway between the two cities and includes portions of Grapevine, Irving, Euless, and Coppell. The airport is governed by a semi-autonomous board of directors with representatives appointed by the city councils of Dallas and Fort Worth, with seven members from Dallas and four from Fort Worth. The airport has its own zip code, police force, and medical facilities, and it is the second-largest airport by land area in the United States. DFW Airport serves as a major economic generator for the North Texas region, contributing over $37 billion in economic impact each year.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth |
| Area | 17,207 acres (26.89 sq mi; 69.63 km2) |
| Zip Code | 75261 |
| Police | Own police force |
| Fire Protection | Own fire protection |
| Medical Services | Own emergency medical services |
| Destinations | 254 destinations (191 domestic, 63 international) |
| Cargo Airlines | 22 |
| Economic Impact | $37 billion |
| Jobs | 60,000 |
| Ownership | Owned by the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth |
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What You'll Learn
The airport is jointly owned by Dallas and Fort Worth
The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is jointly owned by the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. The airport is located roughly halfway between the two cities, spreading across portions of Dallas and Tarrant counties and including parts of Grapevine, Irving, Euless, and Coppell.
The history of DFW Airport dates back to 1927 when Dallas first proposed a joint airport with Fort Worth. However, Fort Worth initially declined the offer, leading both cities to establish their own airports: Love Field in Dallas and Meacham Field in Fort Worth. Despite this early disagreement, the idea of a joint airport resurfaced in the following decades as both cities struggled with congestion and limited expansion options.
In the 1940s, there were attempts to build a Dallas/Fort Worth Regional Airport, with American Airlines and Braniff Airways even striking a deal with the city of Arlington. However, disagreements between the governments of Dallas and Fort Worth led to the project's abandonment in 1942. After World War II, Fort Worth developed Amon Carter Field, later renamed Greater Southwest International Airport (GSW), but it failed to compete with Dallas' Love Field.
By the mid-1960s, GSW's traffic had declined significantly, with Fort Worth receiving only 1% of Texas air traffic compared to Dallas' 49%. This prompted a revisit to the joint airport proposal in 1961, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) refused to invest further in separate airports for the two cities. Following an order from the federal government, officials from Dallas and Fort Worth finally agreed on a location for a new regional airport that was just north of the near-abandoned GSW and almost equidistant from both city centers.
Today, DFW Airport is a major global hub, serving more than 73 million customers annually and offering nonstop flights to numerous domestic and international destinations. It has its own zip code, police force, and medical facilities, and it generates a significant economic impact for the North Texas region, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs. The airport's governance includes a semi-autonomous board with representatives appointed by the city councils of Dallas and Fort Worth, reflecting their joint ownership of this important transportation hub.
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The cities first proposed a joint airport in 1927
The cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, own the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The airport is located roughly halfway between the two cities, with its land area spread across portions of Dallas and Tarrant counties.
The first proposal for a joint airport serving both cities was made as early as 1927. However, Fort Worth declined the initial offer, leading to the establishment of separate airports in each city: Love Field in Dallas and Meacham Field in Fort Worth. Despite the initial rejection, the idea of a joint airport resurfaced over the years, driven by evolving circumstances and the need for a more efficient aviation solution in the region.
In the following decades, both cities experienced fluctuations in their aviation landscapes. Fort Worth's airport, Meacham Field, witnessed a decline in airline service, while Dallas' Love Field faced congestion and a lack of expansion options. These challenges prompted a revisitation of the joint airport proposal in 1961, this time with a stronger impetus for collaboration.
The Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) refusal to invest further in separate airports for Dallas and Fort Worth added momentum to the discussions. In 1964, faced with the possibility of the federal government unilaterally choosing a site, officials from the two cities finally agreed on a location for a new regional airport. This site was just north of the near-abandoned Greater Southwest International Airport (formerly Amon Carter Field) and was almost equidistant from the centres of Dallas and Fort Worth.
Today, the governance of DFW includes a semi-autonomous board comprising twelve members. The city councils of Dallas and Fort Worth appoint these representatives, with seven members from Dallas and four from Fort Worth, apportioned according to percentages of ownership. Additionally, one non-voting position represents the four peripheral cities of Irving, Grapevine, Euless, and Coppell, appointed on a rotating basis each year.
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The airport opened in 1974
The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, first known as the Dallas–Fort Worth Regional Airport, officially opened in 1974. The first commercial flight to touch down at the airport was American Airlines Flight 341, which flew from New York to Dallas via Memphis and Little Rock. The airport's opening was preceded by an expansive dedication service from September 20–23, 1973, which included dignitaries, entertainers, and the landing of the first Air France Concorde.
The history of the airport includes many meetings and negotiations, with the first proposal for a joint airport dating back to 1927. However, the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth disagreed over its construction, and it wasn't until the mid-1960s that the proposal was revisited. By then, Fort Worth's airport, Greater Southwest International Airport (formerly known as Amon Carter Field), was virtually abandoned, while Dallas' airport, Love Field, was congested and had no room to expand. Following an order from the federal government, officials from the two cities finally agreed on a location for a new regional airport that was just north of GSW and almost equidistant from the two city centers.
The opening of the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in 1974 marked the beginning of its development into a major global hub. The airport is located roughly halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth and spreads across portions of both cities and their respective counties. It is the second-largest airport by land area in the United States, covering 17,207 acres. The airport has its own ZIP code, police force, fire protection, and emergency medical services.
Over the years, the airport has expanded and added new terminals and facilities. American Airlines established its first hub at the airport in 1981 and has continued to expand its presence there. Delta Air Lines also built up a hub operation at the airport during the 1990s. The airport serves as a major economic generator for the North Texas region, sustaining a $37 billion financial impact and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs.
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It's one of the world's most frequently visited superhub airports
The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is one of the world's most frequently visited superhub airports. It is jointly owned by the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, and is located roughly halfway between the two cities. The airport covers 17,207 acres of land, making it the second-largest airport by land area in the United States.
DFW Airport is a major global hub, serving more than 73 million customers annually. It offers a wide range of destinations, with 193 domestic and 67 international nonstop options worldwide. The airport is well-connected, with easy access to downtown Dallas and Fort Worth via the Trinity Railway Express commuter rail line and the TEXRail commuter rail service. DFW also has its own police, fire protection, and emergency medical services, ensuring the safety and security of its passengers and staff.
The airport is a significant economic driver for the North Texas region, generating over $37 billion in economic impact each year. It supports a large number of jobs, both directly and indirectly, and contributes substantially to visitor spending and tax revenue. DFW is also committed to enhancing the customer experience, with plans to expand and modernize its facilities and amenities. This includes the development of the new Terminal F, which will double the number of gates and enhance international operations.
DFW Airport is the largest hub for American Airlines, which established its first hub at the airport in 1981 and moved its headquarters to a building near DFW in 1983. The airline has a significant presence at the airport, with its hub occupying portions of Terminals 2E and 3E. American Airlines has also invested in the development of Terminal F, extending its Use and Lease Agreement with DFW to 2043.
In addition to its role as a superhub airport, DFW is also a cargo gateway, with 22 cargo airlines providing worldwide freighter services. The airport is well-equipped to handle both private and corporate aircraft and boasts innovative features such as the Skylink high-speed Automated People Mover, which helps travellers make tight connections. With its extensive range of services, convenient location, and economic impact, DFW Airport is a vital transportation hub for the region and beyond.
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It has its own police, fire protection, and emergency medical services
The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is jointly owned by the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. It is located roughly halfway between the two cities and includes portions of Grapevine, Irving, Euless, and Coppell. With 17,207 acres of land area, it is the second-largest airport in the United States.
As a major global hub, DFW has its own police, fire protection, and emergency medical services. The DFW Airport Department of Public Safety provides these services, ensuring the safety and security of the airport's customers, employees, and stakeholders. The airport's police force maintains a safe and secure environment, while the fire protection services are enhanced by the presence of a Fire Training Research Center, where live testing fires occur during exercises.
The airport's emergency medical services are also well-equipped to handle any medical situations that may arise. In 2018, DFW became the first airport in the world to open an emergency room, showcasing its commitment to providing advanced medical care for travellers and employees. This comprehensive approach to safety and security is a key aspect of DFW's operations and contributes to its reputation as a leading international airport.
The airport's governance includes a semi-autonomous board of directors with 12 members. The city councils of Dallas and Fort Worth appoint these representatives, with seven from Dallas and four from Fort Worth, reflecting the percentages of ownership by each city. Additionally, one non-voting position is appointed on a rotating basis, representing the four peripheral cities of Irving, Grapevine, Euless, and Coppell.
With over 73 million customers annually, DFW is one of the world's most frequently visited superhub airports. It offers 193 domestic and 67 international nonstop destinations and sustains a significant economic impact on the North Texas region, generating over $37 billion annually and supporting 634,000 jobs.
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Frequently asked questions
The Dallas Fort Worth Airport is owned by the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas.
The history of the airport included many meetings and negotiations between the two cities before any tangible agreements came to fruition. The first proposal for a joint airport was in 1927, but Fort Worth declined the offer.
The airport is governed by a semi-autonomous board comprised of twelve members. The city councils of Dallas and Fort Worth appoint the representatives, with seven from Dallas and four from Fort Worth, apportioned according to percentages of ownership by each.
