Key West aerial photo courtesy of Laurence Norah/Florida Keys News Bureau.

Airport Expansions to Meet Demands

Key West aerial photo courtesy of Laurence Norah/Florida Keys News Bureau.
 
 

Two significant airport expansion projects—Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Key West International Airport—are underway. These developments address rising air travel demands and pave the way for the future of airport infrastructure.

DFW Breaks Ground on Terminal F

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport recently celebrated the groundbreaking of Terminal F, the airport’s sixth terminal and its first entirely new construction since 2005. Scheduled to open in 2027, the $1.6 billion project will feature a 400,000-square-foot concourse with 15 gates, modernized amenities and an enhanced customer experience.

Terminal F rendering.

“The new Terminal F will expand the airport’s footprint with state-of-the-art facilities that align with our first-in-class customer experience,” said DFW CEO Sean Donohue, in a press statement.

The project also includes a 100,000-square-foot expansion of Terminal E, providing dedicated check-in, security and baggage claim facilities for Terminal F passengers. Travelers will seamlessly transfer between Terminals E and F via the Skylink system, featuring a new station above Terminal F.

DFW is also leveraging modular construction to accelerate its timeline and minimize disruption. Prefabrication of terminal modules is already underway, a method proven effective during the 2022 rebuild of five gates in Terminal C. This approach allows construction to coincide at multiple locations.

With ongoing expansions in Terminals A and C, DFW will add 24 new gates across its terminals, preparing the airport for continued growth.

Key West International Expands

Meanwhile, Key West International Airport is nearing completion of Concourse A, a 48,000-square-foot expansion set to open in 2025. This addition will enhance passenger convenience with eight enclosed, air-conditioned boarding bridges designed to withstand hurricane impacts. The project also incorporates environmentally friendly features, including electrochromic glass and bird-safe glazing.

The new concourse will offer expanded amenities such as additional concessions featuring Chili’s, Southern Point Bar and Farm 2 Air Market, and upgraded security checkpoints and airline office spaces. Full project completion is expected by spring 2026.

“These projects reflect our commitment to improving passenger experience while respecting the unique environmental challenges of our region,” said Richard Strickland, Executive Director of Airports, in a press statement.