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  • DFW’s State of the Airport 2023: Terminal F and Terminal C Renderings Unveiled

    DFW’s State of the Airport 2023: Terminal F and Terminal C Renderings Unveiled

    Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has been making headlines recently, and for all the right reasons. The 2023 State of the Airport event shed light on some exciting developments, including impressive economic impacts and tantalizing glimpses into the future of this bustling hub, including a clearer idea of what to expect from the long-awaited sixth terminal, and reconstruction of the aging Terminal C. Let’s dive right in.

    The Terminal C of the future is dramatically different than the one we know today. (credit: DFW Airport)

    DFW Airport has been a powerhouse, a critical economic engine for North Texas and the entire country, and the 2023 SOTA highlights just how significant its impact is. According to an updated economic impact study by the Perryman Group, DFW contributes a jaw-dropping $38 billion in direct and indirect payroll support, $24 billion in visitor spending, and $5 billion in state and local tax revenue annually. That’s no small feat, and it doesn’t stop there. The airport also supports over 634,000 direct and indirect jobs across the region. Impressive, right?

    Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson couldn’t have put it better: “DFW Airport is an incredible asset driving the economic activity for our entire metro area.” It’s a sentiment shared by Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, who emphasized DFW’s role as a job creator and economic engine, connecting the region to global audiences and enhancing opportunities for residents and businesses alike. “Airports are not just gateways to the world, they are gateways for our community’s prosperity and progress,” said Parker.

    I can’t tell if this is DFW or LaGuardia… and for the first time, that statement is a compliment to both (credit: DFW Airport)

    DFW’s CEO, Sean Donohue, expressed pride in the airport’s continued role as a Texas economic powerhouse and reaffirmed its commitment to growth and success. “We are proud to continue serving as one of the main economic engines not just in North Texas, but in the entire state of Texas,” said Donohue. The numbers don’t lie, and DFW’s impact on the local and state economy is undeniable.

    But let’s not forget what really piqued our interest during the SOTA event—those stunning new renderings of Terminal F and the much-needed reconstruction of Terminal C.

    DFW is rapidly evolving into a world-class airport, a standout among U.S. airports. In fact, it’s now the second-busiest airport on the planet, with the 10 busiest travel days in DFW history all happening this past summer. Moreover, during the tumultuous shutdowns of 2020, DFW briefly held the title of the world’s busiest airport. It appears poised to regain that position permanently in the coming years.

    DFW also already contains one of the highest lounge densities in the Western Hemisphere, with Chase set to open a new Sapphire Lounge in Terminal D next year. This is in addition to a bevy of quality dining and shopping options throughout the terminals (Pappasito’s, anyone?). Personally, it’s one of the few airports where I prefer longer layovers.

    Now, onto the star of the show—Terminal F. The renderings are nothing short of breathtaking, and this terminal promises to be a game-changer for transit passengers. However, it may pose some challenges for origin and destination (O&D) travelers due to its unique design. With just 15 gates, Terminal F will be the smallest of DFW’s terminals and breaks from the traditional horseshoe layout of the others. Interestingly, Terminal F’s construction was always part of DFW’s master plan, with the Express South parking lot making way for its future location.

    Then there’s the much-anticipated reconstruction of Terminal C, which was initially slated for demolition and was therefore left out of the initial round of renovations. However, based on these renderings, the newly reimagined Terminal C will be worth the wait, going from one of America’s worst hub terminals to one of the best. Parts of the terminal have shown their age, but the renderings give us a glimpse of its future – and futuristic it is! What’s unique about this project is that it’s being reconstructed piece by piece in a modular fashion—a first for a U.S. airport. These modular components are so massive that they’re being constructed on-site in a remote part of the airfield. Gates C35-C39 are already open, so if you want to see the future in-person, stop by on your next visit!

    Terminal C Midpoint (courtesy: DFW Airport)

    DFW Airport is soaring to new heights, not only in terms of economic impact but also in the quality of its facilities. While U.S. airports typically lag behind those in other countries, I firmly believe DFW has the potential to hold its own against major hubs around the globe. The renderings of Terminal F and the reconstruction of Terminal C are tantalizing teasers of what’s to come, and it’s clear that DFW is making strides to solidify its position on the world stage. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting developments as DFW continues to evolve and transform.

  • Hidden in “Plane” Sight: Secret Planespotting Destination at OKC Airport

    Hidden in “Plane” Sight: Secret Planespotting Destination at OKC Airport

    Welcome to Will Rogers World Airport (OKC), a gem of an airport that often flies under the radar. If you’re a fan of aviation, especially the behind-the-scenes action that typically requires a boarding pass and a TSA search to see, then you’re in for a treat. Nestled within this unassuming airport terminal lies a spot designed with AvGeeks in mind, perfect for planespotting while you await an arriving passenger.

    As you step into the main atrium of WRWA, your eyes might catch a glimpse of an intriguing glass hallway on the level above. It’s a sight that’s common in many larger airports – reminiscent of the sterile passageways used to prevent comingling of international arrivals with TSA-screened passengers. Curiously, though, this airport doesn’t currently offer scheduled international passenger service. So why the setup?

    If you’re arriving on any of OKC’s zero weekly international flights, they’ve got a beautiful setup for you!

    The answer becomes apparent when you read between the lines. One can simply look at how that part of the terminal is laid out and easily conclude that this clever infrastructure was put in place to future-proof the airport, ready to welcome international flights whenever the time comes. A keen observer might note that several nearby gates are already set up to be closed off to funnel arriving passengers upstairs.

    But the airport wasn’t content with just letting that space collect dust in the meantime, so instead, they’ve done something really cool with it: amidst the ongoing airport remodeling, this hidden space was unveiled to the general public as an observation area. This unique space allows access to a vantage point typically reserved for ticketed passengers, while maintaining separation from the sterile area below.

    Now, here’s the kicker – almost nobody knows about this hidden treasure. It’s like a secret sanctuary for aviation enthusiasts, a space that’s camouflaged in plain sight. If you’re up for the adventure, here’s how you can find it: before heading through TSA, take a left and ascend the staircase in the glass lobby. Alternatively, you can reach it by an elevator located near the exit from the sterile area near gate 22 (press the button for level “M”). Once you’re on the upper level, follow the signs for the Mezzanine Observation Gallery. No, you won’t get in trouble for being up here, despite the off-limits feel to the place.

    Take that staircase, adjacent to TSA, upstairs to reach the observation deck.

    One level above the airside concourse, you’ll have your very own vantage point of the tarmac and two of OKC’s runways. Whether you’re seeking a cozy spot to relax or a quiet corner to catch up on work, the observation area has a variety of seating options to suit your needs. And the best part? You might just have the place to yourself. TWD has a video tour on YouTube. Bear in mind that all food and beverage vendors at WRWA are airside, so if you aren’t ticketed, it’s best to plan ahead on that front.

    For a public space, it feels nicer & more exclusive than some Priority Pass lounges!

    You can even wave (through the glass, of course) at your loved ones as they make their way through TSA – a rarity in a post-9/11 world. It’s a bit like discovering a hidden clubhouse, exclusively for AvGeeks who know where to find it.

    But, as with all good things, change is inevitable. If and when international service arrives at OKC, it’s likely that this area will be walled off, and transformed into the purpose it appears to have been built for. So, enjoy this spot while you still can, as it likely won’t be forever.

    As aviation enthusiasts, we often seek out the hidden gems. Will Rogers World Airport’s observation area is one such gem, a place where you can soak in the airport ambiance, watch planes take off and land, and wonder about the future of travel. So, next time you find yourself at WRWA, go upstairs and take it all in.