Construction and crowds: How work at DFW Airport could affect your holiday travel plans

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is expected to see big crowds this holiday season at a time when major construction is underway.

A spokesman for AAA Texas said though the association is still finalizing its holiday travel forecast, Thanksgiving will likely be a busy time for both road and air travel.

During last year’s travel seasons for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year, over 7.4 million people traveled through DFW Airport.

DFW Airport began work on a $9 billion capital improvement plan this summer, which includes the renovation of existing terminals and the addition of a sixth — Terminal F. The third busiest airport in the world, over 81 million travelers passed through DFW Airport in 2023.

Here’s everything you need to know about how construction could impact your travel plans this holiday season:

What is under construction at DFW?

Currently Terminal C is being renovated and expanded.

Once renovations are complete, Terminal C will have 32 gates. Work on the $3 billion project, which began in August, is being done in three phases, so the terminal will remain operational throughout renovations. All phases of construction are expected to be complete in 2030.

International Parkway is being modernized to allow drivers to access terminals A, B and C via right-hand exits. Work on the road is expected to be done in mid-2026.

Construction of Terminal F, a $1.6 billion investment which 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 renovating five existing gates.

What is closed for construction?

The Express South parking lot was permanently closed Sept. 9; Terminal F will be built there. The airport has an Express North lot, as well as north and south remote lots, which travelers can prebook to save up to 50%.

Terminal C’s south parking garage — closest to gates C26 to C39 — is 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 near C30, and some concessions between gates C28 and C33.

Some concessions near gate A13 are closed while work begins on the expansion of Terminal A.

Travelers are advised to check DFW’s roadway work zones map before heading to the airport to see what roads may be temporarily closed for construction.

Where is DFW construction taking place?

Most construction is taking place in Terminal C, which is being renovated. Travelers may also notice some closed concessions in Terminal A, while work begins on a five-gate expansion.

When will DFW construction be done?

Work on all three phases of renovations in Terminal C is expected to wrap up in 2030. Construction of Terminal F will begin this year and is expected to be completed in 2027. Terminal A construction is likely to be done in 2026.

How will construction impact holiday travel?

DFW Airport advises travelers to arrive at least two hours before their flight is scheduled to depart. A DFW spokesman said the airport plans to share more details about holiday travel in the coming weeks.

To save time and get a discounted rate, travelers can book airport parking online. Travelers can also check DFW’s website for estimated security wait times at all checkpoints and live parking availability.

AAA Texas suggests travelers consider getting travel insurance for their trip, and prepare for possible flight delays or cancellations.