DFW International Airport Hosts First-Ever Media Tour Of New $1.15 Billion International Terminal D

DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas (August 12, 2004) – After nearly four years of construction, DFW Airport's new International Terminal D gets its first full view in front of the media today, previewing what will be the world's largest post 9/11 airport expansion when it opens in the summer of 2005. The two million square foot facility will feature the latest in security and customer enhancements and position the world's third busiest Airport as the premiere international gateway in the United States. The expansion is DFW's largest expansion and first new terminal since it opened in 1974, 30 years ago. 

"There is no question that we are on track to become the premiere international gateway in the United States, and one day, we may even be the busiest airport in the world," said Max Wells, DFW Airport Board Chairman. "While many airports either postponed or stopped their expansions after 9/11, we pressed on. We knew the long-term future and success of DFW was riding on this project. We were not looking 30 days down the road - we were looking 30 years into the future of North Texas." 

To put the scale of the project into perspective, Terminal D is located on 29 acres at DFW, which means three Texas Stadiums could fit on the land covered by the terminal and the 8,100-space parking garage. More than 12,000 tons of steel and 450,000 cubic yards of concrete were used in the construction of the terminal which, when finished, will have utilized more than 120 contractors and 10.9 million man-hours during primary construction.

Once complete, the new International Terminal D will provide service for 37,000 passengers daily, or 12.8 million passengers annually.

International Terminal D was designed and constructed to allow passengers to quickly move through security and feel at ease as they begin or end their journey.

After 9/11, construction of International Terminal D proceeded with $45.6 million in security enhancements. The Terminal will also feature a new inline baggage screening system which will make checking bags easier for passengers, while maintaining tight security.

"Our architects, engineers and security team scrutinized every aspect of security at Terminal D," said Kevin Cox, DFW Airport Chief Operating Officer. "As a result, our new inline baggage screening system will allow passengers to once again simply check their bags at the ticket counter and collect them at their destination."

In addition to the Terminal's enhanced security features, it will offer more for the traveler with creature-comforts in mind. The two 40,000-squarefoot concessions villages will entice visitors with more than 55 dining and shopping options. For the family, two children's play areas will make layovers more comfortable. Road warriors will have access to highspeed data hook-ups including Wi-Fi and a variety of other business services.

“With one out of every 10 passengers in the US connecting through DFW Airport, we believe these amenities will reinforce our position as the best airport for passenger convenience and services,” said Clay Paslay, Executive Vice President for Airport Development.

To arrange interviews, contact Ken Capps, Vice President, Public Affairs at 972 574 8080 or kcapps@dfwairport.com.