Passenger Traffic at DFW International Airport to Rebound for the 2009 Thanksgiving Holiday Travel Period

(DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – November 19, 2009) – DFW International Airport expects passenger loads to rise above last year’s levels, in a hopeful sign that the economic picture in North Texas is improving. DFW is projecting the Airport will see about 1.63 million passengers passing through its terminals for the 11-day Thanksgiving travel period, stretching from November 20 through November 30. This would represent a 4.1 percent increase over the same holiday period in 2008. 

“We are seeing encouraging trends that our passenger loads are starting to climb once again, and that’s good news,” said Jeff Fegan, chief executive officer at DFW. “We’ve definitely felt the impact of these tough times, but DFW is proud to say we’ve continued to build on our role as the premier international gateway for this region.” 

Demonstrating that optimistic outlook, DFW launched new service on American Airlines to Madrid in May, and new American Eagle service to six cities over the summer. The Airport is continuing to build its flight portfolio, having recently announced new AirTran service to Milwaukee, begins in April of 2010. 

“Last year’s economic downturn hit the industry very hard, but we’ve been doing well with our new flights to Madrid and other markets,” said Joe Lopano, DFW executive vice president for marketing and terminal management. “At this point, we see some really encouraging signs for next year and beyond.” 

The Airport continues to invest heavily in improving the customer experience, debuting completely refurbished restrooms, seating areas, lighting and flight monitors in Terminals A, B, C and E. The Airport also unveiled plans for major renovations of those four original terminals starting in early 2011, with an eye toward dramatically improving passenger flow and amenities and building on its globally-recognized concessions program. 

“We are always looking to provide what our passengers want, and our new healthy food options are a perfect example,” said Ken Buchanan, executive vice president for revenue management at DFW. “We opened a new UFood Grill, Urban Taco, Cereality and Blimpie’s this year, and passengers have responded in a big way.”

DFW also added to its line of sophisticated Zoom automated retail units, installing two machines that carry the renowned Sephora line of health and beauty products. 

During the Thanksgiving travel period, customers who find any of the Express or Remote parking lots full will receive a coupon to park for $10 a day in the Terminal lots or with the DFW Airport Valet service. 

For the connected passenger, DFW offers 17 new Free Power/Free Internet workstations located throughout the terminals. They feature USB and AC power outlets, along with wired Internet connectivity and 2 computer workstations at each site, all free of charge. 

The tech-savvy traveler will also want to check out the TripCase mobile app, which gives passengers real-time information and updates about their flight itineraries, as well as special deals available from nearby retail and restaurant outlets at DFW. TripCase, developed by Sabre for the iPhone, Windows Mobile and BlackBerry platforms, is a free download at www.tripcase.com or at the iTunes App Store.