$2.7B upgrade at DFW Airport nearly complete

DFW Airport 

The TRIP is nearly complete.

The TRIP in question is Dallas Fort Worth International Airport’s $2.7 billion Terminal Renewal and Improvement Program, a massive construction project to update and improve some of the airport’s original terminal buildings. The opening of all terminal gates marks a major milestone in the project.

Improved facilities include parking, ticketing, security and concessions, all designed to serve the modern air traveler, according to airport officials. The Terminal A improvements added more space for security, dining and retail, as well as technology enhancements to make travel through DFW Airport easier.

“At DFW, we’re committed to putting our customers first with a personal travel experience, tailoring the ambience and technology to meet their evolving needs,” said Sean Donohue, DFW Airport’s CEO. “Our team has accomplished what amounts to a remarkable makeover for Terminal A, turning a 43-year old terminal building into a welcoming, memorable space for customers that’s more innovative and energy efficient.”

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Terminal A now features 50 percent more space for concessions, located largely near checkpoints and Skylink stations. The concessions outlets have also been significantly upgraded, with popular new dining options including The Salt Lick Barbecue, the Dallas Cowboys Club, Lorena Garcia Tapas y Cocina and Ling & Louie’s Asian fusion restaurant joining perennial favorites such as Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen and Pappasito’s Cantina. The terminal also added new retail options from Brighton to Brookstone, Tumi, iStore, Teavana and Gepetto’s Toy Store.

The Terminal A renovation has updated a total of 26 passenger gates and two baggage claim areas and has expanded and updated three security checkpoints. Additionally, the project has opened more customer kiosks for convenient check-in.

The parking garage got an update as well with new features such as an electronic parking guidance system, overhead LED beacons to spotlight open parking spaces and system alerts to indicate available parking on other levels.

“The Terminal A project involved more than 6,000 jobs in design, engineering, contracting and direct construction work, so we are proud to have contributed to our local economy in that way as well,” said Khaled Naja, executive vice president of infrastructure and development for DFW Airport. “The renovation work we are doing in the TRIP program helps build the capacity of small businesses in the community and provides meaningful opportunities for the Dallas Fort Worth area.”

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Capital improvements will continue in Terminal A beyond the original scope of the TRIP program, including the finish-out of several concessions outlets, along with several new restrooms, a new receiving dock, and a concessions storage space. Those items should be completed by the summer of 2017.

The Terminal Renewal and Improvement Program at DFW still has work ongoing in Terminals B and E, with the work in those terminals expected to wrap up within a year.