Route Development
DFW Airport Economic Impact Reaches 78 Billion Annually
A new study shows DFW Airport contributes $78.3B annually to North Texas economy and supports 684,000 jobs with ongoing $12B infrastructure investments.
This article is based on an official press release from DFW Airport.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has solidified its position as a primary economic driver for the North Texas region, contributing an estimated $78.3 billion to the annual gross regional product, according to a new comprehensive study released on December 3, 2025. The report, conducted by The Perryman Group, highlights a period of explosive growth for the Airports, detailing a 69% increase in economic output since the previous major study in 2014.
The findings underscore the airport’s critical role not just as a transportation hub, but as a foundational element of the regional economy. According to the data released by DFW Airport, the facility now supports over 684,000 jobs across the metroplex, a 35% increase over the last decade. As the airport pursues its “DFW Forward” capital infrastructure program, officials project these numbers will continue to climb as passenger traffic approaches the 100 million mark by the end of the decade.
The Perryman Group’s study provides a detailed breakdown of how the airport influences the local and state economy. The headline figure of $78.3 billion represents the value of goods and services created, but the total expenditures, dollars spent due to the airport’s presence, have reached $146 billion annually. This total expenditure figure represents a 68% jump from $87 billion in 2014.
Investments figures released in the study indicate that DFW Airport is responsible for supporting approximately 684,000 jobs. This includes:
These roles generate significant personal income for residents. The study estimates that $47.7 billion in personal income is derived from airport-related activity, an increase of nearly 69% from the $28.3 billion recorded in 2014.
The report also highlights the airport’s contribution to public coffers. DFW Airport operations generate substantial tax revenue without relying on local tax dollars for its day-to-day functions. The breakdown provided in the release includes:
“DFW Airport continues to be one of our region’s most powerful economic engines… Through its operations and related activity, DFW generates substantial – and growing – economic and fiscal benefits to the region, state, and nation.”
, Ray Perryman, CEO of The Perryman Group
The release of this economic data comes amidst a significant capital improvement phase for the airport. Under the leadership of CEO Chris McLaughlin, who took office in May 2025, the airport is executing a $12 billion capital program known as “DFW Forward.” The “DFW Forward” initiative includes the construction of the new Terminal F, major renovations to Terminal C, and extensive modernization of roadways and infrastructure. According to the press release, this construction activity alone is projected to generate nearly $5 billion in additional federal, state, and local taxes upon completion.
McLaughlin, succeeding long-time CEO Sean Donohue, emphasized the necessity of these upgrades to handle future demand.
“As we look ahead to serving 100 million passengers annually by the end of the decade, we’re investing in new terminals, modern roadways and expanded infrastructure to ensure that DFW continues to grow smartly and remain ready for the needs of the future.”
, Chris McLaughlin, CEO of DFW Airport
The economic study is underpinned by robust operational metrics. In 2024, DFW Airport served 87.8 million passengers, a 7.4% increase from the previous year. While the airport remains the third busiest in the world, the composition of its traffic reveals its dual role as a global super-hub and a local gateway. The majority of traffic consists of connecting passengers, yet approximately 18.9 million travelers began their journeys directly from DFW in 2024.
The data presented by The Perryman Group suggests a shift in the economic efficiency of the airport’s operations. While employment supported by the airport grew by 35% since 2014, the gross regional product attributed to the airport grew by 69%. This disparity indicates that the value generated per job has increased significantly, likely driven by a mix of higher-value international cargo, premium passenger services, and the compounding economic effects of the region’s corporate relocations.
Furthermore, the $12 billion capital investment serves as a hedge against capacity constraints. With 87.8 million passengers in 2024, the airport is rapidly closing in on its theoretical maximums for terminal throughput. The “DFW Forward” program is not merely an upgrade but a necessity to prevent the economic engine described in this report from stalling due to infrastructure bottlenecks.
Local leaders have welcomed the findings, viewing the airport as a barometer for the broader health of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker noted in the release, “From remarkable job growth to a major increase in gross product, it’s clear that DFW is moving our region forward.” Similarly, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson stated that the airport “helps fuel our growth with unmatched connectivity and makes a profound impact on our local economy.” Sources: DFW Airport / The Perryman Group
New Study: DFW Airport Economic Contribution Surges to $78.3 Billion Annually
Economic Impact and Employment Data
Job Creation and Income
Tax Revenue Generation
Strategic Growth and Infrastructure Investment
Capital Projects and Future Capacity
Passenger Traffic Context
AirPro News Analysis
Regional Leadership Reaction
Sources
Photo Credit: DFW