This article is based on an official press release from DFW Airport.

New Study: DFW Airport Economic Contribution Surges to $78.3 Billion Annually

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.

Economic Impact and Employment Data

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.

Job Creation and Income

Investments figures released in the study indicate that DFW Airport is responsible for supporting approximately 684,000 jobs. This includes:

• Direct Employment: More than 50,600 individuals are employed directly at the airport.
• Total Supported Employment: 684,000 jobs (direct and indirect), up from 508,000 in 2014.

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.

Tax Revenue Generation

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:

• Federal Taxes: $14 billion annually.
• State Taxes: $5 billion annually.
• Local Taxes: $3.4 billion annually to entities across North Texas.

“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

Strategic Growth and Infrastructure Investment

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.”

Capital Projects and Future Capacity

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

Passenger Traffic Context

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.

AirPro News Analysis

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.

Regional Leadership Reaction

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

Sources: DFW Airport / The Perryman Group

This article is based on an official announcement from Myrtle Beach International Airport and supporting project data. See the original release for full details.

Myrtle Beach International Airports Unveils Major Concourse A Expansion

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) officially opened its newly expanded Concourse A on December 2, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the facility’s history. The expansion, which adds six new gates to the terminal, is designed to alleviate congestion and elevate the passenger experience amidst record-breaking travel demand in the Grand Strand region.

According to an official announcement on the airport’s social media channels, the grand opening celebration highlighted the completion of a project that introduces modern amenities, enhanced dining options, and updated infrastructure. The expansion brings the airport’s total gate count to 18, a 50% increase in capacity that officials state is critical for the airport’s future operations.

Project Scope and Investment

The Concourse A expansion represents a substantial investment in South Carolina’s aviation infrastructure. Based on project data, the initiative cost approximately $90 million, funded through a combination of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants, state funding, and airport revenues. The construction, managed by a joint venture involving JE Dunn Construction, expanded the terminal footprint by approximately 50,000 square feet.

Groundbreaking for the project took place in June 2024, and the facility was completed on schedule in December 2025. The design, led by the architectural firm Gresham Smith, focuses on modernizing the terminal while retaining a sense of place connected to the coastal environment.

Key Infrastructure Upgrades

The centerpiece of the new concourse is a double-height glass curtain wall that offers panoramic views of the runway and airfield. To manage the South Carolina sun, the façade utilizes electrochromic “smart glass” technology, which automatically tints to reduce glare and heat gain, improving energy efficiency and passenger comfort.

Interior improvements include:

• Flooring: New terrazzo flooring designed to withstand high foot traffic.
• Restrooms: Larger, modernized restrooms featuring glass wall cladding.
• Seating: Holdrooms equipped with powered seating and countertop charging tables.
• Wayfinding: Updated signage and flight information displays to streamline passenger flow.

Enhancing the Passenger Experience

Beyond structural improvements, the expansion aims to upgrade the commercial offerings available to travelers. The new space includes designated areas for retail and dining, reflecting a mix of local and national brands.

According to airport reports, the expansion facilitates the introduction of new concessions. Notable additions planned or recently introduced include the first Starbucks in a South Carolina airport, a “Salt & Tide” beer and wine bar, and a location for the local favorite Pizza Hyena, expected to open fully in 2025.

In the official announcement, the airport team expressed gratitude to the partners involved:

“A heartfelt thank you to the incredible teams, partners, and community members whose dedication and hard work made this project a reality — and to everyone who joined us today to celebrate this exciting milestone.”

, Myrtle Beach International Airport Statement

Strategic Context and Growth

The expansion was necessitated by a surge in passenger traffic that has outpaced previous projections. In 2024, MYR set a new record with over 3.8 million passengers, representing a nearly 14% increase from the prior year. As a primary economic engine for the Grand Strand, the airport’s ability to process travelers efficiently is vital for the region’s tourism industry.

By increasing the number of gates from 12 to 18, the airport can now accommodate more frequent flights from existing airline partners such as Spirit, Southwest, American, and Delta, while also providing the infrastructure needed to attract new carriers.

AirPro News Analysis

The completion of the Concourse A expansion at MYR highlights a broader trend among regional U.S. airports adapting to post-pandemic travel patterns. Leisure-heavy destinations like Myrtle Beach have seen sustained demand that often exceeds legacy infrastructure capabilities. By investing in “smart” building technologies and upgraded concessions, MYR is positioning itself not just as a transit hub, but as a competitive entry point for high-value tourism. The use of electrochromic glass and spacious holdrooms suggests a shift toward prioritizing passenger well-being, a necessary evolution as regional airports compete for airline route allocations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many new gates were added?
The expansion added six new gates (A7 through A12), bringing the total number of gates at MYR to 18.

What is the “smart glass” feature?
The new curtain wall uses electrochromic glazing, which tints automatically to control sunlight, glare, and heat, reducing the need for window shades and lowering energy costs.

Who designed the new concourse?
The architectural design was led by Gresham Smith, with construction management by JE Dunn Construction.

When did the new concourse open?
The grand opening was celebrated on December 2, 2025.

Sources: FlyMyrtleBeach (Official Facebook), Gresham Smith, JE Dunn Construction, FlyMyrtleBeach.com

This article is based on an official press release from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and additional project documentation. See the original release for full details.

Construction on RDU Terminal 2 Expansion Set to Begin in January 2026

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) has officially announced that major construction on the Terminal 2 Landside Expansion will commence in January 2026. As part of the airport’s multi-billion dollar “Transform RDU” capital improvement program, this project aims to address record-breaking passenger growth by significantly expanding the terminal’s processing capacity.

According to airport officials, the initial phase involves the installation of a temporary wall at the north end of Terminal 2. This barrier will remain in place for approximately two years to separate the active construction zone from public areas. Despite the scale of the work, RDU has confirmed that all existing ticket counters and security checkpoints will remain operational throughout the process.

Project Scope and Timeline

The Terminal 2 Landside Expansion is designed to relieve congestion in the airport’s busiest facility. Terminal 2, which serves major carriers including American, Delta, and United, as well as all international flights, has been operating near capacity during peak travel times.

Key Improvements

Based on project details released by the airport and construction partners, the expansion will focus on the “landside” areas, the parts of the terminal before the secure gate area. Key upgrades include:

• Ticketing Hall: Expanding the lobby to reduce overcrowding during peak check-in hours.
• Security Checkpoints: Adding new security lanes to increase passenger throughput and reduce wait times.
• International Arrivals: Expanding Federal Inspection Services (FIS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities to accommodate more international flights.
• Baggage Claim: Upgrading the baggage handling system and claim areas to handle increased volume.

Construction Timeline

While the specific “north end” construction zone is expected to be active for approximately two years, the full Terminal 2 expansion is a long-term endeavor slated for completion by 2032. The project involves extending the building envelope outward at the north end to create new internal capacity without disrupting current operations.

Impact on Travelers and Logistics

Airport officials are advising travelers to “pack patience” as the construction will result in visible work zones and potential noise. However, the airport has emphasized that the project is staged to minimize disruption to critical processing areas.

“Crucially, all ticket counters and security checkpoint lanes will remain open throughout the construction. The work is being staged to expand the building outward rather than shutting down existing critical processing areas.”

RDU Project Documentation

Parking Changes

Coinciding with the start of construction, changes to airport parking will take effect immediately in the new year. On January 2, 2026, the Park Economy 4 lot will close to the public and convert into an employee-only lot. Travelers who previously used this lot are being directed to the expanded Park Economy 3 lot.

Budget and Strategic Context

The Landside Expansion is a critical component of the broader “Transform RDU” master plan, which has a total program budget of approximately $2.5 billion. The specific cost for the Landside Expansion was estimated at approximately $400 million in 2023.

Contractors and Design

According to construction industry reports, a joint venture led by Balfour Beatty and Metcon (a North Carolina-based minority-owned firm), alongside Right Build and Varnedoe Construction, was awarded a $650 million contract that encompasses this expansion and other campus improvements. Program management is being provided by Parsons, while design is led by Durham-based O’Brien Atkins Associates with involvement from Fentress Architects to maintain the terminal’s signature “rolling hills” roofline.

Record Growth Driving Expansion

The urgency of this project is driven by unprecedented demand. RDU reported serving a record 15.5 million passengers in 2024, a 6.5% increase over the previous year. The “Vision 2040” master plan, approved in 2016, identified the need for these expansions to handle the region’s rapid population and economic growth.

AirPro News Analysis

The decision to prioritize the “landside” expansion before adding more gates (airside) highlights a critical bottleneck in modern airport design: processing speed. While adding gates allows for more planes, it creates chaos if the ticketing halls and security checkpoints cannot handle the influx of passengers. By expanding the building envelope first, RDU is ensuring that the infrastructure can support the future concourse expansions planned in later phases of Vision 2040. This phased approach reduces the risk of catastrophic gridlock during peak holiday seasons, a problem that has plagued other rapidly growing mid-sized hubs.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does construction start?

Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2026.

Will security lines be closed?

No. RDU officials state that all existing security checkpoint lanes and ticket counters will remain open.

How long will the construction last?

The temporary wall at the north end will be up for approximately two years. The full expansion project is expected to be complete by 2032.

Where should I park if I used Economy 4?

Travelers should use the expanded Park Economy 3 lot, as Economy 4 will become employee-only starting January 2, 2026.

Sources: RDU Press Release, Construction Dive (Contractor Data), RDU Vision 2040 Master Plan