Where is dfw airport

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex in Texas, approximately midway between downtown Dallas and downtown Fort Worth. It sits about 17 miles northwest of Dallas and 18 miles northeast of Fort Worth, with its official address at 2400 Aviation Drive, DFW Airport, TX 75261. Covering 26.9 square miles, it's the largest airport in Texas and the second-largest in the United States by land area.

Key Facts

Located between Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, with coordinates 32°53′49″N 97°02′17″W
Covers 26.9 square miles (69.6 km²) of land area
Opened on January 13, 1974, replacing Love Field as the primary airport
Served 73.4 million passengers in 2023, making it the second-busiest in the U.S.
Has five terminals (A, B, C, D, E) with 165 gates total

Overview

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is a major aviation hub strategically positioned in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States. The airport serves as the primary gateway to North Texas and functions as a crucial economic engine for the region, supporting thousands of jobs and billions in economic activity annually. Its location was carefully selected to serve both Dallas and Fort Worth equally, reflecting the cooperative spirit between these two major cities that led to its creation.

The airport opened on January 13, 1974, after years of planning and construction that began in the late 1960s. It replaced Love Field as the primary commercial airport for the region, though Love Field continues to operate with limited service. DFW's development represented a landmark in aviation infrastructure, designed from the ground up to accommodate future growth and technological advancements. Today, it stands as a testament to forward-thinking urban planning and regional cooperation.

How It Works

DFW Airport operates as a massive transportation complex with sophisticated systems managing passenger flow, aircraft operations, and cargo logistics.

Terminal Layout and Transportation: DFW features five terminals (A, B, C, D, and E) arranged in a semi-circular design around a central area. The terminals are connected by the Skylink automated people mover system, which operates 24/7 and can transport passengers between any two terminals in less than 9 minutes. Terminal D serves as the international gateway, while the other terminals primarily handle domestic flights.
Runway System: The airport has seven runways, including the 13,400-foot Runway 17L/35R, one of the longest commercial runways in the United States. This extensive runway configuration allows for simultaneous operations in various weather conditions and can handle up to 2,300 aircraft movements daily. The airfield covers approximately 11 square miles of the airport's total area.
Air Traffic Control: DFW's air traffic is managed by one of the busiest Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facilities in the nation, handling aircraft within a 40-mile radius. The airport serves as a major hub for American Airlines, which operates approximately 85% of DFW's flights, and as a focus city for several other carriers including Spirit Airlines and Sun Country Airlines.
Cargo Operations: DFW includes significant cargo facilities handling over 800,000 tons of freight annually. The airport features dedicated cargo areas with direct access to major highways and rail connections, making it a crucial logistics hub for the Southwest region. FedEx and UPS maintain major sorting facilities at DFW, processing millions of packages monthly.

Key Comparisons

Feature	DFW Airport	Love Field (DAL)
Location	Between Dallas & Fort Worth (17 miles NW of Dallas)	Within Dallas city limits (6 miles NW of downtown)
Size	26.9 square miles (largest in Texas)	1.3 square miles
Annual Passengers (2023)	73.4 million	8.7 million
Primary Hub For	American Airlines (major hub)	Southwest Airlines (focus city)
International Service	Extensive (Terminal D dedicated to international)	Limited (primarily domestic under Wright Amendment)
Runways	7 runways	3 runways

Why It Matters

Economic Impact: DFW Airport generates approximately $37 billion in annual economic impact for the North Texas region and supports over 228,000 jobs directly and indirectly. The airport itself employs more than 60,000 people, making it one of the largest employment centers in Texas. Its operations contribute significantly to tax revenues and business development throughout the metroplex.
Transportation Hub: As the second-busiest airport in the United States by aircraft movements and the third-busiest by passenger traffic, DFW serves as a critical connection point for domestic and international travel. It offers nonstop service to over 260 destinations worldwide, including 67 international destinations across six continents. This connectivity makes Texas accessible to global business and tourism.
Innovation and Sustainability: DFW has implemented numerous environmental initiatives, including achieving carbon neutral status in 2020 and operating one of the largest airport-based solar farms in the United States. The airport continues to invest in technology upgrades, including biometric screening and automated baggage systems, setting standards for airport operations worldwide.

Looking forward, DFW Airport is positioned for continued growth with a $3-5 billion capital improvement program underway through 2028. This includes terminal renovations, expanded international facilities, and infrastructure upgrades to accommodate projected increases in passenger traffic. As global travel patterns evolve and the Dallas-Fort Worth region continues its rapid expansion, DFW will likely maintain its status as one of the world's most important aviation hubs, driving economic development while adapting to new technologies and sustainability challenges in the aviation industry.