Summary
- DFW is now the world’s busiest airport for departures and the second busiest for arrivals.
- American Airlines’ June 2024 schedule solidifies DFW as the largest departure airport globally.
- Runway 17R/35L at DFW reopens ahead of schedule, showcasing innovation and infrastructure improvement.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is now the world’s busiest airport, at least regarding departures. The title isn’t official and can change at any time, but it highlights how important the airport is to the US and Texas.
It is also the second busiest airport in the world regarding arrivals. Although it often competes with Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), it takes the top spot in June.
The HQ of American Airlines
DFW has long been the main base for American Airlines, one of the largest carriers in the world. After the airline confirmed its schedule for June 2024, it became the largest departure airport.
The following table highlights the departures operated by American Airlines at DFW for June 2024, data provided by Cirium, an aviation analytics company.
Aircraft | Flights | Seats | Available Seat Miles |
Airbus A319 | 3,697 | 473,216 | 384,346,752 |
Airbus A320 | 1,849 | 277,350 | 217,959,900 |
Airbus A321 | 10,710 | 2,034,900 | 2,166,169,480 |
Airbus A321neo | 1,344 | 236,424 | 344,738,128 |
Boeing 737-800 | 14,938 | 2,577,076 | 2,420,005,256 |
Boeing 737 MAX 8 | 489 | 133,497 | 543,452,637 |
Boeing 777-200 | 231 | 70,224 | 333,634,224 |
Boeing 777-300 | 523 | 122,382 | 563,910,516 |
Boeing 787-8 | 308 | 87,780 | 414,227,550 |
Boeing 787-9 | 277 | 47,644 | 60,132,060 |
Total | 34,411 | 6,087,493 | 7,448,576,503 |
Runway reopens ahead of schedule
Another development that should help keep DFW at the top of the busiest airport list is the reopening of Runway 17R/35L, one of seven at DFW, following a nine-month closure for scheduled renovations.
Photo: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Currently, the runway is open at a reduced capacity of 9,275 ft (2,827 m) to allow smoother operations during the busy summer. Mohamed Charkas, Executive Vice President of Infrastructure and Development at DFW, had this to say about the reopening:
“The innovative approach to phased construction and a partial reopening allows crews to simultaneously finish the remaining work while safely bringing back into service what is normally one of the busiest departure runways for aircraft to use during the peak travel season. This project is another example of how DFW is leveraging innovative construction techniques to reduce costs and operational impacts while delivering exceptional infrastructure for our partners and the traveling public.”
The full runway is expected to open later in the year. The renovation project includes reconstructing the runway with a high-density asphalt overlay and improved drainage, electrical infrastructure, lighting, signage, and deicing systems.
The US Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration received funding for these projects earlier this year as a $45 million Airport Infrastructure Grant under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The details of the 17L/35R renovation project is as follows:
- 13,400 feet (4,084 m) long.
- 2,680,000 square feet of new runway surface.
- 200 feet (61 m) wide, the widest of DFW’s seven runways.
- 2,725 runway lights are being replaced with energy-efficient LED lights.
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