Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) remains a major economic force in North Texas, supporting 684,000 jobs and generating $78.3 billion annually in regional economic activity.
A new study by The Perryman Group reveals that DFW’s economic influence has grown significantly over the past decade, reinforcing its role as a key driver of employment, commerce, and tourism.
Since 2014, the airport’s annual economic impact has risen from $46.4 billion in gross product—a measure of value created by airport-related activities—to $78.3 billion in 2024, marking a 69 percent increase.
This growth has been fueled by record passenger traffic, expanded domestic and international flight options, and strong regional business development.
“DFW Airport continues to be one of our region’s most powerful economic engines, and its growth reflects what we see across Dallas: a city on the rise stepping confidently into a brighter future,” said Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson.
“With its expansion underway, DFW Airport is creating more jobs, driving greater prosperity, strengthening our business landscape, and expanding opportunities for Dallas families. As Dallas surges forward, DFW Airport helps fuel our growth with unmatched connectivity and makes a profound impact on our local economy.”
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker added: “This new study from Perryman underscores DFW Airport’s central role as a world-class gateway and a major economic driver for Fort Worth and the entire North Texas region.
From remarkable job growth to a major increase in gross product, it’s clear that DFW is moving our region forward, and Fort Worth takes great pride in being a steadfast partner in this momentum.”
The Perryman Group, which has conducted assessments every five years since 2014, found strong gains across all major categories of airport-related activity over the past decade:
• Gross product increased 69 percent, from $46.4 billion in 2014 to $78.3 billion in 2024, serving as the best indicator of DFW’s net economic contribution.
• Total expenditures linked to the airport rose from $87 billion to $146 billion, a 68 percent increase.
• Employment supported directly and indirectly by the airport grew from 508,000 to 684,000 jobs, a 35 percent rise. Direct employment at DFW now exceeds 50,600.
• Personal income from airport-related activity climbed from $28.3 billion to $47.7 billion, an increase of nearly 69 percent.
“DFW Airport’s impact reaches far beyond travel, as it fuels economic opportunity in every corner of North Texas,” said DeMetris Sampson, chair of the DFW Airport Board of Directors.
“This study shows how the airport’s growth translates directly into new jobs, stronger small businesses, and expanded connections with the Texas economy. As we modernise our terminals and invest in the next decade of infrastructure, we’re laying the groundwork for even more innovation, commerce and shared prosperity across our communities.”
DFW CEO Chris McLaughlin stated: “The continued expansion of DFW Airport as an economic engine demonstrates its importance as a community, regional and national asset that supports small businesses, promotes tourism and creates opportunities for residents across North Texas.
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.”
Although the airport does not rely on taxpayer funding for operations, the economic activity it generates—through business operations, visitor spending, cargo, tenants, and partnerships—has significantly boosted public revenues.
Annual fiscal benefits are estimated at over $14 billion in federal taxes, $5 billion in state taxes, and $3.4 billion for local governments.
Additionally, the airport’s ongoing $12 billion capital improvement program—including airfield upgrades, new gates, facility enhancements, and the construction of Terminal F—is projected to generate nearly $5 billion in additional tax revenue upon completion. These projects will also support thousands of jobs and contribute billions more in gross product and wages.
“Serving one of the most dynamic economies in the world, DFW Airport helps support current success, and future expansion and prosperity, and is a major catalyst to continuing development,” said Ray Perryman, founder and CEO of The Perryman Group.
“Through its operations and related activity, DFW generates substantial—and growing—economic and fiscal benefits to the region, state, and nation.”
— news from Airport World
— News Original —
DFW remains key economic generator for North Texas – Airport World
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) continues to produce impressive statistics for the North Texas economy, currently supporting 684,000 jobs and generating $78.3 billion annually across the region. n nIndeed, according to a new economic impact study released today by The Perryman Group, DFW has accelerated its economic influence over the past decade, underscoring its role as a major driver of jobs, commerce and tourism spending. n nSince 2014, the airport’s overall annual economic impact has grown from $46.4 billion in gross product (measuring economic value created by airport-related activities) to $78.3 billion in 2024 – an increase of about 69%. n nThe growth was driven by record passenger volumes, expanded domestic and international air service, and robust business development across the region. n n“DFW Airport continues to be one of our region’s most powerful economic engines, and its growth reflects what we see across Dallas: a city on the rise stepping confidently into a brighter future,” said Dallas Mayor, Eric Johnson. n n“With its expansion underway, DFW Airport is creating more jobs, driving greater prosperity, strengthening our business landscape, and expanding opportunities for Dallas families. As Dallas surges forward, DFW Airport helps fuel our growth with unmatched connectivity and makes a profound impact on our local economy.” n nHis counterpart at Fort Worth, Mayor Mattie Parker, noted: “This new study from Perryman underscores DFW Airport’s central role as a world-class gateway and a major economic driver for Fort Worth and the entire North Texas region. n n“From remarkable job growth to a major increase in gross product, it’s clear that DFW is moving our region forward, and Fort Worth takes great pride in being a steadfast partner in this momentum.” n nThe study, which Perryman has conducted for the airport every five years since 2014, highlights strong growth across every major category of airport-related activity during the past decade: n n• Gross product, which measures the economic value that airport-related expenditures create, has increased 69% from $46.4 billion in 2014 to $78.3 billion in 2024. This number is the best indicator of airport’s net economic impact on the North Texas region. n n• Total expenditures, which measures the economic value of all dollars spent due to the airport’s presence, increased from $87 billion in 2014 to $146 billion in 2024, up 68%. n n• Direct and indirect employment supported by the airport grew from 508,000 jobs to 684,000, an increase of 35%. Direct employment at the airport currently totals more than 50,600 jobs. n n• Personal income from airport-related activity rose from $28.3 billion in 2014 to $47.7 billion in 2024, an increase of nearly 69%. n n“DFW Airport’s impact reaches far beyond travel, as it fuels economic opportunity in every corner of North Texas,” enthused DeMetris Sampson, chair of the DFW Airport Board of Directors. n n“This study shows how the airport’s growth translates directly into new jobs, stronger small businesses, and expanded connections with the Texas economy. As we modernise our terminals and invest in the next decade of infrastructure, we’re laying the groundwork for even more innovation, commerce and shared prosperity across our communities.” n nDFW CEO, Chris McLaughlin, said: “The continued expansion of DFW Airport as an economic engine demonstrates its importance as a community, regional and national asset that supports small businesses, promotes tourism and creates opportunities for residents across North Texas. n n“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.” n nWhile the airport does not use taxpayer dollars for its operations, the study concludes that the economic activity generated by DFW’s businesses, partners, visitor spending, cargo operations, tenants and other activities have greatly increased the tax benefits to the community. n nThese annual fiscal benefits are estimated to generate more than $14 billion in federal taxes, $5 billion in state taxes and $3.4 billion for local taxing entities. n nAdditionally, the Perryman study concludes that the airport’s ongoing $12 billion capital programme, including projects on the airfield, new gates, other facility improvements and the new Terminal F, are estimated to generate nearly $5 billion in additional local, state and federal taxes at project completion. The airport’s new infrastructure will also support thousands of additional jobs, along with billions more in gross product and wages. n n“Serving one of the most dynamic economies in the world, DFW Airport helps support current success, and future expansion and prosperity, and is a major catalyst to continuing development,” said Ray Perryman, founder and CEO of The Perryman Group. n n“Through its operations and related activity, DFW generates substantial – and growing – economic and fiscal benefits to the region, state, and nation.”