DFW Airport in the US Powers North Texas Tourism, Six Hundred Eighty-Four Thousand Jobs, and Seventy-Eight Billion Dollar Economy

Published on December 4, 2025

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has emerged as a central hub for travel, tourism, and economic activity in North Texas, generating over $78 billion annually and supporting more than 684,000 jobs across the region. A recent study by The Perryman Group highlights the airport’s growing influence in connecting travelers, businesses, and tourists, making it a key driver of economic prosperity for both Dallas and Fort Worth. Over the past decade, DFW has strengthened its role as a gateway that not only facilitates mobility but also stimulates the regional tourism sector and local business growth.

Since 2014, the airport’s gross product from airport-related activities has surged from $46.4 billion to $78.3 billion in 2024, reflecting nearly 69 percent growth. This expansion is supported by record passenger volumes, expanded domestic and international air service, and increased business travel, underscoring DFW’s significance in attracting visitors and promoting tourism across North Texas.

Supporting Jobs and Travel-Related Commerce

Employment linked to DFW has expanded from 508,000 jobs to more than 684,000, with direct airport employment exceeding 50,600 positions. Personal income generated through travel, tourism, and airport operations has risen from $28.3 billion in 2014 to $47.7 billion in 2024. Total expenditures associated with DFW now total $146 billion, up from $87 billion a decade ago.

These numbers highlight DFW’s vital role not only as a transportation hub but also as a driver of tourism, hospitality, and retail activity. Hotels, restaurants, attractions, and local businesses benefit from the steady flow of passengers, business travelers, and visitors, reinforcing the airport’s importance to regional tourism infrastructure.

Strategic Expansions Enhancing Travel Experience

DFW’s $12 billion capital improvement program, DFW Forward, is transforming the airport experience for travelers while bolstering tourism growth. The modernization of terminals, expansion of airfields, development of new gates including Terminal F, and improvements to roadways are designed to accommodate rising passenger demand and enhance traveler convenience.

These upgrades are expected to support thousands of additional jobs and generate nearly $5 billion in federal, state, and local taxes, demonstrating the airport’s broad economic and tourism-related impact. By increasing capacity and improving traveler amenities, DFW ensures that both leisure and business travelers can enjoy smooth, efficient, and enjoyable journeys, strengthening North Texas’s reputation as a premier travel destination.

Fiscal Contributions and Community Benefits

While operating without taxpayer funding, DFW generates substantial fiscal benefits for the region. Annual tax contributions from airport operations, tenants, visitor spending, and cargo activities are estimated at over $14 billion federally, $5 billion at the state level, and $3.4 billion for local governments. The ongoing infrastructure projects are projected to increase these revenues further, enabling community investment and tourism promotion initiatives that enhance North Texas’s appeal to visitors.

Driving Tourism and Business Travel

Tourism and business travel remain central to DFW’s growth. The airport facilitates access for visitors who contribute to hotels, dining, retail, and entertainment sectors. Business travelers utilize DFW to connect with national and international markets, supporting trade, investment, and conferences. As passenger volumes increase, the airport’s expansion ensures that North Texas can continue to attract major conventions, tourism events, and international visitors, boosting the regional travel and hospitality industry.

Regional Leadership and Collaboration

Leadership from Dallas and Fort Worth emphasizes the airport’s strategic importance for tourism and regional development. Investments in connectivity, infrastructure, and passenger experience are essential for maintaining DFW’s status as a world-class travel hub. The airport’s continued growth enhances quality of life by creating tourism opportunities, increasing local spending, and attracting visitors to North Texas’s attractions.

Insights from The Perryman Group

The Perryman Group, a leading economic research firm, has conducted studies for DFW every five years since 2014, analyzing metrics such as gross product, expenditures, employment, and personal income. These studies illustrate how the airport’s development supports tourism, business travel, and regional prosperity. By linking airport growth to community and economic outcomes, the research highlights DFW’s role in driving tourism-related investment and enhancing the visitor experience in North Texas.

Conclusion: A Tourism and Travel Catalyst

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is more than a gateway for passengers; it is a cornerstone of North Texas’s tourism and travel economy. Generating over $78 billion annually, supporting 684,000 jobs, and investing $12 billion in infrastructure, DFW continues to attract visitors, facilitate business travel, and strengthen local tourism. Its expansion projects and modernization initiatives ensure that travelers enjoy a seamless experience while contributing to regional economic growth. As DFW connects North Texas to the world, it reinforces the area’s reputation as a dynamic destination for leisure, business, and international travel.