DFW Airport Economic Impact Reaches $78.3 Billion, Supporting 684,000 Jobs Across North Texas

DFW Airport now contributes more than $78 billion annually to the North Texas economy and supports over 684,000 jobs, according to a new economic impact study released by The Perryman Group. The findings highlight the airport’s rapid growth over the last decade and reaffirm its role as one of the region’s most influential economic engines.

Since 2014, DFW’s annual economic impact has increased from $46.4 billion to $78.3 billion, driven by record passenger volumes, expanded domestic and international air service, and strong business development throughout North Texas. The study shows substantial gains across every major economic category tied to airport operations, tenants, travelers and cargo activity.

Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson said the airport’s rising impact reflects the region’s momentum. He noted that continued expansion at DFW is generating jobs, strengthening the business climate and improving opportunities for families across Dallas. Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker emphasized the airport’s role in advancing regional growth and praised the collaborative approach that has helped DFW increase its global reach.

The study’s key findings include:

• Gross product — the economic value generated by airport-related spending — increased 69% over the past decade, rising from $46.4 billion to $78.3 billion.

• Total expenditures tied to the airport reached $146 billion in 2024, up from $87 billion in 2014.

• Employment supported by airport activity increased 35%, from 508,000 jobs to 684,000, including more than 50,600 direct employees at the airport.

• Personal income generated by airport-related activity grew from $28.3 billion to $47.7 billion, an increase of nearly 69%.

DFW Airport Board Chair DeMetris Sampson said the study highlights how airport growth directly translates into job creation, stronger small businesses and increased regional competitiveness. She noted that DFW’s ongoing modernization — from new gates and roadways to the future Terminal F — will help sustain this progress for years to come.

Chief Executive Officer Chris McLaughlin said the airport is preparing to serve 100 million annual passengers by the end of the decade. He underscored that the airport does not rely on taxpayer dollars for operations, yet it generates significant fiscal benefits through business activity, visitor spending and tenant operations.

According to the study, DFW’s annual economic activity is estimated to generate more than $14 billion in federal taxes, $5 billion in state taxes, and $3.4 billion for local taxing entities.

The airport’s $12 billion capital program is also expected to produce nearly $5 billion in additional local, state and federal tax revenue upon completion. Major investments in airfield upgrades, terminal enhancements and new facilities—including Terminal F—will support thousands of additional jobs and billions more in wages and economic output.

Ray Perryman, president and CEO of The Perryman Group, said DFW Airport is a major catalyst for economic development across North Texas and a critical asset to the state and national economy. He emphasized that its ongoing investments will continue to expand economic opportunity well into the future.