American Airlines is implementing operational changes at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), its largest hub, aimed at enhancing schedule reliability, improving passenger connections, and optimizing overall airport flow. The airline is investing in both operational planning and infrastructure as part of a broader effort to strengthen performance at the hub, which handles more than 30% of its daily connecting passengers and checked bags.
Beginning in April, and reflected in schedules published from December 27, American will move from a nine-bank to a 13-bank flight structure at DFW. The revised structure spreads arrivals and departures more evenly throughout the day, reducing congestion during peak periods and providing customers with more consistent connection windows. The change is also expected to offer improved early-morning departure options and reduce the number of very early inbound flights to DFW.
Alongside the schedule adjustment, the airline is increasing block times across its network. This change is intended to improve on-time performance, reduce delays and provide greater certainty for passengers and baggage handling.
The updated structure is designed to maintain existing connection opportunities while creating additional options and reducing the concentration of very short connection times. The airline says these changes will also support smoother baggage transfers, building on recent efforts to improve checked bag performance.
Operational changes are being supported by ongoing investments at DFW, including terminal modernisation, gate expansions and long-term development plans such as the upcoming Terminal F, which is scheduled for completion in 2030. American will operate all gates in the new terminal, which will include expanded widebody capacity, updated baggage systems, premium lounges and a new U.S. Customs facility.
American is also working with airport and federal agencies to streamline security and immigration processes and improve ground traffic flow around the airport. In parallel, the American Airlines is investing in additional remote deplaning capabilities to reduce diversions and improve recovery during weather-related disruptions, which have been frequent at DFW in recent years.
“As the operating environment and our customers’ expectations have evolved in the last 10 years, our approach at our largest and most impactful hub must also evolve,” said Jim Moses, Senior Vice President of DFW Operations. “We’re making this significant shift while maintaining the same breadth, depth and schedule quality our customers expect and depend on. That means good things for American’s customers, our team members and just about everyone who depends on the airline.”
