Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) welcomed U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg this morning to celebrate the groundbreaking of the next phase in the Airport’s industry-leading End Around Taxiway (EAT) program. Additionally, the Secretary announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would provide a payment of $28.8 million toward construction of the newest EAT on the airport’s southwest side, marking the third of its kind at DFW Airport.
“What really distinguishes DFW is the size and the growth happening at the same time,” Buttigieg said. “Sometimes you have fast-growing markets, sometimes you have large ones, but this is one that is both. And, I appreciate the way DFW is looking to the future.”
The FAA has committed to providing a total of $180 million for DFW’s EAT program. The FAA provided DFW with $115 million to construct the northeast EAT, which opened in May of 2022. DFW Airport’s first EAT on the southeast side, was completed in 2008.
“Safety is the No. 1 priority across the aviation industry and here at DFW, and we greatly appreciate the federal support in continuing to invest in our infrastructure and modernization of the airfield,” said DFW Chief Executive Officer Sean Donohue.
EATs allow arriving aircraft to taxi around DFW’s active runways rather than wait to cross them, eliminating the need to cross active runways. EATs also improve operational efficiency, generate aircraft operating cost savings, and reduce passenger travel times. EATs also avoid aircraft stoppages, leading to a decrease in taxi times by an average of four minutes per flight for passengers as their plane travels between the runway and the gate areas.
When the southwest EAT project is completed in 2025, it will be DFW’s third. This initiative is a crucial part of DFW's 10-year Capital Infrastructure Plan, aimed at enhancing runways, roadways, and bridges. EATs are one of several investments DFW is making to reshape how the Airport operates well into the future.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is one of the most connected airports in the world. Centered between owner cities Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW Airport also serves as a major job generator for the North Texas region by connecting people through business and leisure travel. For more information, visit the DFW website or download the DFW Mobile App for iOS and Android devices.
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