Dallas Love Field is preparing a major renovation meant to handle millions more passengers each year while improving the airport experience. The project stays within the airport's federally imposed limit of 20 gates. The Love Field Airport Expansion Plan, known as LEAP, is in the design phase. Dallas City Council could consider approving it in the first part of next year. The changes are expected to continue through 2033.
Love Field serves about 18 million passengers a year. Planners believe it could handle another 6 million, but reaching that level would require significant changes to its current layout. Dallas City Manager Kimberly Tolbert said, "The time is right because Dallas is growing." Tolbert and Southwest Airlines CEO Robert Jordan discussed the airport's future Thursday at the North Dallas Chamber's Aviation Summit.
The plan would change how passengers move through the terminal. It begins with demolishing Garage A and moving ticketing, check-in and security upstairs. The concourse would be widened by 50 feet to make room for concessions and restrooms. A new parking garage, Garage D, is also part of the phased project. Jordan said, "This is a lot of money — we want to spend it the right way."