Master Plan Process & Objectives

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A comprehensive Master Plan will help ensure that DAL continues to operate safely and efficiently. Formulating a cohesive and flexible plan will support the Airport’s development and adaptation as aviation demand grows and evolves.

The DAL Master Plan will focus on the future, ensuring DAL is prepared to accommodate general aviation demand, provide opportunities for current and future tenants, enhance customer service for the community and airport users, and optimize the use of Airport infrastructure and resources in an operationally, financially, and environmentally sustainable manner.

The Master Plan will follow a defined planning process, starting with gathering information about existing facilities and aircraft activity and preparing a 20-year forecast of aviation activity at DAL. Existing facilities are evaluated to assess how well they will be able to accommodate the forecast growth in demand. The gap between what existing facilities can safely and efficiently handle and the forecast of future activity is the basis for exploring development alternatives for meeting future demand. Ultimately, a preferred development path will be selected and a plan for its phased implementation will be defined.

Throughout the master planning process, public input and stakeholder engagement will be critical to ensuring the future development plan meets the needs of Airport users. The Airport aims to provide a safe operating environment while supporting the community and maintaining its role as a reliever for the Dallas area.

Tentative Schedule & Outreach

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Public Meetings

  1. Introduction to Master Plan & Aviation Activity Forecast

  2. Demand/Capacity & Requirements / Early Development Opportunity Zones

  3. Preliminary Alternatives Screening & Development of Shortlisted Alternatives

  4. Evaluation of Shortlisted Alternatives & Selection of Preferred Alternative(s)

  5. Refinement of Preferred Alternative / Financial Review

Transportation Committee & City Council Briefings

  1. Introduction to Master Plan & Aviation Activity Forecast

  2. Demand/Capacity / Early Development Opportunity Zones

  3. Alternatives Development & Evaluation / Identification of Preferred Alternative(s)

  4. Refinement of Preferred Alternative / Financial Review

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General

  • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends that Part 139 airports complete Master Plans every 7-10 years, recognizing the dynamic nature of the aviation industry. DAL’s prior Master Plan was completed roughly nine years ago, just after the Love Field Modernization Program (LFMP) was completed. Because the LFMP was underway during the previous Master Plan study, that study did not consider future terminal needs. As technologies have advanced, industry trends have evolved, and passenger demand has grown since the opening of the LFMP, the City of Dallas – Department of Aviation is taking a fresh look at the Airport’s long-term strategy. While DAL is constrained to 20 gates, demand has outgrown the original projections, so defining a plan to accommodate that growth efficiently, safely, and economically is in the best interest of both the City of Dallas and DAL stakeholders.

  • Projects will be implemented at varying times in response to demand and other triggers over the planning period. Before a project is to be implemented, it must undergo thorough analysis, such as an environmental review through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Project funding sources will be established prior to project implementation.

  • It is anticipated that the Master Plan will be completed by Summer 2025. View the schedule here.

  • Visit our Get Involved page to stay up-to-date on upcoming public meetings.

  • Visit our Submit Feedback form to share your comments.

  • The City of Dallas - Department of Aviation has initiated the Master Plan. The FAA recommends that airports complete a master plan update every 7-10 years. The last Master Plan was completed in 2015.

  • The engaged stakeholders include local agencies, airlines, tenants, federal agencies, and the public.

Aviation

  • The assumed airline fleet mix is based on published airline schedules in the near-term. The future fleet mix is based on airline aircraft orders and expected aircraft retirements. The current and future fleet consists of narrowbody aircraft, such as Airbus 320 family and Boeing 737 variants.

  • DAL is designed to serve narrowbody aircraft. With advanced coordination, Air Traffic Control can accommodate larger aircraft.

  • There are no restrictions on the growth of non-commercial airline operations.

  • All gates are currently leased, but the City has accommodation provisions within the Wright Amendment Reform Act. The City would work with an airline to try and find accommodations within the 20-gate limit imposed by the Five-Party Agreement.

  • DAL is restricted from commercial international flights. However, today CBP currently processes general aviation international arrivals. International processing for non-commercial flights will be considered.

Infrastructure

  • Elements to be considered include, but are not limited to:

    • Public Parking Facilities

    • Roadway Network

    • Passenger Pickup/Drop-off

    • Commercial Transportation (taxi, shuttle, ride-share, etc.)

    • Public Transportation

    • Terminal & Concourse Facilities

    • Rental Car Facilities

  • Per the controlling legal agreements, the number of gates available for passenger air service at Love Field shall not exceed a maximum of 20 gates. These legal agreements include the Five-Party Agreement and the Wright Amendment Reform Act.

  • Yes. Although the Wright Amendment was repealed in October 2014, the Five-Party Agreement remains in effect. This agreement limits the number of gates to 20 and precludes international commercial passenger air service.

Community

  • The Airport does not use property tax dollars. However, airport revenue generation is important in ensuring that the Airport is as financially self-sustaining as possible, consistent with Federal Aviation Administration grant assurances.

Didn’t see your question answered?

We will continue to update the FAQs as new questions arise. Visit our Get Involved page to ask your question, and it may be featured on the website at a later date.