Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is a beacon of global connections in the heart of Texas. As the calendar pages turn, 2024 is a momentous year for DFW as it prepares to mark its 50th anniversary.
On January 13, 2024, the airport will commence its year-long jubilee. For 50 years, DFW has connected North Texas to the globe. The Golden Anniversary celebrations will include exhilarating events, interactive activities, and delightful surprises. This 50th jubilee celebrates the airport’s present-day achievements and takes a nostalgic trip back to September 1973. Back then, the Cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, alongside the newly formed DFW Airport Board, rolled out multi-day dedication ceremonies.
A Golden Year at DFW
“DFW will enter its golden year in 2024 as the second-busiest airport in the world. We have built on a half-century legacy of growth and innovation. DFW has unparalleled support from the community and business partners we serve, along with our owner cities of Dallas and Fort Worth,” said DFW Chief Executive Officer Sean Donohue. “We reflect this week on the dedication events that many people in our community remember fondly. And we are eager to share that spirit of adventure with our customers, partners, and neighbors during our upcoming anniversary year.”
Many in the community might recall with fondness the dedication ceremonies before the airport officially commenced its commercial operations. One of the standout events from those ceremonies was the historic landing of the supersonic Concorde jet on September 20, 1973. This marked the Concorde’s maiden touchdown in the United States. The arrival of the revolutionary jet projected DFW into the international limelight. It also highlighted DFW’s pivotal role in pushing the boundaries of aviation infrastructure for North Texas.
Fast forward to the present, and DFW’s achievements continue to soar. Once the largest airport in the US, DFW today is the second-largest airport in land size. Importantly, DFW retains its position as the world’s second-busiest airport. The airport served an impressive 80 million passengers in 2023 alone.
Stay tuned: DFW promises to unveil more details about the planned celebrations and memorable events to mark its 50th year.