Dallas City Council Extends Southwest Airlines’ Lease at Dallas Love Field
The Dallas City Council has voted to extend Southwest Airlines’ lease for 18 gates at Dallas Love Field (DAL) until September 2040. The current lease expires in September 2028, but the Department of Aviation proposed the early completion of a new and subsequent Use and Lease Agreement with the airline.
Securing Predictable Costs and Financial Stability
This proactive step secures predictable costs per enplanement and ensures financial and operational stability as passenger volumes continue growing. In the 2024 calendar year, the airport served over 16 million passengers.
Partnership with Southwest Airlines
“I am proud to see Dallas extend its longstanding partnership with Southwest Airlines,” said Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson. “For over 50 years, Southwest has been the cornerstone of Dallas Love Field Airport and a key economic partner to our city. With this renewed commitment, I am excited to see our partnership with Southwest move forward stronger than ever.”
Relieving Congestion and Preserving Airline Service
This agreement ensures that DAL can begin relieving congestion, continue efficient operations, and preserve vital airline service for Dallas residents and businesses.
Southwest Airlines’ Commitment to Dallas Love Field
“We applaud the leadership of Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson and City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert in helping secure Southwest’s long-term future at Dallas Love Field,” said Bob Jordan, President, Chief Executive Officer & Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at Southwest Airlines. “Our first flight took off from Love Field in 1971, and our purpose today is just as fulfilling as it was then—to connect People to what matters most in their lives with friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel. The capital investments under this new agreement will help ensure our home at Love Field remains a premier airport with enhancements to the Customer experience for years to come.”
Long-Term Planning and Investment
Finalizing the agreement at this stage provides a strong foundation for long-term planning and investment, helping to position Dallas Love Field to meet rising passenger demand. With annual enplanements projected to reach approximately 10 million by the end of 2026, it is important for the city to implement preemptive infrastructure and operational strategies to support that growth.
About Dallas Love Field (DAL)
Centrally located within seven miles of Downtown Dallas, Dallas Love Field (DAL) serves approximately 17 million passengers annually. As the busiest medium hub airport in the U.S. and a frequent recipient of prestigious awards such as ACI-World’s Airport Service Quality, ACI-NA’s MarComCX, and others, DAL continues to lead the evolution of the airport experience. Historically contributing over $5.6 billion in economic activity and boosting labor income by $1.7 billion through more than 28,000 local jobs annually, the airport looks forward to further developing its footprint and level of exceptional aviation services.
Conclusion
The extension of Southwest Airlines’ lease at Dallas Love Field is a significant step forward for the city and the airline. With a long-term commitment in place, both parties can focus on providing exceptional service to passengers and driving economic growth in the region. As the airport continues to evolve and expand, it is well-positioned to meet the increasing demands of air travel and remain a premier destination for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the term of the extended lease agreement between Southwest Airlines and Dallas Love Field?
A: The lease agreement has been extended until September 2040.
Q: How many gates will Southwest Airlines operate at Dallas Love Field under the new agreement?
A: Southwest Airlines will continue to operate 18 gates at Dallas Love Field.
Q: What is the anticipated annual passenger volume at Dallas Love Field by the end of 2026?
A: Annual enplanements are projected to reach approximately 10 million by the end of 2026.
Q: How many passengers does Dallas Love Field currently serve annually?
A: Dallas Love Field serves approximately 17 million passengers annually.
Q: What is the economic impact of Dallas Love Field on the local community?
A: The airport contributes over $5.6 billion in economic activity and boosts labor income by $1.7 billion through more than 28,000 local jobs annually.
