American Airlines opened four gates at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport's Terminal A on Oct. 21, the first phase of a 10-gate pier expansion at the airline's largest hub.

The airport borders Grapevine and is a major employer in northeast Tarrant County.

Gates A10, A11, A13 and A15 are now in service. The full pier expansion is expected to be open for the winter holiday travel season, according to a DFW Airport news release. Of the 10 total gates, five are brand-new and five are rebuilt, according to the Fort Worth Report.

Shifting flights during construction

Jim Moses, American Airlines' senior vice president of DFW hub operations, said the expanded pier lets American shift flights while Terminal C is rebuilt.

"The Terminal A pier allows us to shift departures out of Terminal C, which is undergoing a complete reconstruction," Moses said, according to the Fort Worth Report.

With the expansion complete, Terminal A is set to host more than 200 departures on peak days, according to American Airlines officials cited by Community Impact. The Fort Worth Report put that figure at over 225 daily departures.

How it was built

Construction started in 2024 using a modular approach. Seven pre-built sections were assembled on the airport campus and transported over 1.5 miles to the project site, according to the DFW Airport news release.

The modules were moved across the airfield at night to minimize disruption to flight operations, the Fort Worth Report reported. The airport called the method a first for the aviation industry, with 65% of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing work completed before the modules were transported.

The pier sits directly under the north Skylink station. It follows a similar expansion at Terminal C, which opened in June and added nine gates.

What travelers will find

The new pier features updated seating with power outlets at every seat, electronic boarding gates, wider walkways, taller ceilings and expanded dining and shopping options, according to the DFW Airport news release.

South Dallas nonprofit Bonton Farms has opened two markets in the Terminal A area selling snacks, drinks and grab-and-go items. Other concessions include Mesero, MAD Greens, P.F. Chang's, Auntie Anne's and a Chick-fil-A open 24 hours Monday through Saturday, the Fort Worth Report reported.

Kenneth Buchanan, DFW Airport's executive vice president and chief revenue officer, told the Fort Worth Report that the national franchises on-site are all owned by local small businesses. He said focus groups and customer feedback informed the expansion's design.

"They told us they want more local, they want more experiences coming out of Dallas and Fort Worth and the region," Buchanan said.

What comes next

The same modular construction method is being used for the 31-gate Terminal F, which will serve as American Airlines' flagship terminal when it opens next year. That terminal will include The Provisions by Admirals Club lounge.