The Rise of Dallas-Fort Worth Airport During the Pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has significantly reshaped global travel dynamics, resulting in surprising outcomes among the world’s busiest airports. Notably, Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (DFW) in Texas has surpassed all others, recording more flights taking off and landing compared to any airport worldwide, despite reduced operations due to COVID-19.
Flight Operations at DFW
In May, DFW reported over 12,000 flights, which was less than half of its normal schedule from February 2020. Nevertheless, this number provides a stark contrast to other airports across the U.S. and globally, especially in regions that imposed stricter COVID-19 lockdowns and travel limitations. American Airlines, headquartered in Fort Worth, operates the majority of flights from DFW, contributing significantly to these impressive figures.
Traffic Trends and Route Changes
While low demand led to fewer flights, it ironically caused the cancellation of various city-to-city routes, compelling travelers to reroute through major hubs like DFW. Doug Parker, the CEO of American Airlines, noted during an investor conference call in May, “DFW and Charlotte will remain two of the three biggest hubs on earth post-pandemic.”
Measuring Airport Busyness
The designation of the world’s busiest airport can be determined through several metrics, including passenger counts and the number of flights. Typically, the top ten busiest airports encompass destinations in Atlanta, Beijing, Dubai, Tokyo, Chicago, and London.
Airline Recovery and Future Prospects
Despite the continued rise in COVID-19 case numbers in the United States, airlines are progressively restoring their schedules to pre-pandemic levels. In July, JetBlue and American Airlines collaborated to introduce codeshare flights for both domestic and international travelers. Some U.S. airlines have also resumed full-capacity flights, signaling a slow return to normalcy in air travel.
