Dallas Love Field expansion aims to improve passenger experience, keep 20 gates

Dallas Love Field is preparing for a major renovation designed to accommodate millions more passengers each year while improving the airport experience — all without exceeding its federally imposed 20-gate limit.

The Love Field Airport Expansion Plan, known as LEAP, is already in the design phase. Dallas City Council could consider approving the plan in the first part of next year, clearing the way for a series of changes expected to continue through 2033.

Love Field already serves about 18 million passengers annually. Planners believe the airport could handle another 6 million a year, but reaching that capacity would require significant changes to its existing layout.

“The time is right because Dallas is growing,” Dallas City Manager Kimberly Tolbert said.

Tolbert appeared Thursday with Southwest Airlines CEO Robert Jordan to discuss the airport’s future during the North Dallas Chamber’s Aviation Summit.

“In my 38 years at Southwest — this is the best relationship we have ever had with the city of Dallas,” Jordan said.

Plan would reshape terminal and passenger services

The proposed renovation would change how passengers move through Love Field, beginning with the demolition of Garage A and moving ticketing, check-in and security upstairs.

The plan also calls for widening the concourse by 50 feet to create more room for concessions and restrooms. A new parking garage, known as Garage D, is also part of the phased project.

Jordan said Southwest wants to ensure the investment is used effectively.

“This is a lot of money — we want to spend it the right way,” Jordan said.

The work is intended to make the airport more efficient and improve the customer experience without expanding its footprint through additional gates.

Federal law still limits Love Field to 20 gates

Federal legislation limits Love Field to 20 gates, meaning the planned renovations will not add new gates to the airport.

Jordan said Southwest is focused on making the existing facility work as well as possible.

“We are completely focused on making the 18 gates at the airport experience the very best it can be,” Jordan said.

Tolbert said Thursday that adding gates is not part of the current expansion plan, although she believes the possibility could come up in the future.

“But at some point — I do believe — that it will be necessary,” Tolbert said.

For now, the focus remains on redesigning the airport to accommodate future passenger growth, with major improvements expected to roll out in phases through 2033.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication.