Southwest Airlines has secured a 15-year lease extension with the City of Dallas for its 18 gates at Dallas Love Field (DAL), extending the agreement until September 2040.
The Dallas City Council approved the extension early, despite the current lease expiring in 2028, to provide financial and operational stability amid growing passenger numbers. The proactive move aims to secure predictable costs and support long-term planning as the airport prepares for rising demand.
Dallas Love Field is the busiest medium hub airport in the U.S., serving about 17 million passengers annually. Annual boardings are expected to hit 10 million by the end of 2026, and this agreement lays the groundwork for managing congestion and maintaining smooth operations.
Southwest Airlines President and CEO Bob Jordan reflected on the airline’s origins at Love Field in 1971, emphasizing the company’s commitment to affordable, reliable service. He noted that planned capital investments under the new agreement will enhance the airport’s customer experience for years to come.
