DFW AIRPORT, Texas (May 19, 2026)
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is preparing for a busy Memorial Day travel period, with approximately 1.6 million customers expected to travel to, through or from the airport between May 21 and May 26.
Travel demand is estimated to be approximately 5.8% higher than last year as the long holiday weekend kicks off the unofficial start of the summer travel season. The busiest days for Memorial Day travel are expected to be Thursday, May 21; Friday, May 22; and Monday, May 25, when airport roadways, terminal curbs and parking facilities will experience the highest levels of activity.
Across the holiday period, certain times are expected to be the busiest, including late mornings (9-11 a.m.) and early evenings (6-8 p.m.), when roadways and terminal curbs are the busiest.
Customers are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time when traveling this summer, especially during peak periods. DFW recommends arriving at least two hours before domestic departures and three hours before international departures, with additional time built in for roadway traffic, parking and security screening.
Navigate Busy Travel Days with Real-Time Tools
DFW offers a range of tools to help customers move efficiently from curb to gate.
The DFW Airport mobile app, available on iOS and Android, provides:
- Live parking availability
- Real-time TSA security wait times
- Terminal-specific alerts and construction updates
- Summer travel tips dfwairport.com/summer
Customers can also prebook parking in advance to secure the best rate and reduce decision time upon arrival.
Plan Your Route and Terminal Access
Travelers should expect heavier-than-usual traffic approaching terminals, particularly on peak travel days.
Terminal access varies by direction:
- Travelers flying out of Terminals A and B are recommended to use the North Entry Plaza
- Travelers flying out of Terminals C, D and E are recommended to use the South Entry Plaza
Customers are encouraged to use live navigation apps to select the most efficient route based on real-time traffic conditions.
To save time and avoid congestion in the construction area, American Airlines passengers with departures in Terminal C may check in, check bags and clear security at Terminal A then take the short walk or quick Skylink ride to Terminal C.
Ahead of the Memorial Day travel weekend, DFW will complete and open the full configuration of Terminal C’s new right-hand access. Customers arriving from the south are now able to access Terminal C using the new right-hand exit. Customers arriving from the north will utilize the new right-hand access beginning the morning of Thursday, May 21. Simultaneously, Terminal D’s North Exit will reopen, providing drivers with northbound access to International Parkway.
This is the third of three phases which has transitioned access into Terminals A, B and C to new right-hand exits from International Parkway as part of the International Parkway Project, enhancing traffic flow and navigation for customers.
Use Public Transit to Avoid Roadway Congestion
Public transit remains a convenient option for avoiding roadway congestion during peak periods, offering direct access to airport terminals:
- DART Silver Line: Connecting Plano to Terminal B with stops in Richardson, Addison, Carrollton and Coppell.
- DART Orange Line: Direct service from Plano, downtown Dallas and Irving to Terminal A.
- Trinity Metro TEXRail: Service from downtown Fort Worth through North Richland Hills and Grapevine to Terminal B.
- TRE + TRE Link Shuttle: Connections between Dallas, Fort Worth and CentrePort/DFW Airport Station.
This is the third of three phases which has transitioned access into Terminals A, B and C to new right-hand exits from International Parkway as part of the International Parkway Project, enhancing traffic flow and navigation for customers.
Follow Curbside and Parking Protocols
To keep traffic moving, DFW reminds customers that terminal curbs are reserved for active loading and unloading only. Drivers waiting for passengers should use designated cell phone lots or one-hour garage parking, available at no additional charge.
All exit plazas are cashless, and TollTag users can take advantage of dedicated lanes for faster entry and exit.
Prepare for a Busy Start to Summer Travel
As North Texas kicks-off another busy summer, DFW is ready for what’s ahead. Customers who plan ahead, allow extra time and use the airport’s digital tools will be well positioned for a smooth summer travel season.
For additional travel tips and real-time updates, visit dfwairport.com/summer or download the DFW Airport mobile app.
About Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is one of the most connected and busiest airports in the world. Centered between owner cities Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW Airport also serves as a major economic engine and job generator for the North Texas region. The airport’s historic $12 billion capital plan – DFW Forward – is set to transform the customer experience and plan for the future with monumental upgrades and expansions underway across DFW’s terminals, airfield and roadway infrastructure.For more information, visit the DFW website or download the DFW Airport mobile app for iOS and Android devices. Follow @dfwairport on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.