Ready for takeoff

For on-time performance, DFW flies high among world’s biggest airports

Last year, 76.78 percent of flights at DFW were on time.

Photo courtesy of Ibarra Engineers

For air travelers, few things are more irritating than flight delays. But for passengers at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, those irritations are relatively minimal.

In a report released January 3 by aviation data provider OAG, DFW ranks 10th worldwide for timely takeoffs and landings at so-called “mega” airports. Last year, 76.78 percent of flights at DFW were on time, the report says.

OAG defines on-time performance as flights that arrive or depart within 15 minutes of their scheduled times. It places airports into five categories (mega, major, large, midsize, and small) based on their passenger capacity.

The on-time performance of Fort Worth-based American Airlines boosted the airport’s overall on-time performance. Last year, DFW’s biggest carrier posted on-time performance of 76.28 percent, OAG says.

DFW is one of the world’s busiest airports, welcoming more than 73 million passengers a year. Last May, the airport and American Airlines announced a $3 billion to $3.5 billion plan to construct a new terminal (Terminal F) and upgrade Terminal C.

In March 2019, Airports Council International named DFW the best large airport (serving at least 40 million passengers a year) in North America. Two months earlier, the Air Transport World trade publication recognized DFW as 2019 Airport of the Year.

In a January 2019 release, Karen Walker, editor-in-chief of Air Transport World, said DFW stands out “for its innovation, operational excellence, and focus on serving its customers — passengers and airlines. DFW has invested in infrastructure and technology to improve its facilities, efficiencies, and sustainability, all the time continuing its operations as a global mega-hub.”

In the OAG report, Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport lands in the No. 1 spot among mega airports, with an on-time record of 86.87 percent in 2019. For mega airports in the U.S., Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport claims the top ranking (83.74 percent), followed by Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, Denver International Airport, and DFW.

Dallas Love Field was not included in the OAG study.

Elsewhere in Texas:

Houston’s George W. Bush Intercontinental Airport soars to No. 9 among major global airports, scoring an on-time record of 79.25 percent last year. Houston’s Hobby Airport wasn’t included in the report.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport checks in at No. 19 among large airports around the world, earning an on-time performance record of 80.12 percent in 2019.
San Antonio International Airport flies into the No. 12 spot among midsize global airports, with an on-time record last year of 81.2 percent.

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HAUTE PROPERTIES

Southern Living to open 2026 Idea House in Texas Hill Country

Southern Living Idea House Fredericksburg

Rendering by Jon Messer.

Southern Living Idea House will be open for tours beginning September 18.

Whether Texas is part of the South may still be an open question, but Southern Living is settling the debate with a big investment. The Birmingham, Alabama-based lifestyle magazine will build its newest Idea House in the Hill Country town of Fredericksburg.

For more than 35 years, Southern Living has drafted Southern builders, architects, and designers to build new homes that not only showcase the latest innovations in home design but are the epitomes of Southern style. This year, the magazine chose Fredericksburg's Friedën community, a 130-acre development featuring parks, nature trails, and lakes.

"We're excited to call Fredericksburg home for the year and to celebrate the distinct character of the Texas Hill Country,” says editor-in-chief Sid Evans in a release. “Surrounded by rolling hills and wide-open views, this home reflects the region's natural beauty and the relaxed spirit of the Lone Star State."

The design of the versatile home proves the modern farmhouse trend still has some legs. Southern Living’s designers update the look by ditching whitewashed everything for a more contemporary color palette that blends in with the Hill Country’s natural landscape. Floor-to-ceiling windows further “dissolve the boundaries” between the interior and the great outdoors.

To bring their vision to life, Southern Living drafted a local team, including builder Kurk Homes, architect Andrew Bray of Mustard Architects, landscape designer Melissa Gerstle, and interior designers Jean Liu, Marcus Mohon, and Paloma Contreras. But real estate gawkers will have to wait to see most of the details. The house won’t be unveiled until September 18, when public tours open and the October issue hits stands.

Southern Living, however, did tease a few details, saying the home is being built for “multi-generational” living with sustainable products and appliances, a motor court entry, and a private casita. No doubt, interior design buffs will also find inspiration in the decor's bold choices. Last year’s Idea House in Virginia mixed in everything from garden florals and African mudcloth to animal prints and kitchsy cottagecore art.

The Idea House will be open to the public for tours from September 18 through December 20, 2026. Tickets will be available beginning in April, with a portion of the proceeds supporting area charities. After the open house, the home will be available for sale at an undisclosed price.

homes home design interior design fredericksburg hill country southern living

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HAUTE PROPERTIES

Southern Living to open 2026 Idea House in Texas Hill Country