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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Hotel reno

Luxury hotel near DFW Airport unveils major refresh and new dining

Photo courtesy of Ricardo Marriott

House of Toro is the new chophouse at The Ricardo Marriott.

A longtime Westlake luxury hotel is ready to unveil a major renovation and rebrand to the public: The former Marriott Westlake has reopened as The Ricardo Marriott, named for famed Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta, the original designer of the hotel and its surrounding Solana Plaza.

According to a release, the 293-room property near DFW Airport recent underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation that included several new dining concepts and social spaces, along with new design elements, guest room refurbishments, and a pool refresh.

Dallas-based Coury Hospitality led the overhaul of the Marriott, Bonvoy Collection hotel.

"The Ricardo Marriott represents an exciting new chapter for this property,” said Andrew Casperson, President of Coury Hospitality, in a statement. “This transformation goes beyond a renovation. It reflects an intentional effort to honor the building’s architectural significance while introducing a renewed identity that is bold, design-driven, and reflective of Westlake’s evolving character.”

The renovations aimed to honor and augment Legorreta's original, 1987 design for the building and its campus, featuring his signature bold geometry and vibrant colors. (Legorreta's other well-known local building is the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, which features similarly striking colors and shapes.)

"Legorreta’s architecture anchors the experience, creating a strong sense of arrival, while refreshed interiors introduce layered materials, contemporary furnishings and curated color that elevate the guest journey," says the release.

The centerpiece of the renovation are the food and beverage offerings:

A new restaurant called House of Toro Chophouse & Patio serves as the hotel’s signature chophouse.
Black Pearl Lounge offers cocktails, light bites, and tableside caviar service.
Solana Lounge & Kitchen provides all-day dining with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Café31 offers Lavazza coffees, fresh pastries, and grab-and-go options.

The hotel also features more than 15,000 square feet of updated meeting and event space, along with outdoor areas and a new-and-improved pool. The spaces are designed to accommodate a range of uses, from corporate meetings to weddings and social events, the release says.

The Ricardo Marriott is now open and welcoming guests, at 1301 Solana Boulevard, Building 3, Westlake.

dfw airport renovation hotels

Ready for takeoff

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

Hotel reno

Luxury hotel near DFW Airport unveils major refresh and new dining

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