The year 2024 is a big one in DFW's aviation world: It's the 50th anniversary of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), which began operations on January 13, 1974 as the country’s newest, most modern-at-the-time commercial airport.

According to a release, celebrations will take place throughout the year beginning with the following deals on parking:

• DFW customers who book their parking online at least seven days in advance at DFWairport.com/park between January 12-25 for travel through March 1 can save 50 percent off the drive-up rate for the terminal garages (which comes out to $13.50 per day, or less).
• Remote parking will be discounted to $3 per day. Use offer code DFW50 at checkout.
• Express lots will be discounted to $6 per day. Use offer code DFW50 at checkout.

In 1974, DFW was the largest airport ever constructed in the U.S. and was twice the size of any before it. It began operations with nine airlines, and today is home to 28 airlines – including 16 international airlines – with service to 256 destinations around the world.

DFW is also now the second-busiest airport in the world, with an estimated 80 million passengers in 2023.

And here's a reason a lot of people live in Dallas-Fort Worth: With its central location, DFW allows travelers to reach any major metropolitan area in North America within four hours - making the airport a critical piece of the expansive growth of Dallas, Fort Worth, and all of North Texas.

DFW has seen it share of historic moments during the past 50 years:

• the first U.S. airport to host the supersonic Concorde on Sept. 20, 1973
• the first U.S. airport to host a visit by a NASA space shuttle on May 16, 1989
• the first American airport with the ability to land four aircraft at the same time

Kickoff weekend
On January 13, the airport will debut selfie stations and special surprise performances in select terminals during the day. Airport customer experience teams also will unveil new 50th anniversary-themed uniforms.

Passengers arriving on AA Flight 3589 from Little Rock, Arkansas, will receive a special water arch celebration and greeting at the gate in honor of the first flight to arrive at DFW from the city in 1974.

On Saturday night, the skylines in both Dallas and Fort Worth will display DFW Airport’s primary brand color – orange – who knew? This will include the Omni Dallas Downtown, Bank of America Plaza, One Arts Plaza, KPMG Plaza, AT&T Headquarters and Discovery District, Hunt Building, 1900 Pearl Street, 1900 N. Akard Street and Reunion Tower in Dallas, and City Hall and the 7th Street Bridge in Fort Worth.

Additional celebrations, and surprises, will happen throughout the year. In the weeks and months ahead, DFW will share additional details about each opportunity and memorable moments to come during its 50th anniversary year. Stories will then subsequently be posted on CultureMap. Huzzah.