Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has completed its latest construction milestone: what it calls the "historic" move of six prefabricated module structures that will form the framework for the first phase of the airport’s new Terminal F.

The modules, some nearly as large as a football field, were moved overnight during a two-week period using self-propelled modular transporters along one of DFW’s airside taxiways. The structures were then placed onto the foundations constructed at the Terminal F site, where the facility will now proceed to the next stage of construction.

This is DFW’s third project to deploy the innovative module-based method to reconstruct or expand its terminal facilities, with the most recent moves being the largest modules for a terminal expansion at any airport.

The modules for Terminal F are approximately four times larger than the structures moved earlier this year for the ongoing expansion of Terminal C. The largest of the six modules measured 278 feet long by 136 feet wide and weighed 3,320 tons – about as heavy as 12 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner widebody aircraft.

According to DFW CEO Chris McLaughlin, embracing modular construction is faster, with less impact on travelers. He's not the only fan of modular construction and the benefits it brings to airports.

DFW Executive VP of Infrastructure and Development Mohamed Charkas is also a fan of modular construction. ““DFW is at the forefront of innovation in terminal construction, continually redefining what's possible,” Charkas says.

In May, DFW and American Airlines announced the decision to expand the scope and accelerate the phasing of the new Terminal F. With the first phase of construction already underway, DFW has been designing the subsequent phases while concurrently building the modules offsite.

The first phase of the Terminal F expansion program is anticipated to open with 15 gates in 2027.

Terminal F is planned to ultimately deliver a total of 31 gates to be serviced entirely by American Airlines, expand capacity for international operations and widebody aircraft, and include areas to facilitate parking, ticketing, check-in, security screening and baggage operations.

American will return some gates in other areas of the airport, which will help facilitate the growth of other airlines at DFW as well.

In addition to a new centralized Skylink Station, which is included with the first phase of construction, the final configuration will provide a walking connection with Terminal D.