top tier travel

DFW International hailed one of the 50 best airports in the world

Only two Texas airports were recognized as the best airports in the world.

DFW Airport

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is soaring to new heights upon being included in Travel and Tour World's prestigious new ranking the "50 Best Airports in the World for 2026."

DFW was recognized as a "smart airport leader" and ranked as the 18th best airport worldwide.

According to the report's methodology, the 50 best airports are those that set "the global benchmark for intelligent aviation infrastructure" by integrating "smart technologies" such as artificial intelligence (AI), biometrics, automation, and other advanced methods to support "airport operations, passenger experience, and sustainable travel initiatives."

Travel and Tour World noted DFW's use of "intelligent airfield management, automated baggage systems, and predictive analytics" that keep the busy airport operating as smoothly as possible, though the recent holiday season saw spikes in passenger traffic and travelers' stress levels.

"Integrated data platforms enhance aircraft movement efficiency, passenger processing, and terminal coordination, while continuous digital upgrades reinforce DFW's position as one of North America's most operationally advanced and resilient aviation hubs," the report said.

DFW was not the sole Texas airport to make the list; Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) appeared at No. 50. The report said IAH uses the same high-tech systems as DFW to support its "extensive international and domestic connectivity."

Meanwhile, Travel and Tour World named Dubai International Airport the No. 1 best airport globally with Singapore Changi Airport (No. 2) and San Francisco International Airport (No. 3) rounding out the top three.

"Smart airports are no longer defined by isolated technology deployments, but by how deeply intelligence is embedded across operations, passenger experience, sustainability, and enterprise decision-making," said Travel and Tour World founder and editor-in-chief Anup Kumar Keshan. "The 2026 rankings recognize airports that have moved decisively beyond experimentation into scaled, real-world execution. Where AI, biometrics, automation, and integrated data ecosystems function as mission-critical infrastructure."

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Highway closure

Roadway project to close I-30 both ways in downtown Dallas all weekend

Google Maps

Traffic will be diverted to Woodall Rodgers Freeway.

A major freeway shutdown will be deployed in downtown Dallas beginning this weekend: All lanes of east and westbound I-30 will be closed between the I-35E and I-45/US 75 interchanges throughout the weekend of Friday, January 16 at 10 pm to Monday, January 19 at 5 am.

The shutdown is part of the ongoing I-30 Canyon corridor improvement project.

Traffic will be detoured to the SH 366/Woodall Rodgers Freeway as an alternate east-west connection between I-35E and I-45/US 75 during this time. Other alternate routes may result in increased travel distance.

Significant delays can be expected; avoid unnecessary travel in the area if possible. Plan ahead for extra travel time and be alert to slower or stopped traffic.

Another identical weekend closure and detour is expected to be scheduled again in late January; details will be provided once finalized.

Dallas roadway construction i30 Map of affected area.Map courtesy of TxDOT

Longterm road closures
A number of other closures, also part of this project, will be deployed but with much longer timeframes:

All lanes of Cesar Chavez Boulevard will be closed and detoured at I-30 beginning Monday, January 12 at 9 pm through late 2028.
All lanes of Cadiz Street will be closed and detoured at I-30 on Tuesday, January 13 at 9 pm. It will be rebuilt on a new alignment and reopen later in the project.
All lanes of Akard Street will be closed and detoured at I-30 on Tuesday, January 13 at 9 pm through summer 2028.
Good Latimer Expressway will narrow to one lane in each direction on Tuesday, January 13 at 9 pm through early 2028.

Signed detours will be in place for the closures at Cesar Chavez Boulevard, Cadiz Streeet, and Akard Street. Drivers should plan ahead for extra travel time. No pedestrians are allowed inside the closed work zones.

This is part of the $888 million I-30 Canyon project between the I-35 and I-45 interchanges. Overall completion is expected in late 2030. Future scheduled lane and ramp closures for this project will be posted in www.DriveTexas.org as information becomes available.

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