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DFW Airport braces for uptick in World Cup travelers

Travelers pass by the TSA checkpoint at DFW International Airport.
Yfat Yossifor
/
四虎影院
Travelers pass by the TSA checkpoint on their way to the gates at DFW International Airport in this file photo. The airport gave an update Thursday on its final preparations for the uptick in visitors expected to come to North Texas for the World Cup.

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is gearing up to welcome thousands of visitors to North Texas during the upcoming World Cup games.

With the tournament less than a week away, the airport鈥檚 board of directors got a final look at its comprehensive plan during a meeting Thursday. Travelers are expected to arrive at the airport starting this weekend.

鈥淭he airport is both well-positioned and prepared to manage the traffic that's coming through this airport over the course of the next 44 days or so,鈥 said Jerome Woodard, executive vice president of operations for DFW.

Woodard said the airport has recruited nearly 500 volunteers to assist travelers at the airport. They鈥檒l wear orange jerseys and help with wayfinding and other needs.

鈥淒FW is a massive, massive complex,鈥 Woodard said. 鈥淚t's a little unwieldy and can be confusing to folks who travel it on a regular basis, let alone someone who's here for the first time ever in their life.鈥

American Airlines is temporarily suspending some routes this summer due to steep jet fuel costs amid the war with Iran. The airline says it adjusted service for select routes in August and September.

Woodard added that the airport will have a 鈥渟ignificant and visible鈥 law enforcement presence to deter any criminal activity. He said the airport also expects an uptick in visitors during the July 4 holiday weekend.

鈥淚 think the opportunity here is for us to showcase the region overall and hopefully generate some positive experiences that will lead to follow-on travel and experiences,鈥 said board member Raanan Horowitz.

The airport is also installing improved signage throughout the complex at key locations. Woodard said airport staff are staying 鈥渃autiously optimistic鈥 about the increased number of visitors.

鈥淲hen you add an additional million or so people to an environment, things can go wrong,鈥 he said. 鈥淭his is a dynamic environment and a dynamic operation.鈥

DFW staff are directing travelers to the airport's .

Pablo Arauz Pe帽a is 四虎影院鈥檚 growth and infrastructure reporter. Got a tip? Email Pablo at parauzpena@kera.org.

四虎影院 is made possible through the generosity of our members. If you find this reporting valuable, consider . Thank you.

Pablo Arauz Pe帽a is the Growth and Infrastructure Reporter for 四虎影院.