Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is set to become a significant hub for widebody flights in January 2026. According to data from Cirium, an aviation analytics firm, the airport will host a total of 1,247 widebody departures that month. This robust schedule reflects DFW’s strategic position as a transit point for both domestic and international passengers.
American Airlines Dominates DFW’s Widebody Operations
American Airlines, the principal carrier at DFW, will account for a staggering 802 widebody departures in January, representing 64.3% of the airport’s total widebody flights. The airline operates a diverse fleet that includes the Boeing 787-9, Boeing 787-8, and Boeing 777 series.
The primary destinations for American Airlines’ widebody flights include London Heathrow Airport (LHR), with an impressive average of almost four daily departures, totaling 118 flights in January. Other notable routes include Honolulu (HNL), and Kahului (OGG), each receiving two daily widebody services, along with multiple flights to Philadelphia (54), Miami (48), and Sao Paulo (44).
Jim Moses, Senior Vice President of Operations at American Airlines, highlighted the airline’s commitment to enhancing the passenger experience. He stated, “We’re making this significant shift while maintaining the same breadth, depth, and schedule quality our customers expect and depend on.”
Other Key Airlines at DFW
While no other airline matches American Airlines’ extensive widebody operations, several carriers are making notable contributions. Qatar Airways ranks second, with 62 departures to its hub at Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH), utilizing both the Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 777-200LR.
Qantas closely follows with 61 scheduled flights, primarily to Sydney and Melbourne, employing the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for these routes. Turkish Airlines also plays a significant role, planning 44 widebody departures to Istanbul Airport (IST), distributed across 25 flights with the Boeing 787-9 and 19 with the 777-300ER.
In addition, several airlines operate daily widebody services from DFW. British Airways flies its A350-1000 to London, while Cathay Pacific offers flights to Hong Kong. Emirates operates the Boeing 777-300ER to Dubai, and both EVA Air and Korean Air utilize the Boeing 787-9 for flights to Taipei and Seoul, respectively.
The presence of these airlines underscores DFW’s growing importance as an international gateway.
Further enhancing the airport’s appeal, DFW has announced plans for new restaurants and amenities, particularly in Terminal F, aiming to improve the overall passenger experience.
As DFW prepares for a busy January, the increase in widebody flights signifies a robust demand for air travel, especially for long-haul routes, reinforcing the airport’s status as a key player in the global aviation landscape.
