FORT WORTH, Texas — DFW Airport CEO Sean Donohue is retiring after more than a decade at the helm of the world’s third-busiest airport.
Donohue will remain with the airport until next year, though. His retirement comes amid major projects at the airport.
He oversaw the completion of a 10-year use and lease agreement with the airlines that serve DFW, setting the stage for a $9 billion capital improvement program, which includes renovations to Terminal C, construction of a new Terminal F, and work on other airport roads and facilities.
“It’s with mixed emotions that I have decided the time has come to pass the torch at DFW and begin a new chapter in my own life, after four decades of service to the aviation industry,” Donohue said. “Aviation has taken me to nearly every corner of the world and led me to the great privilege of overseeing the best airport in the business. In many ways, the story of DFW and North Texas are the same, having grown and supported one another for 50 years. I thank Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, the DFW Board of Directors led by Chair DeMetris Sampson, along with our employees, business partners, customers and community for allowing me to serve and leave DFW in a strong position to take on the next five decades.”
DFW Airport accounts for 634,000 jobs and generates $5 billion in local and state taxes each year. FW’s passenger traffic in FY2024 is expected to reach a record of nearly 87 million passengers, an increase of nearly 19% compared with 73.3 million passengers in FY2019.
“Sean’s impact on DFW Airport and the broader aviation industry cannot be overstated,” said DeMetris Sampson, DFW’s Board Chair. “His leadership and vision have guided DFW through periods of historic challenges and significant growth. He has ensured that the business opportunities at the airport are open to all, and helped develop an airport that our community should be exceedingly proud of. Sean’s legacy will be felt for decades to come, and the Board wishes him the best in his well-earned retirement.”
Prior to joining DFW Airport, Donohue had a 29-year career in aviation, having held executive roles at Virgin Australia Airlines and United Airlines.
The DFW Airport Board of Directors will conduct a global search for Donohue’s successor.
