Cancún Celebrates Sargassum-Free Beaches, As Satellites Show Seaweed Gathering Off The Coast

With sargassum season officially underway, authorities along Mexico’s Riviera Maya are bracing for a record-breaking influx of the messy seaweed this summer.

Satellite images of offshore sargassum blooms indicates 2025 will be a record year for seaweed accumulation on beaches. (Elizabeth Ruiz/Cuartoscuro)

Sargassum blooms have been coming ashore earlier than normal this year, and Esteban Amaro, director of the Quintana Roo Sargassum Monitoring System, said the forecast for 2025 is worrisome.

“We are expecting more intense and more frequent arrivals along the entire coast,” he said.

Amaro said satellite images indicate the accumulation of sargassum this summer will be greater than the region has seen in three years.

“Last year, we collected more than 40,000 metric tons, and we will easily surpass that figure this year,” he said.

The brown seaweed known as sargassum is naturally beneficial to marine ecosystems in the open ocean, but becomes harmful to marine life, plants, coral and human health when large quantities reach the coast. As it decomposes, sargassum gives off a foul smell similar to rotten eggs.

Sargassum accumulation along the Riviera Maya typically peaks during the summer months from April or May to August, but can persist into November. Last year, Quintana Roo did not declare sargassum season over until Nov. 14.

Increasing quantities of the seaweed have been washing ashore since 2011, posing a challenge to authorities as they work to keep the beaches clean and safe for tourism, a primary source of income in the region.

In late March, officials along Mexico’s Caribbean coast reported an increase in sargassum compared to last year.

The popular tourist destination of Tulum collected 50% more seaweed in January and February compared to the same period last year, according to the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone (Zofemat).

The state’s Ecology and Environment Ministry said that, as of mid-April, a total of 10,236 metric tons of sargassum had been collected in the coastal areas of Playa del Carmen, Othón P. Blanco and Puerto Morelos.

Quintana Roo Gov. Mara Lezama recognized the official start of sargassum season on April 15, outlining her administration’s containment plans and saying that keeping beaches clean is a shared responsibility.

The first phase, or containment phase, saw approximately 9,500 meters of barriers installed off the state’s coasts at strategic locations to contain the algae and redirect it to collection points

Amaro said that while the barriers are a critical part of protecting Mexico’s beaches, the possibility that climatic conditions prompt a massive influx of sargassum blooms requires authorities to redouble their efforts.

The Navy Ministry also implemented a monitoring phase designed to locate floating masses of sargassum that could impact beaches, assigning 11 coastal sargassum harvesting vessels and 22 smaller vessels to the task.

https://mexiconewsdaily.com/author/tbuckley/

American Airlines Doubles Access From Chicago To Warm Weather Destinations

American Airlines is giving travelers a head start on planning winter getaways from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) with significant growth to warm weather destinations. The airline is adding seven new destinations from ORD, including five new international destinations to Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America — more than doubling its service to the region with more flights from Chicago than any other carrier.

While the summer season is beginning to ramp up, American is giving Chicagoans a network for all seasons with new routes to popular destinations. This winter, American will add new service from Chicago to Curacao (CUR); St. Croix (STX); St. Maarten (SXM); Guatemala City (GUA); and San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO). The airline already serves 11 destinations in the region from ORD, nearly all of which will fly more frequently this winter compared to last year. Additionally, American will add new service from Chicago to Roanoke, Virginia (ROA) and Akron/Canton, Ohio (CAK), providing additional domestic connectivity through American’s Midwest hub.

“As we get our first taste of spring in Chicago, we are already looking ahead to giving our customers a reprieve from the bitter Midwest winter with more than double the flights to popular vacation spots,” said American's Vice President of ORD Operations Ben Humphrey. “Building on our major Chicago expansion, we continue to strengthen our network and reaffirm our commitment to the Chicago communities we serve — our loyal customers, the local economy and our team members who are the driving force behind our operation.”

With this expansion, American will lead the way from ORD with more service than any other carrier from Chicago to Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America, making it more convenient for customers to access sought-after vacation destinations like St. Thomas (STT); Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (GCM); Aruba (AUA); and Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR) — which will all be increasing from one flight per week to up to daily service.

Building on its status as the largest airline in Mexico with service to 30 destinations in the country, American will add more flights from ORD to Cancun (CUN), Los Cabos (SJD) and Puerto Vallarta (PVR).

“With 17 new destinations just this year, American’s major growth is a testament to their commitment to our great city. We thank them for their continued partnership and the impact this expansion has on our local economy – keeping the airport one of the biggest economic engines for the region,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.

For more than 40 years, the industry-leading AAdvantage® program has provided customers a simplified way to earn miles, status, benefits and more. Whether flying on American’s new nonstop from ORD to Naples, Italy (NAP) — the gateway to the picturesque Amalfi Coast — this summer or on one of American’s partners to other global destinations, earning miles with the AAdvantage® program is easy and free. Customers can redeem their miles for air travel and beyond, including experiences, car rentals, hotels and more.

Tickets for American’s expanded new service from ORD will be available for purchase on aa.com or through American’s mobile app starting May 5.

American’s expanded winter service from Chicago

Akron/Canton, Ohio (CAK) New twice-daily service starting Oct. 6

Aruba (AUA) Increase to daily service starting Dec. 18

Cancun, Mexico (CUN) Up to three daily flights starting Nov. 2

Curacao (CUR) New Saturday-only service starting Dec. 6

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (GCM) Increase to daily service starting Dec. 18

Guatemala City (GUA) New up to three weekly flights starting Nov. 6

Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR) Increase to daily service starting Dec. 18

Los Cabos, Mexico (SJD) Up to two daily flights starting Nov. 2

Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ) Up to two daily flights starting Nov. 2

Nassau, Bahamas (NAS) Up to daily service starting Dec. 18

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (PVR) Increase to two daily flights from Dec. 18 to Jan. 6

Roanoke, Virginia (ROA) New daily service starting Aug. 6

San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) New daily service starting Nov. 2

San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) Up to two daily flights starting Dec. 18

St. Croix (STX) New Saturday-only service starting Dec. 6

St. Maarten (SXM) New Saturday-only service starting Nov. 8

St. Thomas (STT) Up to daily service starting Dec. 18

Bringing new destinations to O’Hare

American recently announced it will offer more capacity than ever before this summer with 25% more seats from ORD compared to last summer. Just this year, American has added 17 new destinations for Chicago customers to enjoy, including Honolulu (HNL); Madrid, Spain (MAD); and Halifax, Nova Scotia (YHZ). Among those are five new destinations served only by American from ORD, including St. Croix (STX); Curacao (CUR); Idaho Falls, Idaho (IDA) — near Yellowstone National Park; Hyannis, Massachusetts (HYA) — the Cape Cod region and Naples, Italy (NAP).

Additionally, this summer American will be the only airline to offer premium options for customers on every flight from Chicago. Starting June 5, the airline will operate all flights from ORD on dual-class regional jets, giving customers more opportunities to enjoy a premium experience.

The airline is making the travel experience stress-free for Chicago customers with recent enhancements to boarding and check-in at ORD. That includes new self-service kiosks and a lobby reconfiguration for faster check-in and better flow. American recently implemented its industry-leading boarding technology at ORD and is enhancing the boarding process systemwide with updated boarding groups and five extra minutes of boarding time starting today.

American Airlines Is Ready For A “Suite Summer” As New Premium Flagship Suite Seats Go On Sale

Summer travel just got sweeter with the much-anticipated debut of American’s premium Flagship Suite® seats aboard the airline’s newest Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Starting Monday, customers can purchase tickets at aa.com and via American’s mobile app for the inaugural flight June 5 from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Los Angeles (LAX) for Flight 2012, which will then return to ORD for its inaugural Flagship Suite® service to London Heathrow (LHR) as Flight 98.

Later this summer, American will also operate the new 787-9 from Philadelphia (PHL) to LHR and Zurich (ZRH). Flagship Suite® service will go down under this fall with service from Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) to Brisbane, Australia (BNE).

Chicago (ORD)> London (LHR) June 5

Philadelphia (PHL)> LHR Aug. 6

PHL Zurich (ZRH)> Sept. 3

Dallas Fort Worth (DFW)> Brisbane, Australia (BNE) Oct. 26

American welcomed two new 787-9 planes to Dallas-Fort Worth on Tuesday and anticipates a total of 30 new aircraft will join the fleet family between now and 2029. The airline expects to grow its lie-flat and Premium Economy seating by 50% by the end of the decade.

Primarily utilized for long-haul international flights, customers traveling on American’s 787-9 will delight in the 51 Flagship Suite® seats at the front of the aircraft, featuring privacy doors, more personal storage space with a wireless charging pad and a one-of-a-kind chaise lounge seating option with an adjustable headrest pillow.

As part of the Flagship Suite® service, customers also receive Priority check-in, security, boarding and baggage handling, as well as access to American’s Flagship® lounge with complimentary regionally inspired dishes and signature cocktails. Inflight Flagship Suite® service offers a multicourse meal curated to pair with award-winning wines, premium amenity kits containing an array of luxury skincare items and a comfy duvet blanket accompanied with a refreshing dual-sided pillow with cool touch fabric on one side and traditional fabric on the other.

Customers in Flagship Suite® seats are surrounded with comfort with more personal space and a one-of-a-kind chaise lounge option.

“Every aspect of our new 787-9 is designed to feel premium in nature,” said Heather Garboden, American’s Chief Customer Officer. “Whether flying for business or pleasure, having the opportunity to explore other parts of the world should be an exciting and memorable experience that begins the moment you book your flight, long before you reach your final destination.”

Looking ahead, American’s Flagship Suite® seats will be available on all newly delivered 787-9 aircraft, as well as new Airbus A321XLR aircraft and the airline’s retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER.

About American Airlines Group

As a leading global airline, American Airlines offers thousands of flights per day to more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries. The airline is a founding member of the oneworld® alliance, whose members serve more than 900 destinations around the globe. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL. Learn more about what’s happening at American by visiting news.aa.com and connect with American @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines. To Care for People on Life’s Journey®.

Reimagined United Polaris® Lounge Opens In Chicago With 50% More Space And Crate & Barrel Decor

United has opened its newly renovated and expanded United Polaris lounge at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, offering travelers more space, a modern design and elevated amenities. The United Polaris lounge in Chicago is now 50% larger and features nearly 25,000 sq.-ft. of lounge space, including more than 350 seats for travelers, 50 seats across a larger dining space, a second bar, six additional restrooms, private spaces for relaxation or work, and a range of products curated along with Crate & Barrel – the first and only airline collaboration for the whole home retailer.

United was the first U.S. airline to debut a premium lounge exclusively for international business class travelers with the launch of the United Polaris lounge in 2016 and currently has six of them in the U.S. – more than any other U.S. airline.

"Our vast international network is one of United's unique strengths, and our United Polaris lounges help set the tone for business class travelers before or after their long-haul flights," said Aaron McMillan, United's Managing Director of Hospitality Programs. "Customers are going to love our new Chicago lounge because it gives them more of all of the things they want most—more space, more amenities, and more dining options—and we'll carry this new elevated design into future lounge openings and renovations across our United Polaris lounge portfolio."

The reopening of the United Polaris lounge in Chicago marks the airline's latest investment in its network of clubs and lounges. Since 2022, United has opened or renovated a total of nine United ClubSM locations across its system, including the recent opening of United Club Fly in Houston. In 2025, the airline will open a new dining room in the United Polaris lounge in Newark and a renovated and expanded United Club in Denver's B West Terminal, which will complete its plan to redesign every United Club at Denver. Internationally, United plans to reopen the United Club in Hong Kong. In 2026, United will open a new United Club in San Francisco and its largest-ever United Club in Houston.

More Dining and Beverage Options

With the addition of a second bar in the newly renovated United Polaris lounge, United is the first and only U.S. airline to offer two full-service bars in a business class lounge. There are now more than 25 bar seats with an option to takeaway a drink to another seating area and a menu of top-shelf liquor, premium wines, non-alcoholic beverages and more. The new, second bar is a speakeasy-style space with a selection of premium wine and champagne options, such as Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Brut, and Chicago-inspired cocktails, including the Second City Sour featuring Rittenhouse Rye, Malort, Lemon, Egg White and Lingua Franca Pinot Noir.

The renovated lounge also features a larger dining area with more than 50 seats – nearly tripling the amount of dining seats – where travelers can order à la carte meals with curated premium food and beverages, including Prosciutto Parmigiano Crostini, Shrimp, Scallop, Spring Vegetable Risotto and Aperol Spritz cake.

In addition to a la carte dining, customers can enjoy a hot buffet with breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, mezze station with lemon honey whipped ricotta, flatbreads and more, and snacks served at both bars like premium nuts, mediterranean olives and a charcuterie board.

Chicago-Inspired Design and Decor from Crate & Barrel

Inspired by the local region, the renovated United Polaris lounge reflects the Chicago area by celebrating the city's architecture and unique geography. United worked with Johalla Projects, an art curatorial collective in Chicago, to showcase artwork from nine Chicago-based artists on a range of pieces, including print photography, paintings, collages and more that highlight the region.

To elevate the lounge experience, dinnerware and decor is provided by Crate & Barrel. Marking Chicago-based Crate & Barrel's first-ever collaboration with an airline, United worked with the retailer's in-house design and business sales teams to curate timeless pieces that elevate the traveler experience. From Crate & Barrel's classic Marin dinnerware and new Tuscan Marble collection, to colors of Le Creuset that are exclusive to the retailer, every detail was chosen to enhance both form and function.

United's Continued Investment in Clubs and Lounges

United is the world's largest airline* with the most extensive international network, offering approximately 500 daily flights to and from 150 international destinations for travelers around the world. As part of the airline's commitment to grow its network and bring travelers to new destinations, United is investing in renovating and expanding its portfolio of United Club locations and United Polaris lounges.

United is Chicago's Hometown Airline®, a central hub for nonstop connections across the globe. As demand for international travel continues to grow in Chicago, customers can enjoy the upgraded United Polaris lounge when traveling nonstop to 15 destinations in Europe, as well as nonstop to Asia and South America – continents where United offers the only U.S. carrier service. With the continued interest and future growth of long haul flying, the revamped United Polaris lounge provides a premium experience for travelers to refresh and refuel before or after their flight.

The United Polaris lounge in Chicago is located in Terminal 1 near gate C18, and it's open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT daily. International customers traveling in United Polaris and premium Star Alliance cabins can access the United Polaris lounge at locations in Chicago, Houston, Washington D.C., New York/Newark, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

For more information on United Polaris lounge portfolio, visit united.com.

The Walt Disney Company And Miral Announce Plans For Disney Theme Park And Resort On Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

The Walt Disney Company and Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, announced an agreement to create a landmark Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The waterfront resort will be located on Yas Island, a world-class destination for entertainment and leisure, connecting travelers from the Middle East and Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and beyond. This seventh Disney theme park resort will combine Disney’s iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning shorelines, and breathtaking architecture.

“Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage meets innovation, where we preserve our past while designing the future,” His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at Miral, said. “The collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Disney demonstrates the remarkable results of combining visionary leadership and creative excellence. What we are creating with Disney in Abu Dhabi is a whole new world of imagination — an experience that will inspire generations across the region and the world, creating magical moments and memories that families will treasure forever. Through the development of unique attractions and experiences, Abu Dhabi continues to be a destination of choice for the world.”

The new resort will be fully developed and built by Miral. Disney and its legendary Imagineers will lead creative design and operational oversight to provide a world-class experience. Miral, which has developed a number of family entertainment destinations on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi in collaboration with American and European brands, will operate the resort.

“This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity,” said Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways. Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati – an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this crossroads of the world that will bring to life our timeless characters and stories in many new ways and will become a source of joy and inspiration for the people of this vast region to enjoy for generations to come.”

The UAE is located within a four-hour flight of one-third of the world’s population, making it a significant gateway for tourism. The UAE is home to the largest global airline hub in the world, with 120 million passengers traveling through Abu Dhabi and Dubai each year.

“This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences. “Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio. The location of our park is incredibly unique – anchored by a beautiful waterfront – which will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways. This project will reach guests in a whole new part of the world, welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before. Ultimately, it will be a celebration of what’s possible when creativity and progress come together.”

“Bringing a Disney theme park resort to Yas Island marks a historic milestone in our journey to further advance the island’s position as a global destination for exceptional entertainment and leisure,” said Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO, Miral. “Together, we are creating a place of boundless innovation, where the vision of our leadership continues to inspire the world.” The development of unique experiences will support sustained economic growth in Abu Dhabi and beyond.

Upon completion, the new theme park resort will offer signature Disney entertainment, themed accommodations, unique dining and retail experiences, and storytelling in a way that celebrates both the heritage of Disney and the futuristic and cultural essence of Abu Dhabi.

Homeland Security Chief Says US Travelers With No REAL ID Can Fly For Now, But With Likely Extra Steps

Travelers who aren’t REAL ID compliant by the upcoming deadline this week will still be able to fly but should be prepared for extra scrutiny, the head of Homeland Security said Tuesday.

Kristi Noem told a congressional panel that 81% of travelers already have IDs that comply with the REAL ID requirements. She said security checkpoints will also be accepting passports and tribal identification when the deadline hits Wednesday.

Those who still lack an identification that complies with the REAL ID law “may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step,” Noem said.

“But people will be allowed to fly,” she said. “We will make sure it’s as seamless as possible.”

Across the country, Department of Motor Vehicle offices extended their hours to help meet the demand. But despite that, some people waited for hours Tuesday to get a REAL ID ahead of the long-delayed deadline.

Renel Leggett, a college student from West Chester, Pennsylvania, spent hours getting her REAL ID and was not happy about it.

“I’ve been out here for three hours to get one ID when I’ve already had one that should have lasted me until about 2029,” Leggett said.

“You have to do it. But it feels like a waste of time,” she said.

REAL ID is a federally compliant state-issued license or identification card that Homeland Security says is a more secure form of identification. It was a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission and signed into law in 2005.

The commission recommended the government set security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs. It was supposed to be rolled out in 2008. But implementation has been repeatedly delayed.

Besides needing a REAL ID to fly domestically, people will also need one to access certain federal buildings and facilities.

In recent weeks, Noem has been warning the American public about the upcoming deadline. In a television ad put out by Homeland Security, she warned that these IDs were needed for air travel and for entering public buildings, adding: “These IDs keep our country safe.”

A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license has a symbol ( in most states, a star ) in the top corner of the card.

At the Driver Services Bureau in Jackson, Mississippi, there were no long lines Tuesday, and people were getting their REAL IDs fairly quickly.

Marion Henderson said before going in that she planned to travel to California, Michigan, Chicago and New York this year and wanted to be prepared.

“Even though I have my license, now that it’s required, I wanted to go ahead and get it done” ahead of the deadline, Henderson said.

https://apnews.com/author/rebecca-santana

American Airlines And DFW Airport Reveal Plans For State-Of-The-Art New Terminal

American Airlines and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) revealed plans for Terminal F that will enable them to continue growing together. The improved plan will focus on delivering a modern customer experience with double the number of gates, new facilities to expand international operations, increased lounge and premium space, a new customer check-in experience and a dedicated parking garage.

The agreement increases the planned investment in Terminal F to about $4 billion and accelerates the construction plans so customers can enjoy the new space sooner. Terminal F will feature DFW’s signature terminal experience, operated entirely by American, and extends the airline’s Use and Lease Agreement with DFW through 2043. This is expected to provide certainty and cost predictability to support the continued growth of American and DFW.

“DFW is American’s largest and most critical hub, and with this expanded plan for Terminal F, DFW has a clear path to become the largest airline hub in the world,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom. “Dallas-Fort Worth is one of the fastest growing regions in the country, and we’re excited that American and North Texas will continue to grow together. Terminal F will elevate our customer experience in a big way, providing customers with a fantastic new facility and state-of-the-art amenities. We thank Mayor Johnson, Mayor Parker, the rest of the DFW Airport Board, and Sean and the DFW team for their partnership. We’re excited for the future at DFW and all the growth that’s to come in North Texas.”

Investment expands the scope of Terminal F with a focus on the customer

In 2023, American and DFW reached a 10-year Use and Lease Agreement with preapproved capital investments, including the construction of Terminal F as a 15-gate facility, which customers would access from Terminal E via the airport’s Skylink system.

With a positive long-term outlook for growth in customers and North Texas, the Terminal F expansion program will deliver more space for widebody aircraft and international flight processing and includes additional spaces for leading amenities, shops, restaurants and public art, providing customers flying out of DFW with more options.

The expanded plans for Terminal F will provide customers with a walking connection to Terminal D in addition to a new Skylink station, creating even more access across DFW’s terminals. The Terminal F parking garage is designed with a built-in curbside circulation and an innovative baggage drop and check-in area to maintain the quick access to check in and security that customers have come to expect.

The original first phase of Terminal F is well underway and scheduled to be operational in 2027, with the enhanced features to come online shortly after. American plans to occupy all the gates of the new terminal, creating a seamless experience for connecting customers and driving efficiencies for the airline’s operations.

Full support from North Texas leaders

The robust air service that American provides has made DFW Airport the third busiest airport in the world. Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, DFW Board of Directors Chair DeMetris Sampson, DFW CEO Sean Donohue and American CEO Robert Isom gathered at DFW to make the announcement.

“DFW Airport is getting even bigger and better with the exciting new plans for Terminal F,” said Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson. “This monumental investment by American Airlines is set to elevate an already world-class international airport. This is yet another example of how the growing partnership between American Airlines and DFW Airport continues to strengthen Dallas’ gateway to the rest of the world while boosting our economy and reinforcing our status as a premier international city.”

“Fort Worth-based American Airlines continues to double down on DFW as its home base with another major investment in the airport’s infrastructure and long-term health,” said Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker. “Today’s announcement ensures that DFW will be ready to accommodate the historic growth happening in Fort Worth and all of North Texas into the future.”

"DFW is growing fast, and we are committed to sharing this economic opportunity with businesses in our community as we move forward," said DeMetris Sampson, Chair of the DFW Board of Directors. "DFW has become the economic engine of our region, and we know that this investment will ensure the long-term sustainability of the airport.”

"In the last decade, DFW has grown its passenger traffic by 50 percent and exceeded the wildest expectations of our founders to become the third-busiest airport in the world," said Sean Donohue, CEO of DFW. "Thanks to our close partnership with Robert Isom, American Airlines remains a competitive advantage that continues to show the strength of the airport as a global hub that is supporting the massive economic growth of the Dallas Fort Worth region. Moving forward with Terminal F in this way ensures that DFW and American maintain that momentum.”

Continuing to invest in the customer experience

The increased investment in DFW Terminal F is just one more way American is focused on enhancing its customer experience across the travel journey. Later this month, American will open its A-West Flagship® lounge and Admirals Club® lounge at Philadelphia International Airport, providing customers with an elevated space to recharge before their flight. The airline also recently announced complimentary high-speed satellite Wi-Fi for AAdvantage® members inflight beginning in January 2026, sponsored by AT&T*. With this, American will offer free inflight connectivity on more aircraft than any other airline. https://www.allconnect.com/providers/att

Building on the partnership with DFW and commitment to North Texas

This expanded agreement reinforces American’s commitment to DFW and North Texas and is an example of the strong relationship between American, DFW, the City of Dallas and the City of Fort Worth.

Just two years ago, the Use and Lease Agreement outlined major capital projects over the next 10 years, including an estimated $2.72 billion for the expansion of the Central Terminal Area, including a major reimagining of Terminal C, gate expansions extending from Terminal A and Terminal C, and significant upgrades to roadways and terminal access.

With a stronger investment in Terminal F, American is all in on North Texas. The airline is a massive economic driver for the Dallas-Fort Worth region, employing more than 36,000 team members in the area, and carrying nearly 70 million customers through DFW in 2024. *Complimentary inflight Wi-Fi will be powered by Viasat and Intelsat.