DFW eyes direct Air India flights as cargo growth strengthens

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), the world’s third busiest commercial airport, is keen to establish direct connectivity with India as part of its expanding long‑haul network. Chris McLaughlin, CEO of DFW, revealed in an exclusive interview during the air cargo India exhibition and conference in Mumbai that the airport is actively exploring the possibility of Air India launching nonstop services from Delhi or Mumbai to Dallas.

McLaughlin noted that Delhi appears to be the more viable option due to stage length and aircraft performance, though he acknowledged strong passenger demand from Mumbai as well. “We think Delhi makes the most sense, but we know there are enough passengers from cities like Mumbai to carry the market through Delhi into DFW,” he said. He added that North Texas is home to one of the fastest‑growing Indian diasporas in the United States, with double‑digit growth in recent years, making the India–DFW market ripe for expansion.

DFW’s cargo strategy is closely tied to its passenger network. McLaughlin emphasized the “symbiotic relationship” between belly cargo and passenger services, pointing to recent successes with Cathay Pacific and EVA Air, which quickly expanded frequencies after strong market response. He believes similar opportunities exist for India routes, where belly cargo can complement passenger demand and make new services sustainable.

Cargo already plays a pivotal role in DFW’s business model. In FY25, the airport handled 717,757 metric tonnes of cargo, and its economic impact has surged to $42 billion annually, accounting for over half of DFW’s regional contribution. Infrastructure investments are underway, including expanded cold chain facilities, new cargo aircraft parking positions, and digital trade facilitation projects.

McLaughlin also highlighted DFW’s central location in the US, enabling cargo flights to reach any North American destination within four hours. This geographic advantage, combined with ongoing capital investments worth $12 billion, positions DFW as a preferred gateway for both passenger and cargo flows.

For India, the potential launch of direct Air India flights would not only strengthen passenger connectivity but also open new opportunities for high‑value cargo such as technology and bioscience products. “We believe the market is there, and we are excited to help it grow,” McLaughlin said, underscoring DFW’s ambition to become a leading hub for India-US trade and travel.