In Partnership With Southwest Airlines
DAL's hometown airline, helping build DAL's next chapter.
Southwest Airlines has called Dallas Love Field home since its first flight in 1971. As LEAP's signature airline partner, Southwest is at the planning table for every major decision — and a key financial partner helping fund the modernization.
First Southwest flight from DAL
DAL gates operated by Southwest
Peak daily Southwest departures
Southwest global headquarters
A Shared History
More than a tenant. DAL's home airline since 1971.
Southwest Airlines launched intra-Texas service from Dallas Love Field in June 1971 with three Boeing 737s. More than five decades later, Southwest is headquartered just north of the airfield and operates the vast majority of commercial flights at DAL.
The 2014 expiration of the Wright Amendment opened DAL to long-haul domestic service, and the 2006 Five-Party Agreement between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, DFW Airport, American Airlines, and Southwest established the 20-gate cap that defines Love Field's distinctive scale today. LEAP is designed to honor that footprint while preparing every system behind it for nearly 12 million passengers a year by 2045.
At the Planning Table
Southwest helps shape every major LEAP decision.
From terminal architecture to gate operations, Southwest's teams partner with the City of Dallas Department of Aviation and the LEAP program team throughout planning, design, and construction.
Terminal & headhouse design reviews
Southwest's facilities, operations, and customer-experience teams sit in working sessions with the LEAP design team, shaping ticketing flow, security layout, baggage systems, and concourse circulation.
Gate, ramp, and operational planning
As the operator of the vast majority of DAL gates, Southwest co-develops the gate utilization plan, ramp logistics, and phased construction sequencing so flights keep running smoothly throughout the build.
Customer experience standards
From wayfinding and seating to power outlets, accessibility, and concessions mix, Southwest brings real-time data from millions of DAL customers per year to inform every design decision.
Sustainability & resilience goals
Southwest's own decarbonization commitments align with the City of Dallas climate goals — informing energy systems, EV-ready infrastructure, and stormwater design across LEAP projects.
Financial Support
A signature financial partner alongside federal grants and airport revenues.
LEAP is funded through a mix of airport-generated revenues, federal grants, bonding, and direct airline contributions. As the dominant carrier at DAL, Southwest plays a leading role across each of these streams. No City of Dallas General Fund dollars are used.
Long-term use & lease agreements
Southwest's use and lease agreement at DAL underpins the credit and cash flows that allow the City of Dallas to issue revenue bonds for LEAP — no City General Fund dollars are used.
Direct capital contributions
Southwest is contributing directly to capital projects in the program, including elements of the new headhouse, baggage systems, and gate-area improvements that serve its operation.
Per-passenger and rate-based support
Standard airline rates and charges — landing fees, terminal rents, and Passenger Facility Charges collected on tickets — fund operations and debt service on LEAP-funded facilities.
Southwest's Stake in Dallas Love Field
Why DAL matters to Southwest and why Southwest matters to DAL.
Hometown airport
Southwest's headquarters sits adjacent to the airfield. DAL is the airline's birthplace and a core part of its identity.
Largest operator
Southwest operates 18 of the 20 commercial gates at Love Field and the overwhelming majority of daily flights.
Thousands of jobs
From pilots and flight attendants to mechanics and customer service, thousands of Southwest employees report to DAL each day.
Long-term commitment
Southwest's lease and capital commitments at DAL extend well into the LEAP program horizon — anchoring the airport's future.
Want to keep up with what's being built?
See the full project list, timeline, and the latest updates as LEAP modernizes Dallas Love Field through 2045.