Tourism & Hospitality | Thursday 7 May, 2015 2:25 am |

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) welcomes increasing numbers of customers traveling from the Gulf region. The three largest Gulf region carriers serve DFW nonstop from their hubs, and the number of passengers traveling between Dallas/Fort Worth, the Middle East, and the Indian Subcontinent has risen 99% since February 2014.

“Nonstop flights to the Gulf region have been instrumental in the largest increase in international service in the airport’s history and contribute to DFW’s position as a premier global hub,” said John Ackerman, executive vice president of global strategy and development at DFW Airport. “Our three Gulf airline partners provide a variety of flight options for our customers and connect DFW to the world.”

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) carriers serving DFW with nonstop flights include:

Emirates -- started daily service to Dubai in February 2012; upgraded to A380 October 2014

Qatar Airways -- started daily B777 service to Doha in July 2014, and

Etihad Airways -- started 3 times per week B777 service to Abu Dhabi in December 2014

DFW Airport has nonstop service to more than 200 destinations worldwide, including 55 international destinations. Additionally, every major city in the U.S., Canada and Mexico is within a four-hour flight, making DFW an ideal airport for connecting travelers.

“We continually strive to improve the DFW airport customer experience, with easy terminal transfers on our Skylink train, best-in-class free Wi-Fi, and more than 200 options for shopping and dining,” said Ackerman. “Customers will also find a friendly face and a warm Texas welcome from our DFW Ambassador team. Collectively, our volunteer Ambassadors speak nearly 40 languages, including Arabic and many Indian languages, and provide assistance to all of our international guests.”

DFW technology solutions, such as digital signage and the award-winning mobile app, are available and guide travelers to shopping, dining, services and other amenities. Customers can use the digital signage in one of seven languages and download the mobile app in any of six languages.

Travelers staying in the region have multiple ground transportation options, including the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) commuter train, which connects the airport to downtown Dallas. A second rail connection to downtown Fort Worth is scheduled to open in 2018.

“The DART Orange Line connects the airport to downtown Dallas and the entire, 90-mile DART rail system, easing access to the entire region” said Ackerman.

DFW officials are in Dubai for Arabian Travel Market, May 4 – 7, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.