Chris McLaughlin will become the new Chief Executive Officer of DFW International Airport following a board vote, the airport announced Thursday. McLaughlin is set to assume the role on May 19.
He succeeds Sean Donohue, who previously announced plans to retire after more than a decade leading the airport. Donohue has had a four decades-long career in aviation.
McLaughlin currently serves as DFW’s Executive Vice President of Operations, a position he has held since 2021. He oversees the airport’s largest division, including Airfield Operations, Public Safety, Airline Relations, Environmental Affairs, the Integrated Operations Center, and Cargo.
Before joining DFW Airport, McLaughlin was the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Denver International Airport. He also led the Transportation Security Administration’s Office of Security Operations, where he helped establish the PreCheck program.
The appointment was made official by a unanimous vote of the DFW Airport Board of Directors.
Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson stated, “DFW Airport is a cornerstone of Dallas’ economic strength and global connectivity. I am thrilled to welcome Chris McLaughlin to this leadership role and look forward to working together leading the third busiest airport in the world.”
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker added, “Fort Worth has become a major hub for innovation, business and opportunity, with DFW Airport being at the center of this economic engine. We welcome Chris McLaughlin into this role and are confident that his leadership will strengthen DFW’s role as a world-class gateway and a major economic driver for Fort Worth and the North Texas region.”
DeMetris Sampson, Chair of the DFW Airport Board of Directors, commented, “Chris stood out in a global pool of exceptional candidates as a forward-thinking, inclusive leader who understands both the scale and the impact of our mission. We are confident that Chris will guide DFW through its next exciting chapter as we expand the airport, create jobs and opportunities for the community and help power global commerce.”
Under McLaughlin’s leadership, DFW will continue its multi-billion-dollar capital improvement program. This program includes upgrades and expansions across terminals, airfield, and roadway infrastructure, detailed in guides like Going Monumental.
DFW Airport serves as a major job generator for the North Texas region. It is centered between owner cities Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. For information, visit the DFW website. You can also find the mobile app for iOS and Android devices.
Outgoing CEO Sean Donohue commented, “Chris McLaughlin is the right person to lead the airport into its next exciting chapter of growth. Chris possesses the experience, leadership and expertise needed to guide an enterprise the magnitude of DFW. He brings a wealth of experience that will benefit the airport as it enters a period of accelerated transformation, and I know he will excel as DFW’s next chief executive.”