Hubbry Logo
DFW SkylinkDFW SkylinkMain
Open search
DFW Skylink
Community hub
DFW Skylink
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
DFW Skylink
DFW Skylink
from Wikipedia

Skylink
"Skylink" in orange next to an icon depicting the system's Innovia APM 200 vehicle
Skylink stopped at a Terminal E station
Overview
StatusOperational
OwnerDFW Airport Board
LocaleDallas Fort Worth International Airport
Stations10 (+1 planned)
Service
TypeAutomated people mover
Operator(s)Alstom
Rolling stockInnovia APM 200
Ridership5,000 passengers per direction per hour[1]
History
OpenedMay 21, 2005; 20 years ago (2005-05-21)[2]
Technical
Line length4.81 mi (7.74 km)
Number of tracks2
CharacterElevated
ElectrificationThird rail
Operating speed37 mph (60 km/h)
Route map
Map Skylink highlighted in orange
DART Right arrow
DFW Airport Terminal B
DFW Airport Terminal A
Terminal B Gates 20–49
Terminal A Gates 1–21
Terminal B Gates 1–19
Terminal A Gates 22–39
Terminal D Gates 23–40
Terminal C Gates 1–20
Terminal D Gates 1–22
Terminal C Gates 21–39
Terminal F (2027)
Terminal E Gates 1–15
Terminal E Gates 16–38

Handicapped/disabled access All stations are accessible

Skylink is an automated people mover (APM) system operating at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The bi-directional system connects the airsides of the airport's five terminals.

Skylink contains 10 stations (2 per terminal) and 4.81 miles (7.74 km) of elevated track. It utilizes Innovia APM 200 vehicles and is operated by the vehicles' manufacturer, Alstom, under contract with DFW.

The system was opened in 2005 as a replacement for DFW's original APM system, the Vought Airtrans. At opening, it was the world's longest airside airport train system (AirTrain JFK is longer but operates landside).[3]

History

[edit]
Skylink operating in 2008 in the older blue livery before the airport's 2015 refresh to orange.

Skylink was developed as a replacement for the Vought Airtrans (part of which was later operated as American Airlines' TrAAin System), the airport's original people mover system that connected airport facilities and parking lots. It served the airport for 31 years from 1974 to 2005 and transported a quarter of a billion passengers between DFW's then four terminals and employee facilities, logging a total of 97 million miles (156 million kilometres) over the lifetime of its fleet. As DFW became a large connecting hub for flights, Airtrans was noted for being slow with its top speed of 17 mph (27 km/h) and following a uni-directional counter-clockwise loop located inside security for Terminals A, B, and C and outside security to other areas, was inefficient in moving passengers.[4][5] The system was decommissioned soon after Skylink opened as a modern replacement and the old guideways were left in place throughout the airport.

Skylink guideway construction began in the fall of 1999 and took place with limited interruption of aircraft traffic. Contractors worked during overnight hours for 3 years – when airline gates were unused – arriving on site, completing work and removing equipment each morning before returning gates to an airline.[6]

The system made its public debut on June 25, 2004, where it then began a rigorous testing period.[2] It was opened to the public on May 21, 2005, and is completely automated. Skylink trains run every two minutes and travel at speeds up to 35–37 mph (56–60 km/h).[7][8][9]

In 2015, after a decade of service, Skylink had transported over 141 million people and traveled over 32.4 million fleet miles (52.1 million kilometres).[10]

Operations

[edit]

The Skylink system operates airside at DFW, mostly serving passengers connecting between flights, and is inaccessible to those who have not cleared security.

Skylink operates trains 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The system is double-tracked and both tracks are operational between 5 am and midnight. Between midnight and 5 am, one track may be taken out of operation to allow for maintenance.[11] The system has crossovers between the Terminal D stations and the Terminal E stations. There are also pocket tracks in the sections of the guideway that cross International Parkway.

The longest trip between farthest stations is 9 minutes with an average 5 minute journey. This allows most passengers to make a connection from any one flight to another in around seven minutes, not including walking time to and from the stations.[12] The train supports a minimum airline connection time of 30 minutes.[11]

The Skylink system uses a total of 64 Innovia APM 200 vehicles, coupled together into two car trains.[13] Each Skylink vehicle can accommodate up to 69 passengers and their carry-on luggage.[14] The Innovia APM 200 technology is also used at London Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 as well as the PHX Sky Train.[7]

The audio announcements on SkyLink are provided by local voice-over artist Doc Morgan.[15]

Structure

[edit]

The concrete and steel guideway for Skylink, elevated at an average of 50 feet (15 m), was constructed above the terminals on 375 columns in a 4.81-mile-long (7.74 km) bi-directional loop. The inner track travels clockwise and the outer track travels counter-clockwise.

Each of the five terminals contains two stations which are accessed on the secure (air) side. Unlike the previous Vought Airtrans APM system, Skylink only connects terminals and does not travel to the airport's parking lots or rental car facility. The stations contain four sets of doors on each platform for entrance and exiting of passengers. Two more stations can be constructed for a future Terminal F if it is built.

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
DFW Skylink is an automated (APM) system at that provides driverless, high-speed train service connecting all five airport terminals (A, B, C, D, and E) within the secure (post-security) area. Launched on May 21, 2005, it replaced the older Airtrans system and has facilitated efficient inter-terminal transfers for millions of passengers annually. The system operates on a bi-directional, elevated dual guideway featuring inner and outer loops totaling 52,800 single-lane feet (approximately 10.56 miles combined), with 4.81 miles of track per loop and 10 stations (two per terminal). Trains, consisting of 32 units made up of 64 Innovia APM 200 vehicles, run every two minutes in both directions, reaching speeds of up to 37 mph and completing the longest inter-station trip in about nine minutes. Each two-car train can accommodate up to 150 passengers (75 per car) in a climate-controlled environment, and the system has carried over 20 million passengers per year pre-pandemic while maintaining more than 99% availability since its inception. Skylink's introduction addressed the growing demands of DFW, one of the world's busiest airports serving over 260 global destinations, by reducing walking times and enhancing connectivity without interfering with airfield operations. By its 20th anniversary in 2025, the trains had traveled more than 65 million miles, underscoring its reliability and role in the airport's $12 billion DFW Forward capital improvement plan. Operations and maintenance are handled by under a 10-year extending through January 2032, covering vehicles, subsystems, and the guideway .

History

Background and Planning

The Airtrans system, an automated that operated at (DFW) from 1974 to 2005, was decommissioned due to its advancing age, frequent reliability issues, and insufficient capacity to handle the airport's escalating passenger volumes amid rapid growth in air traffic. Originally spanning 13 miles with 53 stations, Airtrans had become outdated by the early , prompting the need for a modern replacement to improve airside connectivity between terminals without compromising security or operational efficiency. Airtrans was fully decommissioned in June 2005, shortly after Skylink's opening. Planning for the new system, later named Skylink, began in the late 1990s as DFW experienced surging passenger numbers and sought to enhance inter-terminal transfers for its role as a major hub. The DFW Airport Board approved the project in 1999, authorizing the development of an automated to connect all five terminals airside, ensuring seamless, secure passenger movement within the sterile areas. In 2000, DFW selected the Innovia Automated People Mover (APM) 200 system from (now ) following a competitive process, awarding a encompassing , , and initial operations of the bi-directional elevated guideway network. The project, valued at approximately $864 million, was funded primarily through airport revenue bonds and federal grants administered by the (FAA), reflecting standard financing for major airport infrastructure upgrades. Environmental and regulatory approvals were secured prior to construction, including FAA coordination to integrate the airside guideway with existing airfield operations while adhering to (NEPA) requirements for noise, air quality, and wildlife impacts in the airport's secure zones. These processes ensured minimal disruption to aircraft movements and compliance with federal aviation standards for elevated structures within operational airspace.

Construction and Opening

Construction of the DFW Skylink involved the erection of an elevated concrete and guideway spanning the airport's terminals, supported by 375 columns averaging 50 feet in . To minimize disruptions to airport operations, much of the work was conducted overnight, with day shifts limited to minor tasks due to the proximity of active and ground support activities. Key challenges included coordinating construction around the existing infrastructure at one of the world's busiest airports and adapting to post-9/11 security design changes, which were addressed through a guaranteed maximum that accelerated the timeline by two years. The guideway construction occurred primarily between 2003 and 2005, integrating with the expansion of Terminal D for international flights. Vehicles based on Innovia APM 200 technology were delivered for testing in advance of the launch, ensuring system reliability before passenger service. The system opened officially on May 21, 2005, coinciding with the debut of Terminal D, initially operating in a testing mode to verify performance prior to full public access. At launch, the Skylink fleet consisted of 64 Innovia APM 200 vehicles, configured in married pairs to form bi-directional trains capable of transporting up to 75 passengers each. This deployment supported an initial capacity of 5,000 passengers per hour per direction, with plans for expansion to enhance throughput.

Milestones and Usage Statistics

Since its inauguration in , the DFW Skylink has marked several significant milestones in enhancing passenger connectivity at . By the end of its first decade in 2015, the system had carried over 141 million passengers, demonstrating its immediate success in facilitating efficient transfers between terminals. This growth reflected the system's capacity to support the airport's expanding role as a major global hub. Reaching its 20th anniversary in , Skylink had accumulated over 65 million miles of travel, highlighting its enduring reliability and contribution to seamless airside mobility. Cumulative ridership exceeded 300 million passengers by this milestone, underscoring two decades of consistent performance amid rising airport traffic. Skylink's integration with broader airport developments has further bolstered its operational impact, including enhanced service during peak periods following post-2010 expansions. The system carries over 20 million passengers annually, with notable peaks during holiday seasons that align with the airport's overall passenger surges. The system's efficiency has earned recognitions from aviation authorities in the 2010s, including a Judges Award for Design Excellence for its innovative engineering and a consistent 99.7% operational uptime, affirming its status as a benchmark for airport people movers.

Design and Technology

System Technology

The DFW Skylink system utilizes the Innovia APM 200 platform developed by Alstom (formerly Bombardier Transportation), which serves as a driverless, bidirectional automated people mover designed for high-reliability airport transit. This platform enables seamless, unmanned operation across the airport's terminals, with vehicles capable of coupling into trains of up to six cars for flexible capacity management. Propulsion is provided by on-board rotary electric motors, powering rubber-tired wheels that run on a dedicated guideway. is supplied through a integrated into the guideway structure, ensuring efficient energy delivery without overhead wiring. The guideway itself consists of elevated beams with a central guidance rail (guidebeam) that provides precise and alignment for the rubber-tired vehicles, minimizing and vibration while supporting bidirectional travel on dual lanes. The system operates at full automation (Grade of Automation 4, or GoA4), where no onboard personnel are required, and all functions—from routing and dispatching to collision avoidance—are managed by a central using communication-based control (CBTC) technology. This setup allows for real-time monitoring and optimization of movements to maintain reliability and safety. Engineered for , the Skylink achieves a capacity of 5,000 passengers per hour per direction through optimized headways and configurations, supporting the airport's high-volume passenger flows.

Vehicles and Infrastructure

The DFW Skylink system operates with a fleet of 64 200 vehicles manufactured by (now ), designed to carry up to 75 passengers in a standing and seated configuration. These vehicles are formed into trainsets of two cars each, enabling efficient intra-terminal transport while maintaining high capacity during peak hours. The vehicles feature fully air-conditioned interiors for passenger comfort in the climate and are ADA-compliant with low-floor designs that provide level boarding at all stations, ensuring for passengers with disabilities. Additionally, they incorporate emergency evacuation systems, including deployable bridges and hatches, to facilitate safe exits in the event of system disruptions. The core infrastructure of Skylink comprises 4.81 miles (7.74 km) of dual elevated guideways constructed from and , forming independent clockwise and counterclockwise loops that encircle the 's terminals A through E. These guideways are supported by 375 columns, elevating the structure an average of 50 feet (15 meters) above ground level to minimize interference with operations below. This design allows for bidirectional travel without crossovers in the mainline, enhancing reliability and redundancy. Skylink includes 10 elevated platforms integrated into the terminals, with two platforms per terminal (A–E) to support simultaneous arrivals and departures on each loop. Each platform spans 300 feet in length, accommodating the full trainset, and is equipped with that align with vehicle doors for secure boarding and alighting while preventing falls onto the guideway. These enclosed stations maintain airside security and climate control, directly connecting to terminal concourses via escalators and elevators. A dedicated maintenance and storage facility, known as the Maintenance & Storage Facility (MSF), supports the system's upkeep, including overnight single-tracking operations and comprehensive vehicle servicing from to 5 a.m. when passenger service is reduced. This depot enables routine inspections, repairs, and software updates without disrupting daytime operations, contributing to the system's .

Operations

Service Characteristics

The DFW Skylink generally operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with occasional maintenance periods that may affect service, providing inter-terminal transportation for passengers. Trains depart every two minutes, ensuring frequent service to accommodate varying passenger volumes throughout the day. The system achieves a maximum speed of 37 mph (60 km/h), enabling efficient travel with average ride times of five minutes and a maximum of nine minutes between the farthest terminals. As an airside-only service, Skylink connects all five terminals (A through E) exclusively within the secure post-security areas, eliminating the need for additional screening and offering free access to all ticketed passengers. Skylink is fully accessible, featuring wheelchair-compatible platforms with level boarding, additional priority seating for passengers with mobility impairments, and elevators at all stations for seamless access. Signage throughout the system complies with ADA standards, including tactile braille elements for visually impaired users, while onboard and station audio announcements provide clear guidance in multiple languages to support diverse travelers. At peak capacity, each train car accommodates up to 75 passengers, allowing the system to transport approximately 5,000 people per hour per direction, which supports high-volume periods such as holidays when ridership surges. During these busy times, the airport maintains operational readiness through the system's automated reliability and integration with alternative services like shuttles for any overflow needs.

Route and Stations

The DFW Skylink operates as a bi-directional system forming a continuous loop that serves Terminals A, B, C, D, and E at . The route follows a clockwise path from Terminal A to B, then to C, D, and E before returning to A, with the counterclockwise direction reversing this sequence to provide flexible travel options between any two points. Each full loop measures approximately 5 miles, utilizing separate inner and outer tracks to facilitate simultaneous bidirectional service. The system features 10 stations in total, with two stations per terminal positioned at opposite ends to optimize access across the length of each terminal building. For example, Terminal A has stations designated as A-East and A-West, allowing passengers to board or alight closest to their specific gates. These elevated stations are seamlessly integrated into the terminal structures, providing direct airside access to gates and, in applicable areas, proximity to key facilities like baggage claim viewing areas for arriving passengers. Transfer efficiencies are a core design feature, enabling quick inter-terminal movement; for instance, the shortest path from Terminal A to the distant Terminal D takes under 10 minutes, with an average ride time of 5 minutes across most connections. Vehicle dwell times at stations are typically brief to maintain high throughput. Navigation is supported by dedicated Skylink signage throughout the terminals, including color-coded markers and digital displays that show next train arrivals and estimated wait times, ensuring intuitive for passengers.

Incidents and Safety

Notable Incidents

On March 21, 2018, a fatal incident occurred during early morning on the DFW Skylink system when 54-year-old employee Kenneth Wade was struck by a moving train car in a restricted area near Terminal C. Wade, a worker for a contractor responsible for the system's upkeep, was performing repairs around 1 a.m. when the accident happened; he was transported to Baylor Regional Medical Center in Grapevine but succumbed to his injuries later that day. The (OSHA) initiated an investigation into the fatality to determine compliance with safety standards. Throughout the 2010s and into the 2020s, Skylink experienced several service breakdowns due to technical faults, including system-wide halts that disrupted intra-terminal travel. For instance, in June 2019, both clockwise and counterclockwise loops were taken offline briefly for unscheduled maintenance amid severe storms, resulting in extended wait times and reliance on walking or shuttle alternatives for passengers. Similarly, in February 2022, extreme winter weather caused the trains to freeze in place for several hours, halting operations and contributing to broader airport delays during a period of icy conditions. These events, along with other reported skips at specific stations like Terminal D in early 2018, occasionally forced passengers to miss connecting flights and navigate longer walking routes. Passenger impacts from such disruptions have been notable but infrequent, with rare instances of partial evacuations or re-screening triggered by related technical glitches. In one case during winter operations in , reduced-capacity restarts after a nighttime shutdown affected thousands of travelers, amplifying connection times amid low temperatures. These disruptions have typically been resolved within hours through rapid . No major incidents or fatalities have been reported since 2022 as of November 2025.

Safety Measures and Reliability

The DFW Skylink system incorporates multiple safety redundancies to ensure passenger and operational security. As a driverless automated , it operates on an elevated dual-lane guideway that avoids interference with road or traffic, reducing collision risks. The Automatic Train Control (ATC) system provides advanced guidance for train movements, including real-time monitoring and control to prevent operational errors. Maintenance protocols for Skylink are managed by under a long-term , emphasizing preventive and corrective measures to sustain system integrity. A dedicated team of approximately 100 operations and maintenance experts conducts ongoing inspections and repairs on the 64 200 vehicles, subsystems such as station doors and power distribution, and the eight-kilometer guideway, including its running surface and heating systems. This 24/7 oversight supports continuous service availability since the system's opening in 2005. Reliability metrics demonstrate Skylink's robust , with operational exceeding 99% annually, enabling it to over 20 million passengers yearly without major disruptions. These figures reflect the effectiveness of regular modernizations, including a 2023 contract worth $72 million for ATC equipment upgrades and other components to mitigate obsolescence and ensure dependable inter-terminal connectivity. Following the incident in which a maintenance worker was fatally struck by a during off-hours operations, the and enhanced protocols for worker safety in maintenance zones. Emergency procedures for Skylink integrate with broader DFW protocols, including coordination with fire and services for rapid response and evacuation support. Backup manual overrides are available within the ATC framework to address system anomalies, while general drills ensure preparedness for passenger evacuations along the guideway.

Future Developments

Terminal F Expansion

The Terminal F expansion project for DFW Skylink was initially announced in May 2023 as part of a $4.8 billion investment plan, allocating approximately $1.63 billion specifically for constructing the new terminal with 15 gates and integrating an automated station. Groundbreaking occurred on November 19, 2024, marking the official start of construction for the $1.6 billion first phase, which includes a dedicated Skylink station positioned above the terminal concourse to facilitate seamless intra-airport transfers. This integration adds a new station in Terminal F, connected via a walking corridor to the existing Terminal D, enhancing connectivity within the airport's current terminal layout that links A through E. The project utilizes the existing bi-directional Skylink loop, with the station designed to maintain compatibility for counter-clockwise and clockwise service without requiring a full system overhaul. In May 2025, the scope expanded significantly, increasing the total Terminal F investment to about $4 billion under an updated use and lease agreement extending to 2043, driven by demand for additional capacity including and international operations; the Skylink-related components form part of an $855 million design-build for the and station. The station employs modular techniques, with six modules assembled off-site and transported to the airfield to minimize on-site disruptions during integration. The first phase, encompassing the 400,000-square-foot , 15 , and new Skylink station, is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2027, providing initial service to the expanded terminal. Subsequent phases, including additional and facilities, will follow, with full operational integration of the enhanced Skylink connectivity anticipated by late 2028, though temporary service adjustments may occur during the 2026–2027 construction period to accommodate guideway and station tie-ins.

Long-Term Plans

The DFW Skylink system is integral to the airport's long-term master plan, which anticipates handling over 100 million annual passengers by 2030 to accommodate regional growth and increased air traffic. This expansion strategy emphasizes efficient intra-terminal connectivity, positioning Skylink as a critical component for managing higher volumes without exacerbating congestion on roadways or walkways. Alstom's 10-year operations and maintenance contract, valued at $216 million and effective from 2022, ensures Skylink's reliability through 2032, including preventive and corrective maintenance of its 64 200 vehicles and supporting . Complementing this, a $72.2 million modernization program awarded to in 2023 focuses on overhauling, retrofitting, or replacing vehicle and wayside components to enhance performance and longevity amid rising demand. These efforts align with broader funding from the airport's $12 billion capital improvement plan, which supports upgrades to sustain . Sustainability initiatives at DFW Airport, including a commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, indirectly bolster Skylink's role in reducing the overall environmental impact through energy-efficient automated transport that minimizes emissions compared to ground vehicles. The system's electric-powered design contributes to these goals by lowering per-passenger carbon output, with ongoing optimizations aimed at further integration with the airport's transitions, such as the Zero Carbon Electric Central Utility Plant. Looking ahead, challenges include adapting Skylink to post-2025 traffic surges and ensuring for its elevated guideway structures against , as the airport projects sustained growth through 2040 and beyond. Partnerships with entities like will be key to addressing these, potentially through future contract extensions to support expanded capacity needs.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.