"Arlington Archives" Explores the Road to Building DFW Airport

Published on August 27, 2026

Host OK Carter talking and Jock Bethune smiling.

By Office of Communication 

The newest episode of the "Arlington Archives" explores the origins and economic impact of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, one of the most influential infrastructure projects in North Texas.

The episode titled, “How North Texas Built a Global Gateway,” is hosted by O.K. Carter with co‑host Jock Bethune, a longtime narrator for American Airlines training films and a historian of the airport’s development. Carter and Bethune outline the decades long struggle between Dallas and Fort Worth that delayed the creation of a regional airport, beginning with early debates in 1920s and continued through years of civic competition.

Bethune explains how Fort Worth publisher Amon Carter pushed back against Dallas’ focus on Love Field, championing the construction of Amon Carter Field, later renamed Greater Southwest International Airport. Despite attracting major airlines, the airport never reached the passenger numbers needed to rival Dallas. Its decline eventually opened the path for federal pressure that pushed both cities to cooperate and begin building DFW in 1969.

“Proximity matters,” Carter said. “DFW contributes billions to the North Texas economy and Arlington benefits from being only 20 minutes away.”

The hosts note that DFW now contributes an estimated $78.3 billion annually to the region’s economy and supports more than 600,000 jobs.

“DFW and American Airlines transformed North Texas into a global aviation center,” Bethune said. “DFW provided the scale and infrastructure and American supplied the network and innovation.”

Produced in celebration of Arlington’s sesquicentennial in 2026, the series features voices from historians, city leaders and longtime residents. Future episodes will further explore Arlington’s history, spotlighting milestones and anniversaries in the city’s storied past.

Visit Arlington150.com for more historical articles, photos and events planned throughout 2026.

“How North Texas Built a Global Gateway” offers listeners an engaging look at one of the city’s most influential institutions and the people who shaped it. The episode is now available on all major podcast platforms and the City’s social media channels including Facebook and YouTube.

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"Arlington Archives" is a podcast that dives deep into the stories that shaped The American Dream City. And as Arlington celebrates 150 years of history and progress, we’re bringing you the voices and legacies that make this city a cornerstone of Texas and a proud part of America’s story. Listen today and let us know what you think with a review.
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