DFW Airport Tightens Budget

By BJ Austin, KERA News

Dallas, TX –

DFW Airport has cut 52 million dollars from next year's budget, according to airport director Jeff Fegan.

Fegan told Dallas City Council members the recession-driven drop in airline travel has cut into landing fee revenues. But, he says DFW Airport is faring better than most, with only a five percent drop in traffic.

Fegan: Other airports have experienced anything from ten to twenty, even thirty percent losses in traffic as a result of the economic downturn. But DFW continues to be very, very, strong even in a difficult time.

The airport also has a balance of 83 million dollars thanks to natural gas drilling. Dallas council members say a healthy airport is vital to the regional economy.

Dallas council members vote on the DFW budget next week. Fort Worth must also approve.

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