The full story
Donohue started working as the CEO at DFW Airport in 2013, according to the release. During his tenure, the airport grew to the third busiest in the world and increased economic business to support 634,000 jobs, more than $38 billion in annual payroll and generate $5 billion in local and state taxes each year.
The airport is the strongest financially it has ever been in its 50-year history, per the release.
“Around the world, DFW Airport is known among the best in the aviation industry, and that reputation has been earned in no small part due to the steadfast leadership of CEO Sean Donohue,” said Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson.
The DFW Airport Board of Directors will initiate a global search for Donohue's successor, according to the release. Donohue will remain at the airport until 2025 and assist with the transition of his successor.
Additional details
Under Donohue’s leadership, DFW Airport emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic faster than many other global hubs, according to the press release. No employee lost their job during that time, allowing the airport to continue serving transportation and cargo needs. Passenger traffic is expected to be 87 million in fiscal year 2024, a 19% increase from the 73.3 million passengers in FY 2019.
Donohue oversaw a 10-year agreement with airlines that serve DFW and helped launch the $9 billion capital investment program called DFW Forward. The program will reimagine Terminal C, add a new terminal and make improvements to roads and other airport facilities. The construction is currently underway, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
