DFW Airport
In an industry built on altitude and ambition, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport just made its next bold move — handing the controls to one of its own. Chris McLaughlin, a seasoned operator with deep ties to the aviation world and to DFW itself, has been named the airport’s next CEO following a global search, according to a release. McLaughlin will officially assume the role on May 19, taking over from Sean Donohue, who is retiring after more than a decade at the helm.
For McLaughlin, the appointment is a full-circle moment. He’s spent the last few years steering the airport’s operations as executive vice President, managing everything from airfield logistics to public safety. His experience spans decades, from running Denver International’s operations to helping create TSA PreCheck, and even roles with Air Wisconsin and Frontier Airlines. Now, as he steps into the CEO role, it’s clear that DFW is a place he knows inside and out.
“I am honored to have been selected by the DFW Airport Board to serve as DFW’s next CEO,” McLaughlin said in a statement. “DFW Airport has an extraordinary history, is recognized globally, and has a critical role to play in the region’s future growth. I am inheriting one of the best teams in the business, surrounded by true industry partners with a shared vision, supporting a community and a region that my family proudly calls home. Working together with our Board, our employees, the community and our stakeholders, we’ll continue to transform travel for our region and the world.”
McLaughlin’s leadership style is rooted in collaboration — from the ground crew to the top brass. And it’s this spirit of unity that impressed the DFW Airport Board, who selected him after a rigorous global search for the best candidate to steer the airport’s future growth.
"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,” said DeMetris Sampson, chair of the DFW Airport Board of Directors. “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.”
McLaughlin’s experience speaks volumes. He’s led DFW’s largest division since 2021, overseeing critical areas like Airfield Operations, Public Safety, Environmental Affairs, and Cargo. Not to mention his stints at Denver International and his involvement in implementing the TSA PreCheck program.
Even with the weight of the task at hand, McLaughlin’s appointment is a natural progression for DFW, which has become a global powerhouse under Donohue’s leadership. Donohue’s tenure saw the airport rise to third in the world for passenger traffic, expand its global network, and lay the foundation for its future growth.
“DFW Airport has become a centerpiece of our region’s economic prosperity and global connectivity, and Chris McLaughlin is the right person to lead the airport into its next exciting chapter of growth,” said Donohue. “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.”
As McLaughlin takes the reins, the airport is already in motion. The multi-billion-dollar capital improvement program continues, with major expansions planned that will boost capacity, sustainability efforts, and the overall passenger experience. With nearly 90 million travelers passing through every year, DFW isn’t just a hub — it’s a lifeline, a connection point, and a symbol of North Texas’ global reach.
“DFW Airport is a cornerstone of Dallas’ economic strength and global connectivity,” said Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson. “I am thrilled to welcome Chris McLaughlin to this vital leadership role and look forward to working together leading the third-busiest airport in the world and ensuring that one of our greatest assets continues to drive innovation, investment, and opportunity for our city.”
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker echoed the sentiment, saying, “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.”
