DFW Skylink
| Company type | Automated people mover system |
|---|---|
| Industry | Transportation |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Products | Automated people mover services |
| Owner | Alstom |
| Website | www |
Skylink is an automated people mover (APM) system operating within Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), based on the Innovia APM 200 platform. Owned and managed by Alstom, Skylink commenced service in 2005 and was recognized as the longest airside airport train system globally at that time, second only to the landside AirTrain JFK.
History
Skylink was introduced to succeed the original people mover, Airtrans, which served DFW from 1974 until 2005. Airtrans linked the airport’s four terminals and employee zones, carrying approximately 250 million travelers throughout its operational years. Nevertheless, as DFW expanded into a major connecting hub, Airtrans faced criticism for its limited maximum speed of and its inefficient one-way loop design. Shortly after Skylink began operations, Airtrans was retired, although its guideways were left intact.
The construction of Skylink’s guideways started in autumn 1999, with contractors working overnight shifts over a span of three years to minimize interference with airline activities. The system was unveiled to the public on June 25, 2004, followed by a thorough testing phase before officially opening on May 21, 2005. Fully automated, Skylink trains operate at intervals of two minutes and reach speeds up to (56–60 km/h).
By 2015, Skylink had moved over 141 million passengers and covered more than , reinforcing its importance as a key infrastructure component underpinning DFW’s role as a global aviation center.
Operations
Operating exclusively within the secure airside zone of DFW, Skylink primarily facilitates passenger transfers between connecting flights and is not accessible without security clearance.
The system runs continuously throughout the year, 24 hours a day. It features a dual-track guideway with both tracks active from 5 a.m. until midnight; one track may close during overnight hours for maintenance purposes. Track crossovers are located between Terminal D and Terminal E stations, while pocket tracks exist near International Parkway.
The journey between stations lasts up to nine minutes at most, averaging around five minutes per trip. This enables most passengers to transfer between flights within seven minutes, excluding walking time. The system supports a minimum connection time of 30 minutes for airlines.
Skylink employs a fleet of 64 Innovia APM 200 vehicles configured in two-car train sets. Each vehicle has a capacity for up to 69 passengers along with their carry-on baggage. This model is also utilized at London Heathrow Terminal 5 and on the Phoenix Sky Train.
Audio announcements throughout the system are delivered by local artist Doc Morgan.
Structure
The guideway is an elevated structure composed of concrete and steel, typically positioned about 50 feet above terminal buildings. It is supported by 375 columns spanning a bi-directional loop measuring approximately 4.81 miles. The inner track operates in a clockwise direction, while the outer track runs counter-clockwise.
Each of the five terminals includes two secure-side stations. Unlike its predecessor Airtrans, Skylink exclusively connects terminals and does not provide service to parking or rental car areas. Stations are designed with four door sets per platform to facilitate rapid boarding. Plans include two additional stations to accommodate a potential Terminal F expansion.