DFW Airport built the station as part of its Terminal Renewal and Improvement Program while DART's contractors focused on the rail line extension. According to DART President/Executive Director Gary Thomas, sharing construction duties allowed DART to open the station in mid-August, four months sooner than scheduled.

"We could not have achieved this rail opening early and under budget without the incredible partnership with DFW Airport," Thomas said. "Construction of the station and the Orange Line extension has been a true collaboration."

RELATED:Dallas makes final prep for opening rail line to airport

The five-mile segment links newly renovated Terminal A and Belt Line Station, with continuing service to major regional destinations including Irving-Las Colinas, Dallas Market Center and downtown Dallas. With this opening, DFW Airport becomes the third-largest American airport with a direct rail connection to the city center.

North Texas residents and visitors gain improved transit access to the airport and its growing roster of international and domestic destinations. Globetrotting travelers have come to expect convenient public transportation to their destinations.

Regional leaders believe that light rail service from the airport to the rest of the DART Service Area will help attract everything from corporations to conferences. Access to the airport will be a great benefit for out-of-state and international students attending educational institutions like the University of Dallas, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Southern Methodist University and the University of Texas at Dallas — all located along DART Rail.