Projected Budget Surplus Means Refunds For Carriers

Nearly three years after Delta Air Lines pulled its hub operation out of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport -- leaving scores of unemployed workers and vacant gates in its wake -- things are now far rosier for the central US mega-airport... and airport officials are giving something back.

USA Today reports the airport expects to come in under budget for Fiscal Year 2007... and as a reward, DFW plans to refund more than $23 million to its airline tenants.

That number represents about half the projected $48 budget surplus, according to the paper. Approximately $13 million of the surplus will bolster a pension fund for airport staff, as well as other benefits.

American Airlines will likely benefit most from the refunded fees and rent payments. The Fort Worth-based carrier is by far the largest operator at DFW.

This isn't the first time this year DFW has cut checks back to airlines. The airport already cut landing fees this year, and expects to do so yet again; the first round of cuts saved airlines about $12 million this year alone.

For that kind of money, it's no wonder airlines are willing to endure the occasional thunderstorm...

FMI: www.dfwairport.com