History of Love Field

Dallas Love Field Airport has a rich history that began during World War I. Commissioned on October 19, 1917, as a training base for the U.S. Army Air Service, it was one of 32 new Air Service fields established by the Army. The airport was named in honor of Army Lieutenant Moss Lee Love, who died in a flight training accident. Its initial role was to provide primary and advanced flight training for military pilots. After World War I, Love Field continued as a military air base until 1927, when the City of Dallas purchased it for civilian use. The first paved runways were completed in 1932, and commercial air service began to grow throughout the 1930s.

During World War II, Love Field played a significant role again in military operations. Post-war, the airport saw significant growth as a passenger airport, especially after the construction of new terminals and a second parallel runway by 1965. However, the opening of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in 1974 was intended to end passenger service at Love Field. Despite this, the founding of Southwest Airlines in 1971 helped to keep Love Field operational.

Legal battles and the Wright Amendment, which restricted passenger aircraft operations at Dallas Love Field to certain nearby states, significantly impacted the airport's operations. However, efforts to repeal this amendment began in 2005, leading to the eventual expiration of the Wright Amendment in 2014. This change allowed for a significant increase in passenger traffic at Love Field.

Regarding the actions citizens have taken to combat airport noise, Love Field has implemented a Voluntary Noise Abatement Program. This program is part of the airport's broader commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. The airport actively works to mitigate noise impact and maintain a good relationship with its neighbors. For more detailed information on the airport's history and its noise abatement efforts, you can visit the official Love Field website.