Dallas Fort Worth International Airport has dropped an internal proposal to add Islamic ablution (wudu) stations at Terminal D after public scrutiny and a directive from Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Abbott ordered a review of state grants to DFW and Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport and referred both to the U.S. Department of Transportation. DFW said the filing contained administrative errors, the project had not been finalized and it would not deliver the originally anticipated operational benefits.
DFW Cancels Plan For Islamic Wudu Stations After Gov. Abbott Orders State Grant Review
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott arrives at press conference
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has abandoned an internal proposal to install Islamic ablution (wudu) washing stations on the pre-security side of Terminal D after heightened public scrutiny and a directive from Texas Governor Greg Abbott to review state grants to major airports.
The airport said Friday it accelerated its internal review in response to public interest and determined the project would not deliver the anticipated operational benefits, so it will not proceed at this time.
Project filing and cost estimate
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott arrives to a news conference for Eli Lilly and Company in Houston, Texas, Sept. 23, 2025.
The project was registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation on July 31. The initial filing incorrectly listed the work as privately funded and gave a preliminary cost estimate of $300,000 with an expected completion by year-end. DFW said those details stemmed from administrative errors by the airport's outside design firm and that the estimate was a preliminary high-end figure; the airport previously said an approved project would likely cost closer to $120,000.
DFW also emphasized that it does not use state taxpayer dollars to operate the airport, relying instead on revenue streams such as parking, concessions and other airport-generated income.
Governor's response and federal referral
Passengers walking a terminal inside Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Texas.
Governor Abbott announced he has directed state officials to review grants to the entities that operate DFW and Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) for possible revocation and to consider withholding future funding. He also referred both airports to the U.S. Department of Transportation for further review.
"Government-owned airports cannot favor one religion over all others," Abbott wrote on X. "DFW plans to install Islamic wudu washing facilities are illegal. I've directed a review of all state grants to both airports for possible revocation, and referred DFW & IAH to USDOT for investigation. Texas will not allow illegal religious discrimination at taxpayer-funded facilities."
Abbott's office noted that recipients of state grants must certify compliance with laws prohibiting discrimination and asked federal authorities to review religious accommodations at both airports.
Context and other airports
Officials pointed out that George Bush Intercontinental Airport already has an ablution basin and an adjoining prayer room. Similar low-level basins and interfaith spaces exist at other major U.S. airports, including Chicago O'Hare.
DFW reiterated that the proposal had not received final approval and said the regulatory filing mistakes were administrative in nature. Fox News Digital reached out to Houston Airports and the U.S. Department of Transportation for comment.
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