Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport's new Terminal D came alive Saturday as area residents jammed the generous concourses of the massive building.

They were admiring the towering atriums, touring the art installations and even picking up job applications.

For people like Jane Schlansker, who worked with the airport when it was launching the project five years ago, Saturday's "Texas Day" meant finally seeing the airport expansion project come to life.

"It's just fabulous," Ms. Schlansker said, and she congratulated D/FW chief executive Jeff Fegan.

"We can see the light at the end of the tunnel," Mr. Fegan said, beaming as he pivoted from side to side to greet well-wishers. "This has turned out better than we even imagined."

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D/FW officials estimated that 40,000 people visited Saturday, getting a sneak peek before the new $1.7 billion terminal opens next month.

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The terminal isn't quite finished, as evidenced by the partitions that blocked under-construction areas at its south end and near some of the shops and restaurants.

The airport is planning a phased opening, with the first flights using the terminal as early as July 23. All international flights from D/FW will eventually be shifted to Terminal D, which will also host some domestic flights.

The terminal's onsite hotel, the 298-room Grand Hyatt, will open Friday.