“2001: Muslim terrorists hijack commercial airplanes and slaughter 2,977 Americans. 2026: One of the largest airports in America installs third world foot washing stations for Muslims.” That comparison, posted by Texas Representative Brandon Gill, came in response to news that Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport plans to install Wudu ablution stations in restrooms at the facility.
The project was registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation on July 31. According to the filing, the plan calls for “adding Ablution stations to existing concourse level restrooms in Terminal D, one Men’s ablution station in existing men’s restroom and one Women’s ablution station in the existing women’s restroom.” The installation is privately funded, expected to cost roughly $300,000, and slated for completion by the end of the year.
Ablution stations allow Muslim travelers to perform Wudu, a ritual washing of the hands, face and feet before prayer. Airport documents describe the stations as low-level basins designed to keep water off standard restroom floors and prevent damage to sink counters.
DFW is not the first major U.S. hub to add the feature. Similar basins and interfaith spaces already exist at other airports, including Chicago O’Hare.
Gill’s post drew sharp reaction online, part of a broader wave of criticism directed at the project. Other commentators pushed back on that framing, arguing the stations serve a practical function rather than a religious or ideological one.
Conservative activist Ryan Fournier was among those urging a more measured response. “People are freaking out over foot-washing stations at DFW, but let’s look at the actual facts before jumping to conclusions. This isn’t about pushing an ideology — it’s basic airport management,” he wrote. He pointed to the plumbing rationale behind the design: “Safety & Plumbing: People washing their feet in standard bathroom sinks creates soaked, slippery floors and breaks the counters. Low-level wudu basins keep the restrooms dry and safe for everyone.”
Fournier also noted that the accommodation is not new to major American airports. “DFW is one of the busiest travel hubs on the planet. Major U.S. airports like Chicago O’Hare and Indianapolis have had these and interfaith rooms for years to handle international traffic cleanly,” he said, adding that the project is “just about keeping the bathrooms clean and preventing people from slipping on wet tiles. Plain and simple.”
Fox News Digital reported that it reached out to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Governor Greg Abbott’s office, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport for comment.
The airport has not publicly detailed how the stations will be maintained or whether additional installations are planned at other terminals, leaving open questions about the project’s scope as construction moves forward later this year.
