Update at 9:33 a.m., Aug. 1: In a statement Wednesday morning, Whataburger described the airport lease approval as "one of several steps needed to move forward."

"There are a number of factors that go into our decision to build a restaurant at any location...at this time, no plans have been finalized," the company said. "We absolutely love hearing from so many fans traveling through DFW International Airport and are excited about the opportunity to cure their cravings."

Original post:

There are more than 100 places to grab a bite to eat at DFW International Airport, including more than a dozen that serve hamburgers. But those who prefer their meals just like they like it or simply want to sample fare from an iconic Texas fast-food chain have been out of luck for as long as the airport has been open.

That’s set to change next year, with the first Whataburger in the airport’s 44-year history opening in Terminal E. No official opening date has been set, but the under-renovation concourse where the Whataburger will be located is expected to see flight operations starting next spring.

It’s a Texas match made in heaven, with Whataburger the most-frequently asked about eatery on the airport's social media channels by the 175,000-plus passengers who pass through DFW each day.

But those hankering for a Whataburger patty melt or a honey butter chicken biscuit will likely have to make a hike to get there, with the DFW Airport outpost located in the Terminal E satellite, down a corridor from the main terminal space.

Whataburger’s arrival will come as the entire satellite concourse is remade to suit 15 new regional gates being used by American Airlines. The concourse had been used as overflow and temporary gate space for a variety of airlines in recent years as Terminal E underwent renovations.

With that work complete, the airport and American are updating the space for long-term use, including several new eateries.

In addition to Whataburger, the Terminal E satellite concourse will be getting a Starbucks, a Dickey’s Barbecue, a CNBC News retail store and a Fly Bar lounge and restaurant.

Leases for each of the new tenants were approved Tuesday by the DFW Airport board’s concessions and commercial development committee, with the full board set to vote on the leases Thursday.