The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, United Airlines and the U.S. Department of Transportation will spend US$20 billion on a landmark transformation of beleaguered Washington Dulles International Airport designed to create a facility “worthy of the nation’s capital.”
The project intends to transform the airport – an ongoing target of Donald Trump – over the next decade into a modern, world-class gateway reflecting the importance and global reach of the U.S. capital and enhancing the experience for millions of travellers.
The Airports Authority and United will partner on this transformation to reshape many aspects of the Dulles journey, with new and modernized facilities designed to create a smoother, more efficient and elevated experience from curb to gate, while preserving architect Eero Saarinen’s iconic Main Terminal design.
“This new construction effort builds upon the multiyear Dulles Master Plan, developed in consultation with our airline partners, that will modernize Washington’s main international airport,” Airports Authority President and CEO Jack Potter said, adding, the facilities “will be a source of pride for our nation.”
Travellers can look forward to more than 5 million sq. ft. of new or renovated space, including new and modernized concourses, an expanded and enhanced Main Terminal with more walkable access to gates, and new train service connecting the airport that will retire Dulles’ mobile lounge vehicles.
Dulles’ transformation will bring major traveller-focused upgrades across the entire airport experience, including:
- Enhanced entry into the airport, close-in parking facilities, state-of-the-art check-in areas and more efficient security screening for an easier start to the journey;
- New and modernized concourses (photo above), including replacing the current C/D Concourse, with facilities that will support more and larger aircraft to fly to more destinations around the world;
- Additional gates that will give travellers more spacious, comfortable seating areas, dedicated work areas and amenities in bright, expansive settings;
- New AeroTrain connections and enhanced walkability, including a central walking tunnel, will make it easier for travellers to move between the terminal, concourses and gates to allow replacement of mobile lounges;
- A walkable path to a new, large U.S. Customs facility and improvements designed to make the international arrival experience easier;
- Improved baggage handling systems designed to help travellers get their luggage faster; and
- Additional concessions and airport lounges, including more United Club space and plans for one of the largest United Polaris lounges in the world.
The transformation will occur in phases over several years, with the Airports Authority, United and other airlines and airport partners working together to move construction forward while Dulles continues to operate for travellers.
While Dulles’ transformation will benefit all airlines and travellers at Dulles, it also builds on United’s continued growth and long-term investment in its Washington Dulles hub. United, as the largest airline in the D.C. region, and the Airports Authority, as the operator of the Washington region’s major airports, will closely collaborate on the development and execution of the enhancements to help create a Dulles Airport “worthy of the nation’s capital.”
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