Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and the Federal Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation and United Airlines announced a $20+ billion initiative to transform Washington Dulles International Airport into a world-class gateway to the National Capital Region. The historic collaboration announced last week will include more than 5 million square feet of new or renovated space and generate billions of dollars in economic opportunity, create thousands of good-paying jobs, expand flight capacity and elevate the passenger experience, say the organizations.
The USDOT’s selection of the joint Airports Authority-United Airlines proposal followed an extensive review of more than 30 proposals submitted by top companies in response to the administration’s request for information seeking ideas for modernizing the airport.
Plans for the future of Dulles International will preserve the vision and design of famed architect Eero Saarinen and improve customer experience by:
• Streamlining the passenger journey with close-in parking, modernized check-in facilities, state-of-the art TSA security screening and easier access to concourses and gates;
• Building new and modernizing existing concourses that will expand flight capacity and concessions options, while providing more spacious, comfortable seating with charging stations, workspaces, and other amenities – ultimately eliminating the current C and D concourses;
• Adding AeroTrain connections for efficient movement throughout the airport to allow for the retirement of mobile lounges;
• Elevating the international travel experience with a re-built modernized concourse connected to the main terminal that includes comfortable seating, world-class shopping and dining, more lounges and direct, walkable access to new, larger Customs facilities;
• Constructing a state-of-the-art baggage system enabling travelers to get their luggage even faster;
• Providing United Airlines with more lounge space, including plans for one of the largest United Polaris Lounges in the world.
“This new construction effort builds upon the multiyear Dulles Master Plan, developed in consultation with our airline partners, to modernize Washington’s main international airport,” Airports Authority President and CEO Jack Potter said. “We are grateful for the Trump administration’s interest in accelerating the pace and scope of our plans, and we look forward to building new facilities that will be a source of pride for our nation.”
The selection of the Airports Authority-United Airlines partnership accelerates a capital improvement program already underway as part of the Airports Authority’s Master Plan and an earlier agreement with the airlines serving Dulles.
The transformation will occur in phases, with the Airports Authority and United Airlines, as well as other airlines and airport partners working together to move construction forward.
The investment of more than $20 billion represents a significant increase over the $7 billion previously allocated for the Dulles International modernization program. The Airports Authority, working with airlines serving Dulles, will finance the new concourses and terminal facilities through municipal bonds, which offer significantly lower interest rates than bonds available to private-sector firms. Other portions of the new development will offer opportunities for public-private partnership investments.
Significant modernization work is already underway. Later this year, the first segment of the new Concourse E will open with 14 additional United gates.
When complete, the transformation will deliver an airport experience that reflects Dulles International’s role as the country’s premier gateway to the U.S. capital for millions of travelers each year.
With more than 5 million square feet of new or renovated space, the transformation will improve the Dulles customer experience.
Other details include:
Building new and modernized concourses and replacing the current Concourses C and D with facilities that will support more and larger aircraft to fly to more destinations around the world;
Adding additional gates that will give travelers more spacious, comfortable seating areas, dedicated work areas, and amenities in bright, expansive settings;
Improving walkability, including with a stunning new central passenger connection between concourses.
Creating a walkable path to a new, large U.S. Customs facility and improvements designed to deliver an international arrival experience second to none;
In December 2025, USDOT announced a new initiative to explore the revitalization of IAD. The Department sought proposals and public-private partnership plans from the best developers, architects, and engineers to construct completely new terminals and concourses to replace or build on the existing main terminal and satellite concourses at IAD.
This selection accelerates a capital improvement program already underway as part of the Airports Authority’s Master Plan and an earlier agreement with the airlines.
Significant modernization work is already underway. Later this year, the first segment of the new Concourse E will open with 14 new United gates that will help the airline expand its international network, provide direct access to the airport’s AeroTrain system, and debut new and enhanced passenger lounges.
