Presidential Administration Announces Plan to Transform Washington Dulles International Airport

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority CEO Jack Potter and Board Member Trent Morse joined President Trump, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby and other administration officials in the White House Oval Office to announce a $20+ billion initiative to transform Washington Dulles International Airport into a world-class gateway to the National Capital Region that will proudly serve the traveling public for decades to come. The historic collaboration announced Wednesday will generate billions of dollars in economic opportunity, create thousands of good-paying jobs, expand flight capacity and elevate the passenger experience.

Conceptual Rendering; CLICK HERE to view and download images

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.

Local residents and visitors from across the nation and around the world can look forward to more than 5 million square feet of new or renovated space. 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; and
• 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."

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said, "By partnering with United Airlines and MWAA, we will create thousands of jobs and build a world-class airport filled with stunning architecture, efficient security screenings, hundreds of new flights and improved mobility - all while preserving Dulles' iconic primary terminal."

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said, "Washington Dulles is the gateway that connects the nation's capital to the world, and this transformation builds on United's long-term investment in our hub to deliver the world-class airport experience our employees, customers and millions of travelers deserve. We thank the Trump administration and the Department of Transportation for their support as we move this transformative project forward and make Dulles a showcase for the nation's capital, setting a new standard for airports across the country."

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger also voiced support for the Dulles initiative.

"The massive upcoming project at Dulles - one of Virginia's most important gateways to the rest of the world - will bring new opportunities not just to Northern Virginia, but to the Commonwealth as a whole," Spanberger said. "This expansion means new jobs for Virginians, new tools to bring more business investment to our Commonwealth, and new infrastructure improvements to make sure Dulles remains a world-class international airport for generations to come. I look forward to welcoming even more travelers to experience all that our Commonwealth has to offer."

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 while Dulles International continues to operate safely and reliably for travelers.

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 that will help the airline expand its international network, provide direct access to the airport's AeroTrain system and debut new and enhanced concessions options and passenger lounges.

When complete, the transformation will deliver an airport experience that reflects Dulles International's role as the country's premier gateway to the nation's capital for millions of travelers each year.