The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) and the Trump Administration have partnered on a $20-billion-plus initiative to transform Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) into a world-class gateway to the National Capital Region. The historic collaboration is expected to generate billions of dollars in economic opportunity, create thousands of jobs, expand flight capacity and elevate the passenger experience.
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.
The plans call for several updates:
- 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. 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, MWAA said.
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.
