Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is set to be transformed over the next decade by a capital investment program of more than $20 billion.
The ambitious project aims to set the travel hub apart with a dramatic modernization designed to enhance the experience for millions of travelers.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, United Airlines—the largest flight operator at Dulles—and the U.S. Department of Transportation announced the landmark investment on Wednesday, promising more than five million square feet of new or renovated space.
Among the many highlights will be enhanced entry into the airport, close-in parking facilities, state-of-the-art check-in areas and more efficient security screening. Travelers will also enjoy new and modernized concourses, with the current C/D Concourse being replaced.
Additional gates will offer more comfortable seating areas, dedicated work areas and amenities, while connectivity and walkability will be enhanced via new AeroTrain connections and a central walking tunnel. Plans also call for a walkable path to a new, large U.S. Customs facility and improvements to ease the international arrival experience.
The mammoth investment will also result in improved baggage handling systems to speed up the luggage retrieval process and additional concessions and airport lounges, including more United Club space and plans for one of the largest United Polaris lounges in the world, according to the Chicago-based airline.
Conceptual rendering of South Atrium as part of Washington Dulles transformation. (Photo Credit: United Airlines)
"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," United CEO Scott Kirby said in a statement. "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."
"By partnering with United Airlines and MWAA, we will create a world class airport filled with stunning architecture, gorgeous concourses, efficient security screenings, additional gates, and improved mobility—all while preserving Dulles' iconic primary terminal," added U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
"Say goodbye to those stale concourses, drab interior, endless walkways, and those absurd mobile lounges, and say hello to a state-of-the-art facility that will inspire millions of flyers for generations to come."
The more than $20 billion investment marks a significant increase over the $7 billion previously allocated for the airport's modernization program. Working with airlines operating out of Dulles, the Airports Authority will finance much of the project through municipal bonds.
Renovations are already underway, with the new Concourse E set to open later this year with 14 new United gates, direct access to the airport's AeroTrain system and new and enhanced passenger lounges.
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