- Dulles reconstruction is valued at $22.5bn.
- Four new concourses will replace temporary concourses.
- Mobile lounges will be retired from regular service.
- Construction begins spring 2027.
- Dulles finished 23rd among 27 large airports in J.D. Power satisfaction.
United Airlines and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority have secured White House backing for a $22.5bn reconstruction of Washington Dulles International Airport. The plan aims to replace the temporary concourses used by many United flights, build four new concourses, expand the AeroTrain and retire mobile lounges from regular service. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called the current airport “dark,” “dated” and “a little dank maybe,” while describing the mobile lounges as slow vehicles that make people angry.
Travelers accustomed to the cramped, temporary character of concourses C and D would eventually enter four new concourses with roomier seating, dedicated work areas, additional concessions and brighter gate halls. An expanded AeroTrain, central walking tunnel and moving walkways would retire the mobile lounges from regular service, while international arrivals would gain a walkable route to a larger Customs facility. The plan calls for more United Club space and one of the carrier’s largest Polaris lounges.
Construction is expected to begin in spring 2027 and continue in phases while Dulles remains open. United CEO Scott Kirby stated the terminal built 45 years ago was meant to be temporary and he had spent his whole career waiting for this day. The airport finished 23rd among 27 large airports in the 2025 J.D. Power satisfaction study.
Sean Duffy, Transportation Secretary, shared, “They look like it’s from ‘Star Wars,’ if you will, and they’re slow and people are angry about them.”
Scott Kirby, United CEO, shared, “The terminal that’s out there today was built 45 years ago. It was meant to be temporary.”
