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. The airport’s modernization program will generate billions of dollars in economic opportunity, create thousands of good-paying jobs, expand flight capacity and elevate the passenger experience.
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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.
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.
