The U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT), the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) and United Airlines have announced plans for a redevelopment programme at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), backed by an investment of more than 20 billion USD.
The project, unveiled by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy alongside President Donald Trump, will deliver more than 5 million square feet of new or renovated airport facilities over the coming decade.
It builds on MWAA’s existing Dulles Master Plan and follows a US DOT request for proposals issued in December 2025, which attracted more than 30 submissions.
The redevelopment will include the replacement of Concourses C and D, the construction of new and modernised concourses, additional aircraft gates and upgrades to the airport’s main terminal while preserving its original design by architect Eero Saarinen.
Passenger facilities are also set to be expanded, with new check-in areas, closer parking facilities, updated security screening areas and an enlarged U.S. Customs facility intended to improve the arrivals process for international passengers.
Plans also include an extension of the airport’s AeroTrain network, new pedestrian connections between terminals and concourses, and the eventual replacement of the airport’s mobile lounge vehicles. A new baggage handling system will also be installed, alongside additional retail concessions and airport lounges, including an expanded United Club offering and a new United Polaris Lounge.
The investment represents a substantial increase on the approximately 7 billion USD previously allocated for the airport’s modernisation programme.
Construction will be carried out in phases while the airport remains operational. Much of the programme will be financed through municipal bonds issued by MWAA in partnership with airlines serving the airport, with other elements expected to include public-private partnership investment.
Jack Potter, President and CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, said:This new construction effort builds upon the multiyear Dulles Master Plan, developed in consultation with our airline partners, that will modernise Washington's main international airport. 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.
United Airlines, which operates its largest hub in the Washington region at Dulles, will work with MWAA throughout the project.
The programme also accelerates works already underway at the airport. Later this year, the first section of Concourse E is scheduled to open with 14 new United gates, direct access to the AeroTrain system and new passenger lounges to support the airline’s international operations.
Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, 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 travellers 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.
