$20B revamp of Washington Dulles International Airport unveiled

A $20-billion revamp is set to transform Washington Dulles Airport over the coming decade, under plans revealed yesterday by United Airlines. 

The plan, announced in concert with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and the U.S. Department of Transportation, calls for 5 million square feet of renovated and newly-built space, including expansions of concourses, while also retaining Eero Saarinen's iconic Main Terminal design. The expanded budget greatly augments the roughly $7 billion previously committed to the effort.

Project elements will include:

• Enhanced entry into the airport, close-in parking facilities, state-of-the-art check-in areas and more efficient security screening for an easier start to the journey; 
• New and modernized concourses, including replacing the current C/D Concourse, with facilities that will support more and larger aircraft to fly to more destinations around the world; 
• Additional gates that will give travelers more spacious, comfortable seating areas, dedicated work areas and amenities in bright, expansive settings; 
• New AeroTrain connections and enhanced walkability, including a central walking tunnel, will make it easier for travelers to move between the terminal, concourses and gates to allow replacement of mobile lounges; 
• A walkable path to a new, large U.S. Customs facility and improvements designed to make the international arrival experience easier;  
• Improved baggage handling systems designed to help travelers get their luggage faster; and 
• Additional concessions and airport lounges, including more United Club space and plans for one of the largest United Polaris lounges in the world. 

Implementation of the plan is to occur in phases. 

"The massive upcoming project at Dulles — one of Virginia's most important gateways to the rest of the world — will bring new opportunities not just to Northern Virginia, but to the Commonwealth as a whole," said Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger. "This expansion means new jobs for Virginians, new tools to bring more business investment to our Commonwealth, and new infrastructure improvements to make sure Dulles remains a world-class international airport for generations to come. I look forward to welcoming even more travelers to experience all that our Commonwealth has to offer."