Washington Dulles International Airport will undergo a transformation of more than $20 billion over the next decade, officials have today, in what leaders called a landmark effort to modernize the region’s main international gateway.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, United Airlines and the U.S. Department of Transportation unveiled the plan July 29. It roughly triples an earlier $7 billion modernization budget and adds more than 5 million square feet of new or renovated space.
Plans call for new and modernized concourses, including the replacement of the aging C/D Concourse, along with an expanded and enhanced Main Terminal offering more walkable access to gates. An expanded AeroTrain system will replace the airport’s long-standing mobile lounge vehicles, and a new, larger U.S. Customs facility will be connected by a walkable path to speed international arrivals.
Travelers can also expect improved baggage handling, additional concessions, and new lounges, including more United Club space and plans for one of the world’s largest United Polaris lounges. The project will preserve architect Eero Saarinen’s iconic Main Terminal design.
“This new construction effort builds upon the multiyear Dulles Master Plan, developed in consultation with our airline partners, that will modernize Washington’s main international airport,” said Jack Potter, president and CEO of the Airports Authority. “We look forward to building new facilities that will be a source of pride for our nation.”
United CEO Scott Kirby called Dulles “the gateway that connects the nation’s capital to the world.”
“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,” Kirby said.
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said the partnership would 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.”
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger said the project would benefit the wider region. “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,” she said.
The plan stems from a December 2025 request for information issued by the Transportation Department, which drew more than 30 proposals to modernize the airport. Much of the work will be financed through municipal bonds, which carry lower interest rates than private-sector financing, according to the Airports Authority.
The scope of the undertaking reflects Dulles’ regional weight. The Airports Authority operates both Dulles and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, a two-airport system serving more than 200 nonstop destinations. Together, the airports handle over 50 million passengers a year, generate more than $20 billion in annual economic output and support upward of 200,000 regional jobs.
Construction will proceed in phases while the airport continues operating. Work is already underway: the new Concourse E is set to open later this year with 14 new United gates, direct AeroTrain access and upgraded passenger lounges.
