United Airlines, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and the U.S. Department of Transportation are collaborating on a more than $20 billion capital investment program to "transform" Washington Dulles International Airport, the entities announced Wednesday.
The project selection follows a review of more than 30 proposals submitted after DOT's December request for proposals and public-private partnership plans to "revitalize the international gateway," according to DOT.
The $20 billion investment also is an increase from the $7 billion previously allocated for the Dulles modernization program, which includes the new Concourse E that will open later this year with 14 new United gates, and accelerates previously announced upgrades to the airport, according to the carrier and MWAA.
The full Dulles project will include 5 million square feet of new or renovated space while "preserving architect Eero Saarinen's iconic main terminal design," according to United.
Select elements of the project include:
- Enhanced entry into the airport, close-in parking facilities, upgraded check-in areas and more efficient security screening
- New and modernized concourses, including replacing the current C/D Concourse with facilities that will support more and larger aircraft
- Additional gates
- New AeroTrain connections and enhanced walkability, retiring Dulles' mobile lounge vehicles
- A walkable path to a new, large U.S. Customs facility
- Improved baggage handling systems
- Additional concessions and airport lounges, including "more United Club space and plans for one of the largest United Polaris lounges in the world," according to the announcements.
The transformation will occur "in phases over several years," according to DOT, United and MWAA.