Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) certainly leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to its terminal facilities. We’ve known that plans were underway to fully overhaul the airport, with a massive investment. Well, the details of that have now been revealed, and the proposal looks great. However, it’s also really, really expensive, so one wonders who will be footing the bill…
In this post:
Details of Washington Dulles Airport’s $22.5 billion transformation
President Trump has unveiled plans and renderings for a transformation of Dulles Airport, which is backed by a $22.5 billion capital investment program. This project is supposed to see its groundbreaking in the spring of 2027, with full projection completion in 2034.
This is described as a collaboration between the United States Department of Transportation, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, and United Airlines, which will “oversee the transformation of IAD into a world-class international gateway worthy of our nation’s capital,” and will “generate billions of dollars in economic opportunity, create thousands of good paying jobs, unlock hundreds of new flights, and solidify the area as a premier aviation hub.”
So, what all does this project entail? There will be over five million square feet of new or renovated spaces, and the transformation will improve the customer experience by:
- Enhancing entry into the airport with close-in parking facilities, new check-in areas, and more efficient security screening
- Building new and modernized concourses, and replacing the current Concourses C and D, with facilities that will support more and larger aircraft
- Adding 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, replacing the mobile lounges
- Improving walkability, including with a new central passenger connection between concourses
- Creating a walkable path to a new, large customs facility
- Constructing a new baggage handling system
- Adding additional concessions and airport lounges, including more United Club space and plans for one of the largest United Polaris Lounges in the world
Here’s what Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy had to say about this project:
“President Trump’s work to make D.C. safe and beautiful has already reshaped our nation’s capital for the better. But to truly achieve this vision, we need to invest in an international gateway that is worthy of the greatest country on earth. By partnering with United Airlines and MWAA, we will create thousands of jobs and build a world-class airport filled with stunning architecture, efficient security screenings, hundreds of new flights, and improved mobility – all while preserving Dulles’ iconic primary terminal. Say goodbye to those stale concourses, endless walkways, and those absurd mobile lounges, and say hello to a state-of-the-art facility that will inspire millions of flyers for generations to come.”
Meanwhile here’s what United CEO Scott Kirby had to say:
“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 travelers 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.”
Who is footing the bill for this much needed airport transformation?
There’s no denying that Washington Dulles Airport needs a redevelopment. Concourses C and D were built as temporary facilities in 1985, and 40+ years later, they’re still there. That’s kind of wild, eh? The renderings look quite nice, so I’m all for updates. I will miss the mobile lounges, though (in a really twisted way!).
The thing that stands out to me is the price tag — this project is really expensive. Of course airport infrastructure projects are always absurdly expensive, but $22.5 billion is an especially large sum.
Let’s just put this into context — New York Kennedy Airport (JFK) has more than twice as many annual passengers as Dulles, and the entire redevelopment of that airport is costing around $19 billion. And that’s the updated total, when the original total given at launch was $10 billion.
So one has to assume that the initial $22.5 billion price tag will be way higher by the time that all is said and done. It sounds like federal taxpayers won’t be on the hook for this, so that means it will be funded by things like municipal bonds, airlines operating at the airport, and public-private partnerships. Ultimately, it’s passengers who are on the hook for that.
I’m curious if there’s more to the money story here. United is by far the largest operator at Dulles, so you’d think that Kirby would be a little more skeptical of this amount of spending, given that his passengers will be footing the bill.
I’m curious to see if this project actually goes as planned, or if we see it scaled back as time goes on.
Bottom line
Washington Dulles Airport is undergoing a major transformation, and the renderings and plans have just been released. The expectation is that work will start in the spring of 2027, and will be completed by 2034, with a $22.5 billion price tag.
Of course airport projects almost never finish on time or with the initially planned price tag, so maybe expect this in 2038, with a $40 billion price tag.
Either way, the changes look great, and some updates are definitely needed. However, I have to imagine that when push comes to shove, airlines won’t be happy funding these projects, as the cost here is especially high.
What do you make of this Dulles Airport transformation?
whatever Trump wants, Trump gets. that's what 'merica says.
Lot of losers on here with TDS , they would gladly fund illegals coming here and raping and murdering while living on taxpayer money instead.
If this is another Trump project, where are the signature gold toilets and "Temu Versailles" decor?
As long as no tacky gold I’m in.
Hope Trump never sees the completion. He will be long gone…..
Does this mean they're tearing down the Eero Saarinen treasure?
The fact that this airport is in its current state is embarrassing. The C/D concourse is an abomination, the fact that they were so short sighted and built the Metro Station so far away and above ground (in the heat and cold), as opposed to underground under the terminal (to save money).... that the Aerotrain isn't complete, that there is a horrible surface lot out front (instead of more dense parking) and the layout of...
The fact that this airport is in its current state is embarrassing. The C/D concourse is an abomination, the fact that they were so short sighted and built the Metro Station so far away and above ground (in the heat and cold), as opposed to underground under the terminal (to save money).... that the Aerotrain isn't complete, that there is a horrible surface lot out front (instead of more dense parking) and the layout of of the ground transport hasn't been updated and is so exposed to the weather elements. Shall I go on ... Don't these people travel anywhere in the world ? What an embarrassment, the US can't do anything, and when they do, its 5 times the cost of what everybody else pays.
Disgusting liberal leftwing TDS comments on here.. The brainwashing hate and anger is very concerning
dee's nutz!
You're disgusting.
Get your head out your a** (or his).
If you sincerenly believe that DTJ will not personally profit from this, then you're the one that's brainwashed.
Sincerely, a non-lib (before you start trying to label).
You're disgusting.
Get your head out your a** (or his).
If you sincerenly believe that DTJ will not personally profit from this, then you're the one that's brainwashed.
Sincerely, a non-lib (before you start trying to label).
There has been a lot of misinformation in the press about the purpose of the movable lounges (or egg crates as I call them). They are NOT used to ferry people to planes. The movable lounges meet incoming international flights a short distance from disembarkation and then ferry people securely to the customs/immigration arrivals area. All international travelers must clear customs/immigration before catching a connecting flight. I have been to many, many airports around the...
There has been a lot of misinformation in the press about the purpose of the movable lounges (or egg crates as I call them). They are NOT used to ferry people to planes. The movable lounges meet incoming international flights a short distance from disembarkation and then ferry people securely to the customs/immigration arrivals area. All international travelers must clear customs/immigration before catching a connecting flight. I have been to many, many airports around the world and these movable lounges actually save people a lot of walking time and distance. They deposit travelers right in the immigration area. Having traveled dozens of times through IAD I know exactly where to stand in the movable lounge for a quick exit to the arrivals area. Yes, they are old and somewhat funky but I enjoy them.
I haven't flew in or out out IAD since about 1990 when I took two of United's last DC-8 Super 71 flights from SFO. I remember dark, old and low ceilings. I love Saarinen design and I hope to God that trump's penchant for gold crap can be kept out of the much needed updates.
You rang? Oh. Nice!
So the Saarinen terminal remains but get swallowed by a bigger structure behind. I get the need for a larger space to accommodate the increase in passenger volume, but this design does not respect the Saarinen terminal. The structure behind is too tall :-(
So the Saarinen terminal remains but get swallowed by a bigger structure behind. I get the need for a larger space to accommodate the increase in passenger volume, but this design does not respect the Saarinen terminal. The structure behind is too tall :-(
If Trump is involved, expensive is guaranteed, but nice it will never be.
Yeah, speaking of causing everyone 'expense,' did you see Trump is ending Medicare Part D subsidies? Psh, remember how he ran on lowering costs? Turns out. Huge lie. Add it to the pile.
DJT = Douche Bag!
If one must ask who is going to pay for this or how, the person's financial literacy is sorely pathetic. The suggested price tag of $22.5B will not be the final bill. US capitalism is indisputably crony capitalism because "public squalor, private affluence" is the ultimate goal. "The King of debt" will accelerate the country into the world's top unrivaled debtor that no foreign countries will want to own US bonds. The expanding wars, the...
If one must ask who is going to pay for this or how, the person's financial literacy is sorely pathetic. The suggested price tag of $22.5B will not be the final bill. US capitalism is indisputably crony capitalism because "public squalor, private affluence" is the ultimate goal. "The King of debt" will accelerate the country into the world's top unrivaled debtor that no foreign countries will want to own US bonds. The expanding wars, the WH ballroom, the annual debt ceiling, the existing $7.5T debt with compounding interest, and now the impending airport -- of which none has been paid down. By 2045, the US will no longer the world's sole superpower. Oh well, should we be proud that the US empire is the shortest surviving country in world's history? At least, we made it on the list.
$10 billion of that price tag to go to the pedophile and his family.
Watch for the grift.
"I know a guy who does pools...lets give him a no-bid contract with no strings attached and no requirements specified..."
Yeah. At the moment there's nothing I can critique about this... a rare case among Trump actions. But I'm not holding my breath that he won't soon make this about himself in some way or try to profit off it in some way.
I'm one of the 1% who loves the mobile lounges. They're old, inefficient, and hard to maintain - but I love riding them. RIP after the modernization.
They're lovely for the nostalgia. Grew up in NoVa riding these things. But that's about it.
is his pool guy gonna do it.
What becomes of the Eero Saarinen terminal?
It stays. The entire renovation is predicated on keeping it.
"...but $22.5 billion is an especially large sum."
Not really, when one considers that $21.5 billion will go to lining the pockets of the fat orange Nazi and his sons, the Dumb One and the Dumber One.
I thought it was 'Uday and Qusay'?
I almost went with those, but it's been played out...
As a Washingtonian and weekly user of Dulles I’m a bit perplexed by all of this. The new United concourse E is well on the way to completion with an expected opening soon. That was already paving the way towards a step by step revamp of additional concourses and connecting the trains more efficiently. Other than that, and then reimagining the immigration hall system of mobile lounges, this is a complete waste of money. Further,...
As a Washingtonian and weekly user of Dulles I’m a bit perplexed by all of this. The new United concourse E is well on the way to completion with an expected opening soon. That was already paving the way towards a step by step revamp of additional concourses and connecting the trains more efficiently. Other than that, and then reimagining the immigration hall system of mobile lounges, this is a complete waste of money. Further, any alteration of the Saarinen building other than another extension is an assault on history and design. Rounding the corner at sunset to behold this masterpiece never gets old and to see it overwhelmed by this monstrosity of design would rip my heart out.
The fat orange Nazi's plan will never get off the ground (pun not intended). The lawsuits will delay the start of the project until he's gone. MANY of us use IAD on the regular, and we ALL know that it needs huge improvements, but this haphazard bullshit will never fly (heh), and nor will naming the airport after himself.
The dictator building grand projects in his name, and engaging in a war which claims was a skirmish that would end in a couple of days.
ended weeks ago. The Straits of Hormuz are still closed.
Icarus, you could say... he may be flying... a little too close to the sun... *cough*
really not relevant here you didn't write a single word about the airport
Oh, joe... come now... these comment sections are most certainly not policed for 'relevance.' Get with the times, mah boi.
I'm disappointed that the press release makes no mention of improving the customs facilities. Customs clearance at IAD currently includes awkward rides on mobile lounges and embarrassingly long lines. Ir requires a major fix.
it was only “kind of” in the press release. But…the concept (which you can see in the rendering) is that international arrivals will dock directly at the main terminal which will house the customs facility. In other words, all inbound flights requiring customs clearance will be a walk from the facility rather than requiring the mobile torture chambers.
While I despise the guy at 1600, this is much needed and overdue.
This is what you get when you incessantly suck up to a politician.
and the sad reality is that UA's attempts at sucking up have resulted in capacity caps at EWR, ORD and SFO, the latter of which might be easing somewhat but still not clear if that is back to previous levels.
There is no way that UA or any airline can make money esp. flying domestic passengers at the kinds of rates that...
This is what you get when you incessantly suck up to a politician.
and the sad reality is that UA's attempts at sucking up have resulted in capacity caps at EWR, ORD and SFO, the latter of which might be easing somewhat but still not clear if that is back to previous levels.
There is no way that UA or any airline can make money esp. flying domestic passengers at the kinds of rates that IAD will have to charge UA and other airlines that use IAD.
Given capacity caps at other airports and the massive amounts that UA is spending at other hubs including ORD, UA's cost per enplanement will be so much higher than other airlines, esp. DL that started the process of rebuilding its terminals over a decade ago - and NW w/ its built DTW terminal 25 years ago - and DL has the lowest cost per enplaned passenger of the big 3 and DL's advantage will grow. Unlike CLT and DFW, DL's hubs operationally work which is why they are often in the best on-time rates. DL has the best combination of on-time and lowest costs and size necessary to support global operations.
It's no wonder that Kirby has reached out to DL first and then AA for a merger because he knows UA cannot and will never be able to compete with DL given the trajectory of UA's costs and debt.
Hopefully the taxpayer will pick up the tab as a well-deserved subsidy to UA for being America's flag carrier. Just gotta close DCA for safety reasons and we will have rightly gifted UA a 50M/year fortress hub packed with premium O&D.
What are you smoking? UA’s reaching out to DL and AA for a merger was political theater. Do you really think those were serious offers? Of course not, they are a pretext to getting approval for a JetBlue takeover (after JetBlue restructures their debt and upgrades their fleet which they are doing now). Make a deal with trump regarding the remodel of IAD and get a cleared pathway to become the dominant player on the...
What are you smoking? UA’s reaching out to DL and AA for a merger was political theater. Do you really think those were serious offers? Of course not, they are a pretext to getting approval for a JetBlue takeover (after JetBlue restructures their debt and upgrades their fleet which they are doing now). Make a deal with trump regarding the remodel of IAD and get a cleared pathway to become the dominant player on the east coast. Delta was yesterday’s news. Today’s and tomorrow’s news is UA .
You buy Delta stock, everyone else should buy UA.
first, UA execs have said for good reason that UA has no interest in acquiring all of B6 - for very well documented financial reasons (B6' debt is not going away even in chapter 11; its assets will not be handed over on the cheap) and clear antitrust issues which you seem to think are solveable by sucking up to someone.
Do tell us what UA has obtained for its $1 million inaugural donation. I...
first, UA execs have said for good reason that UA has no interest in acquiring all of B6 - for very well documented financial reasons (B6' debt is not going away even in chapter 11; its assets will not be handed over on the cheap) and clear antitrust issues which you seem to think are solveable by sucking up to someone.
Do tell us what UA has obtained for its $1 million inaugural donation. I can't think of a single thing UA has obtained that other carriers have not also obtained. In fact, UA has to deal w/ FAA capacity caps at 3 of its hub airports, something no other carrier faces.
you live in a world of make believe because you can't accept the reality that actually exists.
UA cannot build an airline that can match DL's levels of profitability or AA, DL or WN's size in the domestic market.
and the cost of even trying is getting more and more expensive by the day which is why UA is still looking for a way to get rid of a competitor.
I said all of this would happen years ago.
UA has publicly stated they are not interested in acquiring JetBlue and has publicly stated they were interested in acquiring Delta and American.
If you are actually taking them for their word then ok. I think that’s naive.
UA has been sucking up to Trump and the administration for something, I wonder what it could be.
Your blind allegiance to Delta is imparting your critical thinking.
United CEO Scott Kirby is definitely playing the game to win and is playing Trumps game. He’s getting a major upgrade to IAD. Once JetBlue upgrades its fleet and restructures their debt United will take over JetBlue with the approval of the US govt. UAL will then control the eastern seaboard. IAD, EWR, JFK, BOS. Delta and AA will be left holding their d@cks wondering what happened.
you have clearly inhaled way too deeply for this early in the day
It's awesome, especially since United is clearly the liberal's airline while Delta/American are red state garbage.
what a dumb statement given that UA is supposedly sucking up for favors from a Republican president.
United has a nice blue livery and a globe logo which signals liberal cosmopolitanism and has hubs in serious coastal cities (NY, DC, Chicago, SF, LA), while DL has a disgusting red color scheme that looks Republican and doesn't serve DC, Chicago, or SF. This is an issue of taste.
Not sure who wants to walk that long distance to get to the entrance of the terminal. Metro is far enough away but at least it has moving sidewalks in the tunnel. Also - what about immigration - if that stays in same location then it needs a train to get to it in lieu of the people movers - too far to walk. (United has its own immigration in Term C or connections now)....
Not sure who wants to walk that long distance to get to the entrance of the terminal. Metro is far enough away but at least it has moving sidewalks in the tunnel. Also - what about immigration - if that stays in same location then it needs a train to get to it in lieu of the people movers - too far to walk. (United has its own immigration in Term C or connections now). They need to improve the access roads and drop off points - cars backup for a mile trying to drop people off in the afternoon. Not sure where to put a new parking lot - already two large parking lots near the terminal - both in walking distance. The farthest connects to the metro tunnel.
Too many aircraft , too many passengers , too high fares and fees , too little contributions from airlines to federal infrastructure , too few ATC , too much stupid , not enough beer .
"not enough beer"
Noooooooo.......
Who will pay for this garbage once the US defaults on its debt, which is a very likely scenario given the country's out of control inflation and decades of excessive spending?
No taxpayer money? No not directly but one thing is sure, all the expenses on this one will be taxdetuctible.
Yes the airport needs an overhaul, but of this magnitude. Just build new C and D councourses and and have the train running between all concourses and the main terminal (sonthe buggies are no longer needed). Keep the land where the current C and D concourses are empty for future concourses if needed. A whole new airport is just a waste.
needed! not going to miss all the carpet which I always found to be very strange
Remove the PenFed torture tunnel... "great rates for everyone" (that thing is a war crime.)
50% of the bill is the skim rate.
It will never be completed.
White House, reflecting pool and Kennedy Center jobs mission accomplished. Onto bigger and better.
I’ll even give good odds. Any takers?
Jacob nailed it.
We can allow billions in fraud and waste
We can fund any war
We can do $1.5Trillion in defense.
But building an airport or having good railways or roads..... whoa nelly! Not so fast.
Some corrupt politician (read, all of them) - can't allow that.
We need taxes cut of 50%
No more income tax
Term limits
ALL politicians thrown in jail for life who have...
Jacob nailed it.
We can allow billions in fraud and waste
We can fund any war
We can do $1.5Trillion in defense.
But building an airport or having good railways or roads..... whoa nelly! Not so fast.
Some corrupt politician (read, all of them) - can't allow that.
We need taxes cut of 50%
No more income tax
Term limits
ALL politicians thrown in jail for life who have stolen money
A clean start to our country.
And yes, we need a nicer IAD. But damn, so many things are failing us overall... it's infuriating.,
We also need to tax billionaires, multi millionaires, and coporations while closing any loopholes for them to avoid paying their fair share.
Don, you have my vote, unless you're that Don that already got my vote
The Don that got your vote is one of the most corrupt grifters ever.
Come on, Julie, that was objectively weak, you're better than that. Corrupt grifters? That's it? Don't hold it back - I bet he's also racist and sexist and homophobic, ain't he? Perhaps even a Hitler? I bet you're very very upset and angry over it?
You said it, I didn’t have to ;)
Oh dear, oh, Julia. Good thing Trump is not allowing women to vote.
The US is doomed, start learning Mandarin.... The US can't do anything, except build very expensive weapon systems, that are now outdated, with Ukrainians and Iranians making drones in their garage..... The US infrastructure is falling apart, something the American Society of Civil Engineers has been warning about for 25 years, the kids can't learn anything (too long to do into here) and are being outflanked by so many others.... Finally this obsession with isolationism....
The US is doomed, start learning Mandarin.... The US can't do anything, except build very expensive weapon systems, that are now outdated, with Ukrainians and Iranians making drones in their garage..... The US infrastructure is falling apart, something the American Society of Civil Engineers has been warning about for 25 years, the kids can't learn anything (too long to do into here) and are being outflanked by so many others.... Finally this obsession with isolationism. USA USA we are number 1, when most that chant this haven't been more than 50km ( YES km, not miles) away from their house is laughable... The US is doomed, and its sad... And it's not because of this stupid polarized political environment, where we don't work tougher , get off our ass, and get things done.... Rant complete
What they are doing to the Eero Saarinen structure is criminal.
I was about to say! For a hot minute, I thought this was going to be a new terminal, but I was so surprised to see that they're going to effectively dismantle the jet-age look of the airport.
What do mango mussolini and his junta care. He will demand it is demolished and the airport renamed after him. The rendering suggest it will be.
This is too expensive but the war in Iran isn’t? And how are they gonna pay for it? Well, they found all of that money for the war in Iran so finding money for this shouldn’t be a problem.
The issue isn’t that, the issue is that $22 billion is an excessive amount for this project.
Well, some will go to favored Trump contractors, finders fees to Trump favorites.
Deficit-funded vanity project.
Yes, master.
Thanks for the chuckle, needed that.
IF THEY TEAR DOWN THE SAARINEN HEADHOUSE SO HELP ME GOD…
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER.
They'll replace it with an arch.