In a major announcement on Wednesday, President Donald Trump revealed an ambitious $22.5 billion endeavor aimed at transforming Washington Dulles International Airport. Unfolding this vision during an event at the Oval Office, Trump was joined by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby.
Trump expressed enthusiasm about the airport’s transformation process, saying, “We’ve consulted over 30 architects and reviewed numerous designs. Through careful selection, we have crafted a plan that is not only efficient but also visually stunning.”
Highlighting the need for change, Trump remarked, “Regardless of political affiliation, no one wants to experience this airport as it stands today. It’s not a pleasant environment. However, our aim is for Dulles to gain recognition as the best airport in the country in the coming years.”
In his second term, Trump has been proactive in initiating various projects around Washington. Notable endeavors include the construction of a new ballroom at the White House and a planned renovation of the Kennedy Center—a project that briefly bore his name until a court ruling necessitated its removal.
The rejuvenation project at Dulles will receive funding through the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, alongside contributions from airlines operating from the airport. The primary financial support will stem from low-interest municipal bonds issued by the authority. Trump mentioned that while the initiative calls for some congressional approval, it benefits from bipartisan support.
Using a laser pointer, the president showed off renderings of what travelers can expect, including four new concourses, parking lots closer to the main terminal and an expanded AeroTrain which will scrap antiquated mobile lounges, known as “people movers,” which transport passengers between concourses.
The people movers are a top complaint among passengers who frequently use Dulles. The vehicles, which date back to the 1960s, resemble buses that raise to dock at concourses and lower to travel, are often packed with mostly standing passengers and move among airport traffic. They are a top complaint among passengers who frequently use Dulles.
“They’re slow, and people are angry about them. We are going to get rid of those,” Duffy said.
The multiyear project would change the landscape of most of the airport, but the iconic main terminal building would keep its historic appearance.
Dulles will add 5 million square feet of new and renovated terminal and retail space, including an international terminal that will allow passengers to walk directly to the Customs area. The president also claimed the airport will have the largest parking garage in the world with 32,000 parking spaces.The airport’s biggest airline, United, currently operates most of its flights out of an outdated and cramped terminal that was built in 1985 as a temporary facility. It was rehabbed in 2006 in order to extend its life.
United has been working behind the scenes on the design and details of the project. In addition to new gates and concourses, United passengers will get a new state of the art check-in area in the main terminal and a faster baggage system. United will also build one of the largest United Polaris lounges in the world.
“The terminal that’s out there today was built 45 years ago. It was meant to be temporary, and so I’ve spent my whole career at United Airlines waiting for this day, and all the people of United Airlines have spent even longer waiting for the day that we could have really the best airport in the world, and this design is one that works great for the airline,” Kirby said in the Oval Office.
Officials said the airport will remain open during the renovation, which will take place in phases over 10 years in partnership with the airlines and the airport authority.