Key facts
- The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority board approved a $19.9 billion plan to overhaul Washington Dulles International Airport.
- The project includes a $6.2 billion reconstruction of the main terminal, set to begin in late 2027.
- New underground tunnels will be built to replace the current passenger transport vehicles, with construction starting in early 2029.
- The Trump administration accelerated the planning process for the modernization.
- The Biden administration has already funded $4.4 billion for the construction of a new Terminal E.
The board overseeing Washington Dulles International Airport has approved a $19.9 billion plan to modernize the facility, described as one of the largest airport overhauls ever proposed. The project aims to transform Dulles into a more efficient airport for the future.
The plan includes a $6.2 billion reconstruction of the main terminal, which is scheduled to begin in late 2027. Additionally, $3.75 billion will be allocated to building new underground tunnels to replace the current "People Mover" vehicles that transport passengers across the tarmac. Construction on these tunnels is expected to commence in early 2029 and be completed by 2034.
Officials noted that the Trump administration accelerated the planning process for this modernization earlier in the summer. President Trump had previously unveiled a $22.5 billion modernization project for the airport. The current plans preserve the iconic main terminal while incorporating major upgrades for a more efficient passenger experience, including new concourses and additional moving sidewalks.
Construction on a new Terminal E is already underway, funded with $4.4 billion from the Biden administration. The remaining $15.5 billion of the $19.9 billion plan will be financed through Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority bonds, which will be paid by the airlines. Passenger facility charges will contribute an additional $1.1 billion. The full buildout is anticipated to take approximately 15 years.