Let’s face it – anyone who flies through Washington Dulles International airport regularly knows it’s in need of some modernization and upgrades.
The huge new Concourse E currently under construction and set to open this fall is a big step in the right direction. (See our recent report on the Concourse E here.)
And today, an even bigger vision for the future of our local airport was unveiled.
In a press release and a series of artist renderings from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, United Airlines and the U.S. Department of Transportation, a $20+ billion plan to overhaul the entire flying experience at IAD was released.
Here are the highlights, straight from the announcement:
- Enhanced entry into the airport, close-in parking facilities, state-of-the-art check-in areas and more efficient security screening for an easier start to the journey;
- New and modernized concourses, including replacing the current C/D Concourse, with facilities that will support more and larger aircraft to fly to more destinations around the world;
- 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, will make it easier for travelers to move between the terminal, concourses and gates to allow replacement of mobile lounges;
- A walkable path to a new, large U.S. Customs facility and improvements designed to make the international arrival experience easier;
- Improved baggage handling systems designed to help travelers get their luggage faster; and
- Additional concessions and airport lounges, including more United Club space and plans for one of the largest United Polaris lounges in the world.
Yes, you read that right – the mobile lounges – often called the people movers – will be retired. The vehicles have long been both a beloved and reviled throwback experience at the airport.
The train track that currently moves passengers between the main terminal and Concourses A, B, and C will be completed into a full loop to all concourses, while a central tunnel will offer travelers the option of walking between terminals.
It’s also interesting to note that while the iconic facade at Dulles – designed by famed architect Eero Saarinen – will be preserved, it appears in the images that a new even higher parking and entrance level will be built – bisecting the famed facade midway up.
And above that, a new wavy roofline will be added.
All total, the plans will create roughly 5 million square feet of new and refurbished space at the airport, including a reenvisioned main terminal with expansive new ticketing areas, boarding areas, airlines lounges, additional concessions, and more.
According to the announcement, the timeline calls for the work to happen in phases over the next decade.