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…
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:
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?