Southwest Airlines flyers have something to look forward to at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) soon.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which operates DCA, is planning a new nine-gate concourse for Terminal 1, as shown in environmental documents for the project released in July. The facility would replace the midcentury concourse and rotunda — known locally as "the banjo" for its shape like the instrument — that dates to 1970.
The concourse and a new "processor" building for check-in and baggage claim could open as soon as 2031, according to MWAA financial documents. The estimated cost was $835 million in 2025.
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