Trump Administration Announces $20 Billion Expansion of Dulles Airport

Washington Dulles International Airport, one of Loudoun County’s largest economic assets, is set to undergo the largest expansion in its history under a newly announced partnership between the Trump administration, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and United Airlines.

President Donald Trump and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy unveiled the plan on July 29, announcing a capital investment program exceeding $20 billion—nearly tripling the approximately $7 billion modernization program already underway.

The project calls for more than 5 million square feet of new or renovated airport facilities, including new concourses, additional gates, expanded international arrivals, upgraded passenger transportation and improvements intended to increase the airport’s capacity for future growth.

Local Impact

For Loudoun County, where Dulles serves as a major transportation and employment center, the investment is expected to support continued economic growth while expanding the airport’s ability to accommodate business and leisure travel.

Federal officials said the project will create thousands of construction and aviation-related jobs and generate billions of dollars in economic activity throughout the Washington metropolitan region.

The expanded airport also is expected to increase domestic and international flight options, strengthening access for the region’s business community and the technology sector that has made Loudoun County an international destination for investment.

Airport Improvements

The modernization plan includes:

• Replacement of the aging Concourses C and D with facilities capable of serving larger aircraft and additional international routes.
• Additional gates to accommodate more flights.
• Expanded AeroTrain service and new pedestrian tunnels that will eventually replace the airport’s mobile lounges.
• A larger U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility for international arrivals.
• A modern baggage handling system designed to reduce luggage wait times.
• Additional concessions, expanded United Club space and a larger United Polaris lounge.

The project also includes construction of a parking garage directly across from the main terminal. According to Trump, the garage is expected to accommodate approximately 32,000 vehicles and will be connected to the terminal by enclosed glass walkways, allowing travelers to walk directly into the airport. He said the facility would be the largest parking garage in the world.

The project preserves Eero Saarinen’s iconic main terminal while replacing or modernizing much of the surrounding airport infrastructure.

Building on Existing Plans

The announcement accelerates a long-range modernization program already underway through the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority’s master plan.

In December 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation invited developers, architects and engineers to submit proposals for accelerating the redevelopment of Dulles. More than 30 proposals were reviewed before federal officials selected the plan announced Wednesday.

“This new construction effort builds upon the multiyear Dulles Master Plan, developed in consultation with our airline partners, to modernize Washington’s main international airport,” Airports Authority President and CEO Jack Potter said. “We are grateful for the Trump administration’s interest in accelerating the pace and scope of our plans.”

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the project will improve passenger mobility, modernize airport facilities and preserve Dulles’ distinctive architecture.

“President Trump’s work to make D.C. safe and beautiful has already reshaped our nation’s capital for the better. But to truly achieve this vision, we need to invest in an international gateway that is worthy of the greatest country on earth,” said Duffy.

 “By partnering with United Airlines and MWAA, we will create thousands of jobs and build a world-class airport filled with stunning architecture, efficient security screenings, hundreds of new flights, and improved mobility—all while preserving Dulles’ iconic primary terminal.

“Say goodbye to those stale concourses, endless walkways, and those absurd mobile lounges, and say hello to a state-of-the-art facility that will inspire millions of flyers for generations to come,” he said.

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said the investment builds on the airline’s long-term commitment to its Dulles hub and will support future expansion of domestic and international service.

Financing and Construction

According to the Department of Transportation, the investment increases the airport’s planned modernization program from approximately $7 billion to more than $20 billion.

Most of the work will be financed through municipal bonds issued by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority in partnership with airlines serving Dulles. Additional portions of the project are expected to include public-private partnerships.

Construction will occur in phases over several years while the airport remains in operation.

Some improvements are already underway. Later this year, the first phase of the new Concourse E is expected to open with 14 United gates, expanded passenger lounges and direct access to the AeroTrain system.