Overview
- President Trump unveiled the roughly $22–22.5 billion proposal Wednesday at the White House, showing renderings that replace Concourses C and D, add more than 5 million square feet of space and scrap the airport’s long‑criticized mobile lounges.
- The plan would build a U‑shaped underground AeroTrain, a central walking tunnel, more moving walkways and a large parking garage placed closer to the terminal to shorten transit times for travelers.
- Financing is contested: the White House referenced partial taxpayer involvement while Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority officials said MWAA, United and other airlines will fund the work through bonds and airport revenue.
- Officials said construction could begin as early as spring 2027 if permitting and necessary approvals are obtained, and that the project will be phased to keep Dulles open during work and expand gate capacity for United, the airport’s dominant carrier.
- The proposal builds on MWAA’s existing $7 billion master plan from 2025 and could raise indirect public costs or passenger fees for customs, runway or safety upgrades even if bonds cover the core build, while officials say the project would create thousands of jobs and boost airport capacity.