United Breaks Ground on Half-Billion-Dollar Upgrade at Washington Dulles
The airline is expanding its presence at Washington Dulles with a new 435,000-sq-ft concourse and the largest United Club
Photo: Courtesy of United Airlines / MWAA
United Airlines has announced plans to build a new concourse and the largest United Club in its network at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
In collaboration with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), the airline celebrated the groundbreaking of Concourse E, a $500 million project spanning 435,000 square feet.
Photo: Courtesy of United Airlines / MWAA
United currently operates more than 250 daily departures and plans to increase to nearly 280 by April 2025. The airline has already introduced 13 new domestic routes from its main hub this year.
In the upcoming summer, United is offering a major international expansion from Dulles, launching flights to Dakar, Senegal; Accra, Ghana; and Lagos, Nigeria. Additionally, it will become the first airline to provide direct service from the Capital region to Nice, France, and Venice, Italy.
A Bold Vision for Dulles
Set to open in late 2026, the new Concourse E will feature 14 gates exclusively for the airport’s biggest operator, United Airlines. According to the carrier, the new terminal will come packed with “cutting-edge” customer amenities, expansive gate seating, and retail and dining options.
Photo: Courtesy of United Airlines / MWAA
The new terminal will be situated over the airport’s AeroTrain station, which, according to MWAA, will allow customers to reach the C and D concourse via a quick train ride rather than the usual long walks that Dulles is known for.
Photo: Courtesy of United Airlines / MWAA
MWAA has announced that international arrivals will now be directed to passport control through a new upper-level walkway. This improvement will minimize the need for passengers to rely on the airport’s well-known moon buggies, which shuttle travelers between the remote concourses and the main terminal.
Large United Club on the Works
However, United says that the cherry on top of the new terminal will be its massive new 40,000-square-foot United Club, which will increase the airline’s lounge footprint at Dulles by 70 percent.
Photo: Courtesy of United Airlines
No additional details have been provided about the new lounge, but passengers can anticipate that the facility will be equipped with a variety of amenities in line with the airline’s “United Next” theme, which includes investments in infrastructure, fleet modernization, and personnel.
This initiative has consistently aimed to enhance the passenger experience, covering everything from booking and check-in to inflight services.
Photo: Courtesy of United Airlines / MWAA
“Washington Dulles has emerged as a global gateway, and these new investments will help deliver the world-class facility that our employees and customers deserve,” said United CEO Scott Kirby during a ribbon-cutting ceremony broadcast through the airline’s YouTube channel.
Federal Support Paves the Way
The new Concourse E project is fueled by collaboration between United, MWAA, and local and federal stakeholders. Funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has played a critical role in bringing this project to life.
Photo: Courtesy of Washington Dulles
Virginia Senator Tim Kaine highlighted the impact of these federal investments, saying, “Dulles serves as a critical economic development hub for Virginia… this new concourse will enhance the experience of every traveler who walks through the airport.”
Senator Mark Warner added, “This major expansion builds on historic investments we’ve made through the bipartisan infrastructure law and supports regional economic growth.”
A Key Hub for United
Since 2021, United has poured over $32 billion into its operations across major hubs, including Denver, Houston, and Newark, looking to become the number-one carrier in the country—a spot taken by competitor Delta Air Lines.
Photo: Courtesy of United Airlines / MWAA
“Dulles is more than an airport; it’s a gateway connecting our nation’s capital to the world,” said MWAA President and CEO Jack Potter. “United’s investments underscore their critical role in promoting regional economic growth.”
In addition to its new passenger amenities within the new concourse, United plans to open a 20,000-square-foot flight attendant training center near Dulles in 2025. The airline says it has already hired over 30,000 employees systemwide in the last two years and plans to add 9,000 more in 2024, including over 700 in the D.C. area.
Photo: Courtesy of United Airlines
The airline employs over 8,000 staff in the D.C. area, actively contributing to the community by volunteering with nonprofits, mentoring students, and supporting local organizations. Last year, United raised nearly $4 million for regional charities.
United’s investment at Dulles is a statement of long-term commitment to the region. From the half-billion-dollar Concourse E expansion to its growing global network and local community initiatives, United is shaping the future of travel while deepening its roots in Washington, D.C.
As Senator Warner aptly noted, “This expansion will not only improve the traveler experience but also solidify Dulles as a premier international hub for years to come.”
