United Airlines Confirms Big Plans For Washington Dulles

United Airlines confirmed plans to construct a new concourse and build its largest United Club ever at its mid-Atlatnic Washington Dulles hub. The new $500 million facility will finally solve the “train to nowhere” problem and lead to international growth from IAD.

United Airlines Highlights Washington Dulles Expansion Plan, Concourse E

United has officially unveiled “Concourse E” in concert with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA). The 435,000-square-foot, 14-gate concourse will include an expansive new 40,000-square-foot United Club location (United’s largest club ever) and is expected to debut in late 2026.

The new concourse will be bankrolled by local and federal funding such as grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law earmarked for airport improvement projects. It was first announced in 2023, but construction is expected to accelerate over the next two years in anticipation of the 2026 opening.

Concourse E will be located directly over the AeroTrain station, eliminating the need for a long walk from the train station to the C/D concourse:

International arrivals will have a new upper-level walkway to immigration (much like in the Tom Bradley Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport), further reducing the need for mobile lounges (“moon buggies”).

46,000 feet of new shopping and dining will be part of the concourse expansion.

images: MWAA

This will not be the end of Terminals C and D…it is merely an augmentation, which will reduce congestion and allow United to expand.

United CEO Scott Kirby explained:

“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. Today is one of many milestone celebrations to come in United’s long-term commitment in advancing our Dulles hub.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Washington Dulles this morning. Kirby hinted at “doubling” international traffic from Washington Dulles during his remarks.

United

Speaking As A United Flyer

I’ve been a loyal United flyer since 2004, long before the merger with Continental ushered in Newark and Houston as fortress hubs, when Washington Dulles was the main transit point for connections to Europe, South America, and the Middle East.

As was true then, like now, United operations in Terminal C/D were in a “temporary” terminal that is older than I am!

While this will not change, the stark juxtaposition between the luxe B-gates and the delepiatrated, low-ceiling C/D gates was great. The new E gates will finally give United a modern facility at IAD.

I find Washington Dulles is the most convenient airport to enter the United States if you have a connecting flight and I do not see that changing with the impending expansion.

> Read More: Why I Love International Connections at Washington Dulles

Northern Virginia and the greater DC metro area is one of the wealthiest areas in the entire country: it’s time to have an international airport befitting of America’s capital.

I am happy to see this project take off and the extra space is greatly needed considering how United banks flights.

CONCLUSION

United Airlines is finally publicizing its long-awaited expansion at Washington Dulles International Airport. Plans include 14 new gates and a large new United Club. I would not hold my breath for a late 2026 completion date considering how long, for example, the Metro extension to Dulles was delayed, but this is a much-needed investment that will greatly enhance United’s presence at IAD.