United Airlines is planning a big expansion to improve Washington Dulles airport. The expansion will make it possible for the airport to accommodate more travelers and flights.
This is the fourth investment from United in recent years that went towards the expansion of a pre-existing airport hub. United has also fronted expansion projects in Newark, Denver, and Houston.
United’s Washington Expansion: The Latest
United Airlines has issued a press release to announce a major addition to Washington Dulles Airport in Washington, D.C. The Chicago-based airline will work with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) to develop a brand new section of the airport, known as Concourse E.
The two parties are planning a concourse that’s 435,000 square feet in size. The new concourse will feature a new United Club lounge, additional amenities for customers, and a new training center for flight attendants. The project has a budget exceeding $500 million.
Concourse E will provide the airport with 14 additional gates — all of which will belong to United. There will be adequate space to accommodate new widebody jets that are currently on order.
The Club lounge is projected to be 40,000 square feet in size. It would be one of the largest United Club locations and will significantly outdo the current Washington Club lounge size by 70%.
With this new expansion, United and the airport will prepare an in increase international travel. The airline will add flights to and from Washington to the schedule in the coming years.
The new attendant training center will open in 2025, with the new lounge and amenities following in late 2026.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby shared these remarks in the company’s latest press release:
“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.”
United’s History of Bolstering Its Domestic Hubs to Expand International Travel Offerings
United claims to have invested more than $32 billion towards the improvement of its business in the past few years.
Late last year, United and Houston Airport System announced a $2 billion upgradde to George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The project entails a new concourse that spans three levels and can house up to 22 narrow-body gates.
Denver International Airport just completed construction of a new expansion courtesy of United. This expansion includes upgrades to Concourses A and B that provides 12 new gates.
United also helped build a brand-new Terminal A for Newark International Airport. The new space was completed in January 2023 and features 17 new gates and another new United Club Lounge.
