President Trump unveiled a $22 billion renovation plan for Washington, DC's Dulles International Airport, aimed at turning it from 'worse' to 'greater.'
President Donald Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy unveiled plans and offers Wednesday for a $22.5 billion overhaul of Washington Dulles International Airport.
The project – developed with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and United Airlines – will add or renovate more than 5 million square feet at the airport, located about 25 miles west of downtown Washington, DC, according to the US Department of Transportation.
“This change is another step in our ongoing efforts to make Washington, DC, safe and beautiful again,” Trump said Wednesday in the Oval Office.
The DOT said the multi-year project will create thousands of jobs, generate billions of dollars in economic activity and allow Dulles to accommodate hundreds of additional flights.
TRUMP SAYS PLAN TO REBUILD DULLES AIRPORT INTO 'SOMETHING REALLY SPECTACULAR'
The rendering shows the proposed entrance to Washington Dulles International Airport. The DOT said the multi-year project will create thousands of jobs. (US Department of Transportation)
The plan calls for replacing Concourses C and D, adding gates and expanding the airport's AeroTrain service, according to the DOT.
It also includes improvements to security checks, baggage handling, parking and pedestrian walkways.
Under the plan, travelers will see more seats and lounges, including more United Club space and one of the world's largest United Polaris Lounges.
The new center lane will make it easier for passengers to move between the concourses, while another pedestrian lane will connect travelers to the new US Customs area.
Officials said the development will eventually allow Dulles to phase out its mobile lounges, also known as “people movers,” which transport passengers around the airport.
TRUMP DEFENDS FINANCIALS AGAINST TIME TRADERS, SAYS THEY'VE MADE THEM 'A TREE'
The rendering shows one exterior view of the proposed modernization of Dulles Airport.
“We're going to get rid of the people movers,” Duffy said from the Oval Office. “… These are like elevated buses. … And they're slow, and people get mad about them.”
The DOT said it chose the plan after reviewing more than 30 proposals submitted following a December 2025 request for ideas to modernize the airport.
Construction will take place in phases over several years while Dulles remains open.
The $22.5 billion investment marks a significant increase from the $7 billion earmarked for airport development, according to the DOT.
The plan will be financed by municipal bonds, according to Reuters. Duffy said United and other participating airlines will also contribute to the cost.
TRUMP ACCOUNTS COULD BE 'ANTIDOTE' TO SOCIALIZATION BY TEACHING AMERICANS ABOUT CAPITALISM: TREASURY OFFICIAL
The rendering shows the proposed interior of Washington Dulles International Airport. (US Department of Transportation)
So it will be bound for $22.5 billion,” said Duffy. “United will hold part of the payment. But the airlines involved in the project will pay for it.”
Duffy noted that the project still needs “certain approvals” but officials hope to begin construction as early as next spring.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
Modernization work on the airport has begun. The first section of the new Concourse E is expected to open later this year with 14 United gates, direct AeroTrain access and new passenger lounges, the DOT said.
