- The board that oversees Washington Dulles airport voted on Wednesday to approve a $19.9 billion overhaul plan that includes $3.75 billion to build new underground tunnels and replace slow vehicles that transport passengers across the tarmac.
- The $6.2 billion reconstruction of the main terminal at the primary international airport serving the Washington D.C. region is set to begin in late 2027, according to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
- Building new tunnels to get rid of the “People Mover” vehicles and extend to a new concourse would begin in early 2029 and is set to be completed by 2034.
- The board that oversees Dulles International Airport previously approved a $15.5 billion budget to fund President Donald Trump’s massive proposed renovation of the airport.
- Projects outlined in the proposal will also be funded by $4.4 billion already authorized by the MWAA board, bringing the estimated total cost for the projects listed in the proposal to $19.9 billion.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority has approved a $19.9 billion overhaul of Washington Dulles airport, marking one of the largest airport renovations in U.S. history. The plan includes $3.75 billion for new underground tunnels and an automated transit system to replace the existing slow-moving vehicles.15
Construction on the main terminal, costing $6.2 billion, is set to begin in late 2027, with the entire project expected to be completed by 2034. The new tunnels will eliminate the current “People Mover” system, enhancing passenger transport efficiency.23
Keith Autry, MWAA’s vice president for engineering, stated, “That project is expected to be completed in 2034.” The airport authority has already authorized $4.4 billion of the total costs, with funding primarily sourced from $14.2 billion in new municipal bonds.
The renovation aims to add over 5 million square feet of new or renovated space, including the complete replacement of Concourses C and D, while preserving the iconic original terminal. Jack Potter, the airport authority’s CEO, expressed optimism, saying, “We look forward to the construction.”
The cost for airlines to board passengers is projected to rise significantly, from $13 currently to between $60 and $65 by 2038, to cover the costs of the new infrastructure.
“The overhaul plan will also see the $6.2 billion reconstruction of the main terminal begin in late 2027, with completion expected by 2034. Additionally, the cost for airlines to board passengers is projected to rise to between $60 and $65 by 2038 to help cover the new infrastructure costs.”
CNBC
