President Trump unveiled a $22 billion proposal for a comprehensive overhaul of Washington’s Dulles International Airport on Wednesday, following his personal involvement in reviewing design submissions from competing contractors. The president stated the redesigned facility would emerge as one of the world’s best and largest airports, benefiting the capital region.
The announcement was made at the White House with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, United Airlines Chief Executive Scott Kirby, and Jack Potter, president of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which operates the airport under a congressional lease. Trump indicated he had evaluated three-dimensional models from bidding firms and proposed modifications to the final design selected from more than 30 competing architectural concepts.
The proposed modernization includes five new terminals to replace the existing four, an expanded underground rail system, and elimination of the airport’s widely criticized mobile lounges—slow-moving shuttle vehicles that transport passengers across the tarmac. The plan incorporates a new spine through the terminal with direct gate access, a proposed parking structure for approximately 32,000 vehicles, and enhanced pedestrian infrastructure. Design elements described by those briefed on the proposal include glass and gold features, including gold-mirrored ceilings throughout terminals.
Transportation Secretary Duffy characterized the existing airport as outdated and described the removal of the elevated shuttles as a priority, comparing them to “Star Wars” technology. He credited Trump with shaping the final concept and predicted the finished facility would become the country’s premier airport. Duffy noted that dissatisfaction with Dulles crosses partisan lines. United Airlines, which handles approximately 70 percent of the airport’s traffic, has agreed to help finance the project. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is expected to fund significant portions through bond issuances, building on a separate $7 billion capital plan approved in 2025. The project is anticipated to require multiple years for completion.
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