USA. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) is proposing a new concourse at Washington Dulles International Airport with plans to feature a wide array of shops and restaurants.
Central to the scheme would be the creation of more space (400,000sq ft versus 110,000sq ft in the current facility) for larger seating areas, more concessions, airline lounges, ADA-compliant restroom and other amenities.
If approved, the ‘Tier-2 Concourse (East)’ 14-gate facility will have convenient access to the airport’s underground Aerotrain system. It will replace gates built in the 1990s at the eastern end of Concourse A, where many regional flight passengers currently go outdoors to access their planes via covered walkways.
To attain partial funding for the project, MWAA has applied for a Federal Aviation Administration grant under the recently enacted Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which includes a competitive grant programme to help airports upgrade or replace aging facilities.
The application seeks US$230 million to begin development of the new facility, which is expected to have an ultimate cost of between US$500 million and US$800 million. MWAA said it is working with United Airlines, the largest carrier serving Dulles, and other airlines in planning the design, funding and construction of the new concourse.
“This new concourse would represent a major improvement in the passenger experience at the regional gates,” said MWAA President and CEO Jack Potter, describing the project as “the first step in a long-term strategy to expand and enhance the facilities and services at Dulles International Airport as we look toward the future”.
United Airlines Vice President, Corporate Real Estate Nathan Lopp said: “United recognises the critical importance this new concourse will serve both as an economic driver and job creator in the region. This state-of-the-art facility will also help deliver a best-in-class customer experience for our passengers at Dulles, and provide them with more flights to more destinations – the same goals we have for our United Next strategy.”
He added: “As the leading airline at Washington Dulles, we strongly encourage the Federal Aviation Administration to approve MWAA’s grant application.”
Enhanced sustainability features will be central to the proposed project.
