Opened in April 2021

The 225,000-square-foot New Concourse building opened to passengers in April 2021 - marking the permanent closure of Gate 35X and its busing operation. American Airlines relocated its regional flights to the concourse's 14 new gates. Passengers flying into and out of the concourse can enjoy sweeping views through large windows, spacious holdrooms, direct boarding to aircraft and other amenities. Included are new shopping and dining locations serving ticketed passengers. Read the full press release here.

Peets Coffee Shop in the New Concourse

Passengers shop at Peet's Coffee located in the center of the new concourse

About the New Concourse Project

Record passenger growth and consolidation in the airline industry led to the addition of outdoor regional aircraft parking positions at Reagan National accessed via buses departing from Gate 35X. The Airports Authority and American Airlines worked together to respond to customer feedback and improve the experience for regional aircraft passengers by designing and constructing a new 14-gate concourse.

The new concourse provides direct, enclosed access to planes via jetbridges and spacious holdrooms. Work to build an American Airlines Admirals Club lounge is ongoing. The opening of the new concourse in April, 2021, marked the permanent end of Gate 35X and its remote busing operation.

The concourse design includes architectural features consistent with the pre-existing terminal's exposed metal beams, glass walls and domed ceilings while maximizing open, navigable gate areas and panoramic views of downtown Washington, D.C. 

Project Journey: Transforming the Passenger Experience

Under the Project Journey construction program, two new 50,000-square-foot security checkpoint buildings serving Gates B10-E59 replaced three smaller checkpoints – increasing the post-security space to include all of National Hall and its premier shops and restaurants for ticketed travelers. In addition, a new 14-gate concourse replaced Gate 35X – ending the need for travelers to ride buses to board regional jets parked outside. New concourse amenities include jetbridges, holdrooms, mother's care rooms, concessions, an indoor pet relief area and an American Airlines Admirals Club lounge.

More renderings can be seen here.

Key Facts

  • Prime Contractor: Turner Construction
  • Project Forecast: $393,833,000
  • Notice to Proceed: February 2018
  • Soft Opening: April 20, 2021

View Factsheet (PDF)

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