The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and United Airlines on Monday unveiled Washington Dulles International’s Concourse E, a 435,000-square-foot facility that is the first of four concourse construction phases that will expand flight capacity as part of a $20+ billion airport transformation initiative.

Leaders from the Airports Authority, United Airlines and federal and state government cut the ribbon in Concourse E

Concourse E begins hosting flights and travelers November 10 with 14 new United gates, direct AeroTrain access, expansive new dining and retail options and a nearly 40,000-square-foot United Club, one of the largest in United’s network. Each gate has the flexibility to service domestic and international flights.  

“The Airports Authority is making strategic investments today to transform Dulles International into the National Capital Region’s 'airport of the future,'” said Airports Authority President and CEO Jack Potter. "Opening Concourse E is the first step in expanding the airport’s capacity and enhancing the passenger experience, building momentum for the broader modernization efforts that will shape Dulles and serve the traveling public for generations to come.”

The opening marks a major milestone in Dulles International’s broader transformation as the Airports Authority and United collaborate on the “Dulles Global Gateway” capital investment program featuring major modernization projects over the next decade. The program calls for significant new facilities and expansion of the AeroTrain system that will allow replacing the decades-old Concourses C and D and retirement of the airport's mobile lounge shuttle system.  

“Washington Dulles is a critical part of United’s global network and growth strategy as it connects our nation’s capital to the world,” said United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby. “Concourse E delivers the kind of elevated experience our travelers and employees deserve today, and it’s only the beginning as we work with the Airports Authority and the U.S. Department of Transportation to transform Dulles into one of the greatest airports in the world.”  

Concourse E adds 14 new United gates, which will allow the airline to offer more flights and new destinations from Dulles. The concourse features spacious seating areas, enhanced restrooms, natural lighting and direct access to the AeroTrain system. Direct AeroTrain access makes it easier for travelers to move between the Main Terminal and their gate and creates a more efficient pathway for travelers to move through the airport.

The new concourse is the first of four Concourse E phases that will significantly expand the number of flexible airport gates – capable of parking one large wide-body aircraft or two smaller narrow-body aircraft. In addition to new shops, restaurants and lounge space, the concourse features amenities such as a food court, a pet relief area and other passenger services to enhance the overall travel experience and increase capacity for additional flights at Dulles.

Concessions include nationally known brands and local favorites, such as Aventino, Bonchon, Dos Toros Taqueria, Ellie Bird, Good Company Doughnuts & Café, Honor Brewing, MurLarkey Distilled Spirits, Rusty Taco and Starbucks, along with Travel Tech and Gameway, an immersive video gaming lounge.

The airport's master development plan includes the completed first phase of Concourse E, outlined in red

The Airports Authority and United will work together to deliver the next phases of the Dulles Global Gateway initiative, expanding capacity and enhancing the travel experience for years to come. More information about the construction program, including conceptual renderings, is available here.