Washington Dulles airport gains approval for US$19.9bil overhaul

Washington Dulles International Airport has received approval for a massive US$19.9 billion overhaul plan. This major project, announced by President Donald Trump last month, aims to significantly improve the airport's infrastructure and capacity. The overhaul includes US$3.75 billion for new underground tunnels to replace slow passenger transport vehicles on the tarmac.

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority revealed that the new tunnels and a cutting-edge automated passenger transportation system, coupled with a brand-new concourse, are set to be completed by 2034, along with renovations to the main terminal. The cost for airlines to board passengers is projected to rise to between US$60 and US$65 by around 2038, up from the current US$13.

The increase will cover US$1.1 billion of the expenses for the new tunnels and automated transit system. The total cost of the overhaul is largely funded through US$14.2 billion in new municipal bonds, with the airport authority having already approved US$4.4 billion of that amount. Dulles was the fastest-growing large US airport last year, with passenger numbers surging 6.4% to 29 million.

Additionally, the airport will soon welcome a new 14-gate concourse specifically for United Airlines customers, who account for roughly 70% of the airport's passenger traffic.