United Airlines and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) have unveiled the new Concourse E at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
According to United and MWAA, the 40,000m2 facility is the airport’s first new concourse in nearly two decades.
Concourse E has 14 new United gates and direct AeroTrain access, which United said makes it easier for travelers to move between the Main Terminal and their gate. Each gate can support domestic and international flights, with configurations for either one widebody aircraft or two narrowbody aircraft.
United said the added gates will enable it to operate more than 300 daily departures next summer and grow its connectivity to other markets by nearly 30% during peak travel times. Gate areas have natural light, in-seat power outlets, wireless charging pads and enhanced restrooms.
“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 CEO Scott Kirby.
The concourse also houses a new United Club of nearly 3,700m2, with seating for more than 600 customers. United said it is the airline’s second-largest club and increases its club and lounge space at Dulles by approximately 70%. The club has a bar, two buffet stations, eight private phone rooms, complimentary wi-fi and power access at nearly every seat. Located across from gates E14 and E16, it is open daily from 5:30am to 10:00pm.
Concourse E also has a food court and other dining and retail options, including Aventino, Bonchon, Dos Toros Taqueria, Honor Brewing, Rusty Taco and Starbucks, as well as video gaming lounge Gameway.
The opening is the first of four planned construction phases for Concourse E. Future phases are expected to add up to 36 more United gates, a new international customs processing area for connecting travelers, along with plans for a United Polaris lounge.
“Opening Concourse E is the first step in expanding the airport’s capacity and enhancing the passenger experience,” said MWAA president and CEO Jack Potter.
Concourse E is part of Dulles Global Gateway, a more than US$20bn program that MWAA, United and the US Department of Transportation are collaborating on to modernize the airport over the next decade. Plans include more than 460,000m2 of new or renovated space, expanded AeroTrain service and a new US Customs facility.
United said it offers more than 250 daily flights from Dulles to 135 destinations and has increased departures there by 30% since 2022.
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