Dulles Airport Opens Its First New Concourse in 20 Years
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) officially opened its new Concourse E to passengers on November 10, 2026—the airport’s first new concourse in nearly two decades.
Developed in partnership with United Airlines and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), the 435,000-square-foot facility features:
- 14 exclusive United Airlines gates
- Direct AeroTrain access
- Spacious boarding areas with in-seat power outlets
- Wireless charging pads
The centrepiece is a nearly 40,000-square-foot United Club lounge—the airline’s second largest worldwide—with seating for more than 600 travellers. Its opening increases United’s total club and lounge space at Dulles by approximately 70%.
United currently operates more than 250 daily flights to 135 destinations from its Dulles hub, with departures up 30% since 2022.
Concourse E is the first phase of a sweeping $22.5 billion modernisation programme for Dulles. Its opening also marks the beginning of the transition away from the airport’s iconic mobile lounges, which are slated to be retired as Concourses C and D are phased out.
United’s newest aircraft, the Airbus A321XLR, was also on display at the new concourse ahead of its first international departure from Dulles.
Source: Business Traveller