President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a $22.5 billion renovation plan for Washington Dulles International Airport that would eliminate the airport's people movers - mobile lounges that have transported passengers between the terminal and aircraft since the airport opened in 1962.
The redesign would replace the people movers with a new U-shaped passenger train, a central walking tunnel, additional moving walkways, and new concourses. The plan also includes an above-ground parking garage near the main terminal with capacity for 32,000 vehicles, according to Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
Trump said the modernization addresses what he called "crazy distances" Travelers must walk through the airport, calling Dulles "the worst airport." He noted that "This transformation is another step in our ongoing efforts to make Washington, D.C., safe and beautiful again" And promised the renovations would "make it the top anywhere in the world." Trump, using a laser pointer to reference renderings, said the modernization is "sorely needed."
The airport authority, United Airlines, and other carriers operating at Dulles have agreed to fund the project through municipal bonds rather than federal dollars. John Potter, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, stated: "So this is not requiring federal dollars. This is going to be airport-generated dollars, airline contributions, which is phenomenal."
Duffy said construction could begin next spring. Congress approval is required for some aspects of the plan. The renovation does not include runway expansion.
Industry analyst Henry Harteveldt cautioned that taxpayers could eventually share costs for runway upgrades, safety measures, and customs and security facilities. "I'm not taking the statement that they are not going to use taxpayer money at face value," Harteveldt said. He noted that airlines may eventually add passenger facility fees and that higher ticket prices could result as carriers seek to expand operations.
The airport currently operates a fleet of 19 people movers, each capable of carrying up to 102 passengers. One mobile lounge crashed in November, sending 18 people to hospital. The system has become increasingly unpopular with travelers. The airport served approximately 29 million passengers over the past year.